Page 94 of The Sunken Truth
“If I was aloof it was because I felt as though I was intruding on your happy family. Whenever I suggested visiting, Dad always made excuses about why it wasn’t convenient. I had the feeling that none of you really wanted me around.”
“Meanwhile Michael was telling me he invited you, but you were the one making excuses. He’d talk about how sad it was for Rosie and Jake that they didn’t have their big brother in their lives. But also that it was probably for the best since you had so much bitterness towards us.”
Flynn let out a frustrated groan. “I don’t even know what to say, but could you do me a favour and try not say anything that will make him angrier with me? I don’t want to lose my job because he blames me for your divorce.”
“Yes.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I should have questioned you more. The fact that you were interested in Jake and Rosie should have been a clue that your issues with your dad went deeper.”
“I probably should have made more effort,” he said. “I always wanted to get to know them better. Butmaybe I was a little bitter. Dad was always bragging about them, and all I ever got was criticism.”
“You can see them whenever you want,” she said sadly. “Call me when you’re back in London and we’ll set something up.”
“I’d like that.” At this point, he needed something positive on the horizon.
“Do you like it on the Scillies?”
His chest tightened. “I love it. Even though Dad did it to punish me, sending me over here was probably the best thing he’s ever done for me.”
“It sounds as though you don’t want to leave.”
“I don’t. But I think everything will work out okay.”
Because one way or another, he was determined to figure out how to get back to St. Mary’s.
“I’m glad you called,” Gina said. “And I’m sorry again.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but you have nothing to be sorry for.”
“Let’s talk again soon.”
He nodded. “Tell Jake and Rosie I said hi and I’ll see them soon.”
After ending the call, he sat staring at the phone.
He needed to call Lily, but there was a heaviness inside of him that made the conversation feel impossible.
Chapter Forty
Lily couldn’t settlewhen she got home. All she could think about was Flynn speaking to his dad. On the couch, she dropped her head back and stared at the ceiling, contemplating how a person could treat their own child so coldly. Her heart squeezed, thinking of how difficult it must have been growing up craving fatherly attention which he’d never get. And how that craving would probably never fully go away.
Hopefully, their current conversation went well and the superintendent could finally do something good for Flynn by letting him stay.
God, she wanted him to stay. She bit down on her lip. Even if he had to leave, they’d figure something out. A long-distance relationship wasn’t ideal, but it was infinitely better than not having him in her life.
It was odd how the idea of not having him in her life felt so impossible. It even felt surreal to think of a time when he wasn’t in her life. How had she ever managed without knowing him?
An hour went by, with her checking the time every few minutes, and waiting for the phone or the doorbell to ring.
Maybe he’d just come back after he’d spoken to his dad.
Maybe he’d stay the night.
Her stomach somersaulted at the thought.
Just when she thought she was going to go crazy with waiting, her phone finally rang. “Hi,” she said, swiping at her phone. “How did it go?”
Flynn hesitated. Time seemed to slow for a moment.
“He can’t get me transferred here permanently. He already tried.”
