Twisted Collide: The new sports romance in the Redville Saints series
Twisted Collide: Chapter 58

The last rays of sunlight cast a soft glow over my car as I pull down the long driveway.

I’ve been keeping a low profile since Dane ended things with me a few days ago. Right after the incident, I mentioned I wasn’t feeling too well to Laurie, so she approved my request not to travel with the team last night for this morning’s away game.

Are they back yet?

How awful would it be if my father invited Dane over tonight for one of their post-game meetings?

A shiver runs down my spine. No. That won’t happen. Dane wouldn’t do that to me.

I’m sure he knows I’m avoiding him since I wasn’t on the flight yesterday. The only saving grace of this whole mess is that I got to work from the main marketing office, which was fun.

There’s so much more to marketing than social media. These days, everyone thinks it’s all about views and likes, but building a solid brand is the most important thing. I was able to watch the marketing team come up with a strategy for how to get more fans in the stands and not just steamy pictures of the guys warming up.

I park in my normal spot at the back of the house and walk toward the guesthouse.

The familiar sight disperses all the tension in my shoulders. It might have started as a prison, but the longer I’m here, the more it feels like a second home.

From the corner of my eye, I can see the lights are on in the kitchen, and it looks like someone is in the room.

I squint. It’s Sherry, and by the way she’s cutting vegetables at the sink, I’d guess she’s preparing dinner.

My father must be home.

I halt my steps and continue to watch the main house. Just then, my father walks into the room and grabs a cup from the cabinet.

My lips tip up into a smile. Is he helping her set the table? Despite everything and the way I’ve acted, he held me and comforted me. I can’t stop thinking about it.

I cried, and he was there for me. His concern for me was evident in the gentle way he held me and made sure I was okay. It’s definitely a side to him I’ve never seen before, but to be honest, a part of me yearns for it now that I have.

For a second, my body freezes. I can’t seem to will it to move toward the guesthouse. I’m locked in place, staring at them through the large bay window.

What would it be like to be included?

You are included.

They invited me every opportunity they got. I’m the asshole who pushed them away and said no. Maybe it’s time to stop being afraid.

Taking a deep inhale, I make my decision, allowing my feet to carry me in the direction I want to go.

It’s time to try.

My heart pounds in my chest as I approach the back door. I don’t want to barge in, so I lift my hand and knock.

I can see them as they realize they aren’t alone. My father’s eyes go wide when he catches my gaze and dashes over to open the door.

“No need to knock.” He steps aside to let me in. “You’re always welcome.”

For the first time since I got to Redville, I believe him.

It’s as if a light switch went on the day he held me. I’m no longer dredged in darkness, trying to replace my way. I’m able to see a light, and ironically enough, it’s the father I never knew existed who leads the way.

“Are you joining us for dinner?”

I glance over my shoulder to look at him, and the softness and hope in his eyes make my chest lurch.

“I’d like that,” I admit, realizing I would. This is not a lie.

“Fabulous. Sherry and I just finished setting the table in the dining room.” He ruffles my hair like I’m five, and the knot inside me begins to untangle. “Come on in before Sherry eats everything. Never come between that woman and a peach cobbler.”

From beyond the foyer, I catch someone shouting, “I heard that. Don’t be surprised if we conveniently run out of chicken when it’s your turn to be served.”

Suddenly, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than in that dining room, having dinner with my father.

Jittery nerves trickle through my system, twisting my fingers together. “Are you sure it isn’t—”

“Yes, I’m sure.” My father nods, leaving no room for discussion. “We want you here. Now let’s go eat.”

He ushers me into the dining room, where Sherry already is.

“Josie. Are you eating with us?” Her voice rises in excitement as she asks the same question as him.

My father steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “She is.”

Sherry smiles warmly at him and then pats the seat next to her. “Sit beside me, then you can see your father better.” I slip into the seat, stiffening when she leans in to whisper in my ear, “You’ll need the vantage point to catch him stealing food off your plate.”

I suspect she’s joking on purpose to loosen me up, and it works…until I notice there’s already a place setting in front of me. Sherry follows my gaze.

I fiddle with the placemat, suddenly overwhelmed. “It’s set?”

“It is.”

“Why?”

“For you, of course. It’s been set since the day you came to live with us. ” Her words bring water to my eyes.

I resist the urge to shake my head. How did I not notice before? Family isn’t blood. It’s commitment. It’s being there in the small moments, so your loved ones feel comfortable turning to you in the big moments.

A second later, my father sits in his seat, and Sherry starts serving dinner. The dishes are simple—chicken Milanese with a lemon-parmesan arugula salad—yet, it’s perfect.

“Did you have a good time working with the marketing team today?”

“I actually loved it. Don’t get me wrong, I love influencer marketing, but I also loved the branding meetings. I love how everything is done for a specific reason.”

“Maybe I can see if they will take you on for a few weeks. That will help your résumé tremendously.”

“You’d do that?”

“For you? Yes.”

Unshed tears cling to my eyes. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” He lifts his water goblet before taking a drink, and then he addresses me a little more seriously. “Are you okay?”

He’s referring to the giant elephant in the room—me sobbing to him.

I can feel a lump growing in my throat.

A part of me wishes I could tell him and have him be the one to give me advice, but I know two jobs are on the line, and while I’m not as worried about me, I’m concerned for Dane. Something is eating away at him already, so I’d hate to rock the boat more.

“I’m fine. Really,” I respond softly.

My father studies me for a second. The lines on his face have sharpened, telling me he’s concerned, but thankfully, for everyone’s sake, he doesn’t push because I’m not sure I could lie if asked. I wouldn’t want to.

“So tell me what you majored in?” Sherry asks. I’m surprised she doesn’t know, but then again, I haven’t really opened up to her or my father.

I really need to get to the bottom of everything because I feel like I’m in the twilight zone.

“I majored in folklore and mythology with a minor in communications, which is why this whole opportunity is so perfect. I guess, like all girls my age, I had hopes of being an influencer.” I laugh.

“And now?”

“Now, I realize marketing is so much more than just going viral, and it all fascinates me.”

“I’ll definitely get you transferred to the main marketing office.”

“That would be amazing.”

“Bet you won’t miss the stinky arena.”

“I won’t.” I’ll miss a grumpy player.

Stop.

No more thinking or talking about him. It’s over. Time to move on and make a life for yourself.

An hour later, belly full, heart fuller, I stand from the table.

My hands are in front of me, my fingers twirling nervously. I know what I have to do, but why does it seem so hard?

“Josie? Everything okay.”

“I was wondering—um, can I speak to you alone for a minute?”

“Of course. Sherry, do you mind?”

“Go ahead, guys. I’ll clean up.” She picks up a plate from the table. “Josie?”

“Yeah?”

“It was great having you tonight.”

My nose tingles at her words, and I know without a doubt that if I let myself, tears would leak from my eyes. I don’t allow them, though. I need my strength right now.

“Thanks,” I squeak and then turn to look at where my father is going. We walk down a long hall that dead ends into a pair of pretty mahogany French doors. His arm reaches out, and he opens it for us, motioning for me to step inside.

When the door is shut, I stand still at first, then start to pace.

This is weird.

Awkward.

Do I just blurt it out? Maybe lead up to it . . .

Fuck it. I’m tired of overthinking my entire existence.

“When did you replace out about me?”

Robert scratches the back of his neck. He looks as uncomfortable as I feel.

He gestures to the couch. “Sit.”

Then he takes a seat in the leather wingback. “As crazy as it sounds, not until we made it to the finals this year, but when did I replace out you were actually my daughter? After you moved here.”

My pulse races as my heart rate accelerates and threatens to beat out of my chest.

Was it my mom?

Is she the reason I never had a father in my life? Did she keep him from me? Heat spreads across my face.

With my hands on my lap, I clench them into fists until the nails bite into the skin on my palm. Pain radiates through me, but it’s nothing compared to the pain I feel in my heart.

I’ll never be able to forgive her if she did this.

Wait, what did he say?

He let me move in with him before he knew I was officially his?

“What exactly happened?”

“I guess with all the hype of the playoffs, my picture was shown on TV, and while I look older, I haven’t changed much in twenty-two years. Your mom reached out to me. I’m still not sure how she got in touch, but she did. We didn’t really know each other.” He bites his lip, the implication pretty damn obvious. I’m the product of a one-night stand. “The thing is, I didn’t remember her at first, and then when I did—”

“You didn’t believe her?”

He nods.

“I can understand. The timing is sus.”

“Yeah, a little. I asked your mother to have you take a DNA test.”

As much as it hurts that he didn’t believe her, I can’t imagine how I would feel if I were in his position. Especially since he coaches a professional hockey team. For all he knew, my mom was some gold digger looking for an easy payday.

“Makes sense.”

“I think you get your logical side from me.”

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself. It rarely comes out.” I laugh, and he follows suit.

“I won’t lie to you, Josie. I was in shock.”

“So was I.”

“I can’t imagine. When I grappled with the notion that it might be true, I felt devastated by what I’d missed. I always wanted a family of my own, but it just wasn’t in the cards for me. Sure, I’ve had Molly in my life since she was a girl, and I love her like a daughter, but I could have had you too.” His voice cracks. “I missed so much . . .”

My eyes fill with tears. I can’t imagine how hard this all must have been for him. My breath feels heavy and labored. All this time I wasted. If only I had been strong enough to ask these questions when I arrived. But no, I was hurt and wounded and afraid.

“I can’t believe she called you and you let me come here. You didn’t even know for sure that I was yours. Why?”

He sucks his cheeks in. “I might not have remembered her well, but I could hear in her voice that she needed help. That you needed a place to stay and a job. I didn’t hesitate. I told her to send you here immediately. I didn’t know for sure you were my daughter yet, but in my heart, I did.” He leans forward in his chair. “I’d never have allowed you to grow up without me if I knew.”

A tear falls down my cheek. “I believe you. And I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“For the way I’ve treated you. For avoiding you. For being so—” I bury my head in my hands, breathing in deeply to calm down. Once the pounding in my veins calms, I drop my arms. “I was horrible, and I have no excuse. Mom wouldn’t talk to me, and my brain made up its mind about what kind of person you were. Growing up with her . . . it hasn’t been easy, and—No. There’s no excuse for how I’ve acted.”

My dad takes my hand in his. “There’s nothing to apologize for. I have you in my life now, and you have me. That’s all that matters.”

And just like that, he’s no longer Sperm Donor, Coach Robert, or my father.

He’s simply . . . Dad.