“I want to be clear with him about what I will and won’t do. I’ll tell him the plan for Kids Speak. I intend to go out on my own. If it’s not as successful, then so be it.” It sucked, but I knew if I worked hard enough, I could expand on my own.
“You’ve done what he wanted in the past…”
“He usually has leverage. He paid for my tuition, car, phone, whatever it was at the time, and I had to toe the line. When I worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I bought a car and phone, but I still lived in his apartment. In Annapolis, everything is mine.”
“When we were younger, he should have paid for those things because he’s our father and he can afford it. Not because we have to do what he wants.”
“He thought he could use the same tactics with Kids Speak, but he underestimated me. He’s so confident that I need him, I’m sure he hasn’t even thought about the fact I’d walk away if he pushed hard enough.”
Colin glanced at me. “Kids Speak is important to you and he knows that. He’s tried that shit with me over the years too. It got worse when you went to law school.”
I hadn’t wanted to move out of our house during college, but it was easier during law school. I studied all of the time and I didn’t want any pressure or interference from my father. Once I was out of the house, I didn’t consider moving back. “What did he do, Colin?”
I wanted to ask why he hadn’t told me immediately, but I knew the answer. He wanted to protect me as much as I wanted to protect him.
“He wants me to change my major to business. To stop playing baseball.”
“But baseball is your life.” As soon as he tried out for baseball in middle school, he’d been hooked. He loved it. He acquiesced to my dad’s demand that he attend college, but I knew he wanted to pursue playing in the minors. His coaches had encouraged him to over the years.
“You know him. He thinks it’s a distraction, a game.”
“Not if it’s what makes you happy and you have a real shot at it.”
“I applied for private loans for next year that will cover my tuition. I won’t change my major from sports management to business. I’d hate working for him. It’s a good fallback if baseball doesn’t work out.”
“But the interest rates on private loans are so high.”
“This is something I need to do for me.”
“I agree, but I hate that for you.” I didn’t have any loans when I graduated. That, combined with the fact that Dad paid my apartment until I moved, allowed me to save enough money to invest in the firm. An opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise, but I could see independence was more important to Colin. Especially when he wanted something Dad didn’t.
“The good news is that Dad can’t manipulate you or me anymore. I’m so proud of you and I’m going to be even prouder when you’re a famous baseball player.”
“You should be. I’m pretty great.” He smiled and winked at me before returning his attention to the road. Gone was the serious tone and tight jaw. He was back to his relaxed persona I was used to.
I smiled, happy to be in his presence. The one person who loved me unconditionally. “I love you, brother.”
“Love, you sis. Now tell me about this guy you’ve got in Annapolis.”
A ping shot through my heart. “How do you know I have a guy in Annapolis?”
A knowing smile crossed his lips. “You’re different. More relaxed and settled.”
“I went to Annapolis to figure out what I wanted. I didn’t expect to be attracted to anyone.”
“Does he treat you right?” He raised his brow.
“He does. He wanted to be here, but he has his charity event tomorrow morning. He renovates homes to make them handicapped accessible and he’s doing a big reveal for the family.”
“He sounds perfect for you.” Colin smiled and his shoulders relaxed.
“He is.” I chewed my lip. I thought I was looking for who I was, but maybe I wasn’t lost. I needed to listen to the voice in my head telling me what I wanted and what I liked. I needed to block out other influences. When I cleared all of the useless noise, what was left?
A picture in my mind formed of Cade—blond hair, blue eyes, broad shoulders, capable hands, and eyes filled with longing for me as he reached to pull me in for a hug. I longed to feel his strong arms around me now, his scent surrounding me, and his lips in my hair. I missed him already.
I was anxious to confront my dad and see Cade tomorrow evening. I’d told him I was falling for him, but I needed to tell him he’s all I want. I thought I was searching for myself, but I was here all along, I needed to listen to the voice in my head.
It wasn’t my firm, my career, my friends, or even my apartment. All that was left was Cade. How he made me feel and how important he’d come to be over a short time.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Hadley
I slept on Colin’s couch last night after going out for drinks with his friends. He had a small one-bedroom apartment with used furniture he’d purchased from graduating seniors, but it was his. He was proud of it and I was too. He’d done what I couldn’t in college. He’d been accountable for finding his way through life. It had taken me a bit longer, but I was doing the same. Starting with the event tonight.
I scrolled through my phone from my spot on the couch when Colin stumbled into the room, scrubbing his unshaven face.
“What’s on tap for today?” I smiled.
He winced as his hand slid off his face. “How are you so chipper right now?”
“I didn’t drink as much as you.”
“I need coffee.”
