Page 782 of One More Kiss

“What is it, Nicholas?”

“Well, Thomas came to see me, and…”

My father cuts me off before I can finish my sentence. “Thomas? Where is he? What does he want?”

“He came asking for a job. He says he is clean now and wants another chance.”

“Another chance, huh? How many will this be?”

“I think we should give him a chance. He seems to be on the up and up this time.”

My father looks over at William and asks, “Did you know about this, William?”

“Yeah, Pop. I talked to Thomas, and I think we should give him a chance too. I mean, you know, he is family after all. He’s our brother.”

He squints his eyes and glares at us. The moment feels like we are little boys again, waiting to receive a punishment.

“You boys were always good at sticking together. At least I got that right. If you believe in him, and feel he deserves another chance, then okay. Just remember, it’s on you if he fucks things up.”

We agree to take full responsibility and understand the consequences. He asks again, “Is there anything else?”

William and I assure him that there is nothing more going on that he needs to know. Satisfied with our answer, my father leaves, and not long after, so does William.

Now that we are all in agreement with the plan to have me step down from the project and have Riley lead the new group, all that is left to do is let her know.

Part of me wants to run to the hospital and tell her right now, but she has so much on her plate. I’ll tell her as soon as everything has calmed down.

Something in my gut tells me it’s not going to go as smoothly as I have planned.

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