Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“Can I have a minute with my son?” Dad asks.
His minions obey immediately.
“You’re agreeing with me on this?” I ask.
Dad stands. “I’m done, Noah. You win.”
“Win what?”
“We both know you don’t want to be here, and as much as I want you to do this with me, you’re a pain in my ass more than a help. I can’t fire you, and you quitting will bring more questions than answers.”
Still taking his image into account first. “But by leaving the campaign to fulfill my life-long wish of charity work, we all win,” I say.
Dad approaches me and squeezes my shoulder. “It’s a great idea for a charity, son. The stats show it’s one that’s needed. I’m not doing this to get you out of my hair. You’re the one who doesn’t want to be here. I’m trying to give you what you want because I’m done fighting you. You have to know by now that everything I do for you is in your best interests, and I’m tired of trying to prove that.”
Still not taking responsibility for what he did to me back in college. He’s never once apologized and doesn’t see what’s wrong with his actions. Maybe I would’ve worked out on my own that the shithead back then was a shithead. Maybe if Nathaniel hadn’t been threatened and bribed, he wouldn’t have run for the hills and we’d still be together. Dad may think he’s doing what’s best for me, but it always comes down to him and his campaign. Nathaniel’s image wasn’t good enough because he didn’t come from money, so he made him disappear. If the politician thing doesn’t work out, he has a promising career as a magician.
I can count on my fingers and toes how many times I’ve been told I delayed his political career simply by existing. Dad got Mom pregnant out of wedlock, and instead of getting rid of me or paying Mom off, he chose to have no scandal under his belt. But an interracial couple in the White House is scandal in itself—especially back then. It’s taken twenty-six years for the opportunity to even arise. My coming out delayed it again, but I guess I should be thankful that he didn’t ask me to hide it forever like other politicians have done with their own sexualities.
Dad treats Mom and me as if we should be thankful he embraced us instead of turned on us. He will do anything to save his campaign, so while I want to believe he’s agreed to this charity for me, I’m reluctant to accept it.
“I’m proud of you,” Dad says. “For not thinking about yourself for once. This charity will do great things for people who weren’t as lucky as you growing up.”
Ah, there’s the guilt trip I’m expecting. We have money; we’re not supposed to have hardships.
“We’ll work it so the charity is linked with the campaign, but you won’t have to come to the offices anymore.”
I honestly don’t know why he’s suddenly willing to let me go, other than he’s been trying to find a way to do it for a while now and I’ve given him the out that’s agreeable with his terms, but I also know not to challenge it or ask questions. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Go,” Dad says. “Take the rest of the day and prepare a list of what you think you’ll need, and if you need someone to help you get the ball rolling, you can take one of the staffers.”
Part of me can’t believe it was that easy, but again, I’m not going to question it. As I drive home, though, and relive the conversation over and over again, suspicions begin to arise. Perhaps it’s the cynical side of me or perhaps I just know my father. His actions don’t make sense, but I can’t see an upside for him to give me this.
I went in preparing to fight my case, so I’m still confused when I drag my ass in the door.
I find Matt and Jet watching a hockey game, and I do a double take.
“Was I at work for four months?”
“Watching last season’s playoffs,” Matt says. “Maddox told me Damon’s signed Ollie Strömberg. Wanted to check him out.”
“Aww, there’s plenty of Damon to share around,” I mock.
Jet laughs. “I wonder if agents have their favorite clients, and it’s like sibling rivalry trying to get Daddy’s attention.”
“I could kick Strömberg’s ass if it came to it,” Matt says.
Jet turns to me. “How did it go?”
I smile. “I got it. My father was my biggest supporter. Surprisingly.”
“Got what?” Matt asks.
“I’m heading up an LGBTQ charity for kids like Jet who got kicked out of home.”
Matt’s eyebrows soar high. “Really?”
“Yes. The asshole has a heart. Moving on,” I say.
“No, not that,” Matt says. “Your dad agreed to this?”
“I checked all the news outlets to make sure Armageddon wasn’t upon us. Apparently, we’re safe.” My lips quirk. “He said he was proud of me and it was a good idea.”