Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 103104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
I stare at him, meeting his gaze directly.
“I did start over. I came back. Full circle.”
He nods. “I heard what that cheerleader said to you. Does that happen a lot?”
My lips tighten as my gaze lands on Jolena on the field. “Yes.”
He nods as if expecting the answer. “I mean this with all due respect, but Knox isn’t ready for you. He’s still got a whole football season to get through, plus Dane.”
Well. There it is.
I scowl at him, a retort on my lips—
“Just let me finish, please,” he continues, a pained but determined look on his face. “You’re young. He’s young. You have your whole lives ahead of you. College, careers. I didn’t meet my wife Vivie until I was twenty-three, and I knew right away she was everything. Have you ever considered how good it might be if you met Knox on a level playing field, when he isn’t swamped and you have a firm grasp on what you want to do with your life?”
“You misunderstand, Mr. Grayson. I do know what I want,” I reply. “I’m going to med school. I’m going to take care of my brother.”
“I’ve heard.” He sighs, hesitating before he speaks again. “Unfortunately, Dane doesn’t need to be around you right now—which is not your fault. It’s his.” He takes his hat off and rakes a hand through his hair. “And you’ll…you’ll see that later.”
See what later?
I push that aside for now. “I remind Dane of his mom.” It’s apparent every time he looks at me.
“Yes, there’s that, and Knox is torn between you and his brother.” He pauses, as if to let his words carry weight.
I frown, trying to understand what he’s not saying. My chest rises in agitation. “Is this a talk where you try to convince me to break up with Knox?”
Not that I’m sure we’re a couple yet…
A ghost of a smile flits over his face. “I’m not sure I could convince you of anything. You seem to hold yourself well. I just want my boys to be happy, and Knox isn’t happy.”
My heart picks up, his words pricking at me, reminding me of Knox from the past two days: quiet, unsure, exhausted.
“Just…think about a fresh start, a new beginning somewhere that doesn’t have someone writing on your locker or hitting you in the back of the head. Would you like that?”
I smile, but there’s no mirth in it. “What do you have in mind? You’ve obviously given this some thought.”
He closes his eyes. “Please, don’t be upset. I only say these things because I love him. Is that so terrible?”
From out of nowhere, a rush of emotion tugs at my throat and I blink rapidly. No, it doesn’t make him terrible at all. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful.
I just…never had a parent looking out for me.
“I know you’re very smart,” he continues. “Mr. Trask speaks highly of your academic abilities.”
“Yes.”
He takes a breath. “I’d like to propose that you leave Camden behind and find a new school.”
“Run away from all these elitist assholes? Pfft.”
He lets out another small laugh. “So much fire…”
I just sit there quietly, remaining still.
“I have connections at NYU, my alma mater,” he murmurs a few moments later. “I can get you in easily with your scores. I’d also be willing to help you financially.”
“I find New York very cold.” I stare straight ahead. My hands start to shake and I tuck them at my sides. Who the heck does he think he is? Paying me off to leave here?
“I also know about your brother. I imagine you might want to take him with you. I can help you, get him in at a school near the university—”
My chest heaves. “I don’t want your money or your scholarship.”
He smiles wanly. “Not surprised. Do you think you love Knox?”
Do I love him? Is the sky blue? Is the night dark? God, I’m so there with him, teetering on the edge of his world, wanting everything with him.
“You haven’t been with him for that long, Ava, and distance might tell you if you’re unsure. You’re complete opposites. You come from different worlds.”
“Hades and Persephone were happy.” There’s a hitch in my voice, because…because he is making good sense, and my only defense stems from Greek mythology. Pathetic. We’ve only been “together” since prank night, and while we do have a history from last year, we never acted on it because of Chance, then the kegger, and I…dammit, why am I doubting everything now?
Another wan smile from him. “Just let him breathe. Let yourself breathe. Come back when the timing is right.”
I shake my head. He sounds so damn reasonable—just like Knox did last night.
“I only want what’s best for what’s left of my family.” There’s a catch in his voice, and as much as I want to dislike him, I see the desperation on his face, the love for his kids…