Page 130 of Comeback
I lift a brow in challenge. Flynn was little when Dad was living with us, and with four big brothers, we shielded him from a lot. So no, I don’t think he really knows what Dad was like.
“He told me,” Flynn says, adamant in his tone. “All of it. How he wasn’t around much and when he was, he was irritable and moody. How he took off and left Knox in charge. And lots more. He hasn’t tried to be someone he isn’t with me. I know who he was back then. He screwed up. He knows it and so do I. Andhe also knows that there’s a good chance none of you will ever forgive him. But he’s still trying.”
“Sometimes it’s too little, too late. The damage is done.” I don’t have the anger about it that Knox does, but maybe that’s because my life didn’t change as much as his did. He had to quit school, get a job, put his dreams on hold. My desire to keep our dad at an arm’s length isn’t rooted in anger, just a healthy dose of caution. I have people in my life who love and support me. My brothers, my friends, Sabrina. Why would I let someone back in that’s already shown me they can’t do that?
“All I’m saying is people change.” Flynn has that same hopeful optimistic look in his eye that he did when we were kids and he’d get excited or passionate about something.
“Do they?” I ask, standing. Hope and optimism are things I’ve given up on when it comes to Dad.
“I mean, look at Brogan.” He lifts his chin toward the corner of the bar where Brogan is on the phone. He’s holding it out in front of him, grinning like a fool, no doubt video chatting with London.
“Not long ago he was hooking up with half the city and now he’s engaged to be married.” Flynn says the last part like the idea is too insane to process.
“I’ll give you that. I did not see it coming.”
After we leave the bar, Flynn meets up with some high school friends that have moved to the area, and I convince Brogan to stop at Lilac Lounge on the way home.
“I just want to pop in and say hi,” I say as we get out of the truck. My feet move quickly, eating up the space to the front door of the club.
The bass vibrates through the floor as soon as I step inside. I scan the space for her red hair. I spot Olivia first behind the bar.
I look back to Brogan and tip my head toward Olivia before moving her way. She smiles as she sees me approach.
“Hey!” she yells over the music. “Does she know you’re coming?”
“Nah, wanted to surprise her,” I shout back. And I couldn’t wait until later tonight to see her. “Is she dancing?”
“Yeah. Outside. Do you want something to drink?”
“Nah.” I shake my head.
Brogan comes to stand next to me and she looks to him.
“What about you?” she asks.
“I guess I’ll have a beer while I wait.” He pulls out his wallet to pay her.
“I’m going to go find Sabrina,” I say over their conversation.
Brogan nods. “Say hi to my sister.”
The club isn’t busy inside, but outside the patio is packed with people, talking, drinking, and looking out at the pool. I pause, looking toward the cages on either side of the front stage. Sabrina is on the left, dancing in her spandex black shorts and purple top.
My heart pumps faster with each step closer. I can’t get all the way to her because there’s a bouncer blocking my path, but I go as far as I can and then wait for her to see me.
The way she moves is graceful and fluid, and sexy as hell. I’m ready to break some rules to get to her if necessary.
Luckily it doesn’t come to that. Her gaze moves over the patio with an almost bored expression, but she doubles back when she sees me. She stops dancing for a moment and her mouth pulls into a wide smile.
I lift a hand in a wave.
She flips herself over a bar on the cage to get out and then breezes by the bouncer to me.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, throwing her arms around my neck. Her skin is soft and warm, and she smells like my body soap.
“I wanted to make sure I saw you and wished you good luck for tomorrow.”
“You would have seen me later.”
