Page 14 of Sins of the Father

I walk over to the windows, cross my arms, and gaze over the Chicago skyline. Streets are busy with people either strolling or trotting. Michigan Ave. bustles with tourists. And Lake Michigan’s waves have white caps from the windy day. Summer is coming to an end, and some of the trees have already begun changing colors into magnificent reds, oranges, and yellows.

Put on your game face and get your work done. You can’t be late to Quinn and Jamison’s rehearsal dinner tonight.

All day, I avoid the snickers and glances. Several women blush when they have to address me.

I do my best to keep things one hundred percent professional and not let any conversations drift to anything but the tasks at hand. At four o’clock, I realize I need to blow off some steam.

For the first time in years, I leave the office before seven, get another workout in, and shower. By the time I need to go, I’m feeling a lot calmer.

I don’t want Quinn and Jamison’s big weekend to be anything but perfect for them. I was a total douchebag to Jamison when I first met him, and Quinn and I didn’t speak for months. Even when she was pregnant, I was in the wrong.

True to my life, the sins of my father ruled my actions and words. And I almost broke our relationship and the ability to be in my niece Hope’s life.

After Jamison returned from Colombia, he pushed Quinn to talk to me, and I’ll never be able to repay him for helping us make it right.

Once I knew the full story, I got to know Jamison, and I couldn’t ask for a better guy for my sister. Their love runs deep, and he’s fully devoted to her. And Quinn’s never been happier. Hope is the cutest thing on earth. I’m her only uncle and a sucker when it comes to her.

When I arrive at the restaurant, I take the elevator to the rooftop. As soon as I step out, I begin to beeline toward Quinn and Jamison and run into Chase and Vivian.

“Steven, you want me to get you a beer?” Chase asks.

“Sure, thanks.” I bend down and kiss Vivian on the cheek. “You look great. How are you feeling?”

“Thanks. Considering I kept down two saltines today, I’d say I’m feeling pretty awesome.”

“Morning sickness still not going away?”

“Not yet. Five months in and you would think it would be gone.”

Chase puts his arm around her waist. “Hopefully, it’ll stop soon. Hey, congrats on your big award.”

I groan. “Don’t remind me.”

Vivian tilts her head. “Why would you say that? It’s a huge honor.”

“You should be proud,” Chase says.

Apparently, two people haven’t seenBehind the Scenes.

“Sorry. Crazy day. Thanks.”

“Steven.” My mother’s voice makes me cringe.

I do not want to deal with you today.

I spin and bend for her embrace and play the dutiful son’s role so I don’t cause a scene.

“You look nice, Mom.”

No doubt Maximillion bought your outfit right down to the new necklace.

She beams. “Thanks. I can’t believe it’s wedding time. And I’m so proud of you. Such a nice article they wrote in the paper.”

Are you kidding? It was full of all the boring things my co-workers think about me and my bio from the company website.

“Thanks, Mom. I haven’t said hi to Quinn and Jamison yet. Have you?”

“Yes. I’m on my way to the ladies’ room. I’ll see you later, honey.”

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