Page 578 of End Game

I knew what my parents believed.

I knew what Aunt Rachel believed.

I knew exactly how quickly my family could close ranks around what they believe is a religious rule.

I also knew what it was like to lose a father once.

Apparently, that doesn't make you any better at preparing to lose one again.

It doesn't change the fact that the man who chose to become my father stood beside my mother and let the door close anyway.

I sit there until I can see again.

Then I wipe my face on my sleeve, take three breaths, and drive home.

All four of them are in the living room when I open the door.

Nobody pretends they weren't waiting.

Dex stands immediately.

Cami has one leg tucked beneath her on the couch, hands wrapped around a mug.

Griffin is beside her.

Ronan sits in the chair with no book this time.

Their eyes hit my face.

Nobody asks anything.

I close the door.

Put my keys in the tray.

Miss.

They hit the floor.

The sound is absurdly loud.

Dex takes two steps toward me.

I meet his eyes. “I was right.”

His face breaks. “Yeah.”

That's all.

He crosses the room and stops in front of me, giving me the choice.

I move.

My hands fist in the back of his shirt and then he's around me, both arms tight across my shoulders.

The first sob doesn’t come dramatically.

I don't make a sound.