Page 228 of Off Limits: The Firsts

He’s with me.

“I’ve gotta get to the locker room.” I turn to my mom and freeze when I see my dad standing in the doorway. “Dad.” I sound like a child when I say his name.

You came to a game. To my game.

You’re here.

“Son.” He nods and takes a step forward. He extends a hand to me to shake and I do so, feeling detached and uncertain.

“Sir.” I stumble over words. “Thank you for coming.”

Another somber nod. “Good luck tonight.”

Our eyes hold, and fuck if my chest doesn’t tighten. “I’ve got to go.”

And when I walk out of the room, I stop and brace my hands on my knees for a few moments to catch my breath.

The man I’ve called Dad for thirty-two years used to tower over me. Add in his anger, his shame, his . . . loathing, I’ve always felt so small.

But not now.

Now, I feel tall, like I tower over him.

Now, I feel proud, because I earned everything about this fucking moment. I’m the one who put the blood, the sweat, and the tears in. I’m the one who has sacrificed parts of my life for this chance.

Yeah, him showing up means something to me, but tonight I’m playing for something bigger than him and his relentless criticism. His presence doesn’t erase anything . . .

I have a job to do. A win for my team to produce. A place in history to make. So, I straighten and turn toward the training room, ready to lead my team to victory.

Ready to achieve my dream.

Dekker

The press box is not where I want to be to watch this game. I want to be with the fans. I want to be high-fiving when goals are made and booing on bad calls by the ref.

Tonight’s game is definitely not one I want to watch from the expensive seats.

But I’ve spent the better part of the last hour up here as the countdown to the face off draws near. I’ve visited with Carla, since apparently Hunter has told her we’re dating, I’ve talked at length to Jonah about how Hunter’s conversations on the phone with him give him more clarity than I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been introduced to Gary, their father.

He’s a hard one to read, but I’m sure my anger and resentment doesn’t help much.

Uncertain what I’m going to say, but more than sure of my intentions, I step up beside where he’s stood the whole time, arms crossed over his chest, as he watches the teams warm-up.

He doesn’t acknowledge I’m standing there and for some reason, I don’t expect him to.

“Your son is a good man, you know. Incredible, actually.”

He nods, but doesn’t say a word or look my way.

“He’s lived a life trying to make you proud, trying to make amends for fate’s cruel hand in the accident that injured Jonah that wasn’t Hunter’s fault to begin with. I understand your lives changed forever that day. I can’t imagine how angry you are over it, and I can’t imagine the pain and suffering you’ve all been through because of it . . . but while you lost the Jonah you knew that day, Hunter lost the parents he knew that day too.”

When I look his way, there are tears welling in his eyes and his chin trembles, but he gives no other acknowledgment that he’s heard what I’ve said.

“I’m in love with your son, and I will not stand by and let him be hurt by you any further. I won’t let it happen. Are you prepared to risk losing your other son too or are you going to try and find a way through your anger to treat him how he deserves to be treated?” I take a step back. “Your call.”

And without another word to Gary Maddox, I turn on my heel with so much more I want to say but restraint locked in place, and head toward my cheap seats.

Hunter