Page 46 of Unbroken

Patrick jumped off the stool and started walking in circles. “He said that I have to be the best. That’s what everyone’s expecting of me, since I’m a Carter. He said all that matters is first place, and second place is just another name for a loser.”

I fought to keep my expression neutral and balled my hands into fists at the audacity of the man. He put on a pious face in public, but I knew he was a difficult man in private. I just hadn’t realized he wasthisdifficult. To say something like that to his own grandchild? What an asshole. “Well, I don’t think that’s true at all. And calling someone a loser isn’t very nice.”

“He says it all the time,” Patrick whispered, looking around like he was afraid his grandfather was going to pop out from a stall. “And I don’t want to be a loser!”

I knelt so I’d be at eye level with Patrick. “Monkey, you are certainlynota loser. Not even close. And I don’t agree with what your grandpa said about needing to be the best. I think working hard, trying, learning, and being kind are more important than being the best.”

“Really?”

The hope in his eyes made my heart break.

“Yes, really. And I know your dad agrees with me.”

“But Grandpa said Daddy has always been the best, and I have to be just like him.”

I shook my head slowly. “That’s not true. Your daddy is super smart, and he works really hard, but sometimes he’s still not the best—and that’s just fine. Like the other day, he and my brother Josh had a little horse race. Guess who won.”

“Daddy?”

“Nope, Josh did. And they laughed about it! Your daddy’s not a sore loser. No, sir. They had fun together and ran an honest race, which was all that mattered to him. He even congratulated Josh when it was over.”

Patrick’s little body seemed to sag with relief.

“Monkey, is that’s what’s been bothering you and giving you bellyaches? Feeling like you had to be the best all the time?”

He nodded. “And I’m scared of school,” he said in a whisper.

I pulled him into a hug, and he wrapped his little arms around my neck. “Oh, don’t be! You’re going to have a nice teacher, and he or she is going to help you learn everything when you’re ready. That’s what they’re there for, you know? No one will be keeping score, I promise.”

“Grandpa will,” he said, muffled against my shoulder.

I refrained from mentioning that they were probably going to be moving out of his grandfather’s iron fist of influence soon. It seemed like Patrick didn’t know about that yet.

“Don’t you worry. No matter what, your daddy is always going to be proud of you as long as you try hard.”

I heard footsteps on the gravel and looked up to see Eli walking over, grinning at us. My heart tripped out of rhythm for a second as he got closer, the warmth of his smile reminding me of how much had changed between us.

“Look at this hug fest,” he said. “But what’s going on? Patrick, you’re supposed to be resting.”

“I said I needed help with Georgia,” I said, widening my eyes at him meaningfully, hoping he’d understand that there was more to the story. “But I think he’s feeling a little better now, right monkey?”

“I am. Daddy, can I go to the tire swing?”

Eli frowned at him. “I’m not sure swinging is the best idea if you’ve got a sore belly …”

“Please! It’ll help, and I’ll swing really slow.”

I could see him fighting laughter. “Okay, but take it easy, you hear me?” Eli said in a mock-stern voice. “If your tummy starts to hurt, you need to stop immediately.”

“I will,” Patrick shouted over his shoulder as he ran away.

We watched him, side by side.

“Thanks for keeping an eye on him,” Eli said, finally dragging his eyes from the small retreating figure.

“No problem. How did the meeting go?”

“Honestly?” Eli sighed and shook his head. “I felt disloyal talking about next season when I’m not even sure I’m going to be here. And based on Josh’s projections, it sounds like he’s going to need me. The growth is incredible and he’s talking about adding more simultaneous rides during peak seasons, which means needing more trail guides.”

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