Daddy’s Law by K.C. Crowne
Chapter 30
Theo
Jesse let me drive on the way back. I was partly grateful for the distraction. He was on his phone, sending several texts at once to update the various teams he had on the go with other clients. Being the owner and Chief Security Officer of an entire company looked like exhausting work. I wouldn’t have been able to handle it, balancing work and raising Cory. I didn’t envy him.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Jesse said whilst shooting off another message.
“I’m always quiet.”
“Touché, but I can tell this is different. What’s eating you?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.”
“I’m not lying.”
“How long have we known each other?”
“Too damn long.”
“Right. So I know when you’re lying. What’s up, Phillips? Don’t make me ask again.”
I gripped the steering wheel and didn’t respond right away. I couldn’t figure out a way to broach the subject. Jesse and I were friends. Brothers at arms. We’d served together, looked out for each other. I trusted the man with my life. But I wasn’t sure how to bring up the fact that I broke one of the biggest rules a bodyguard could break.
“I got attached to the principal,” I grumbled through gritted teeth.
He put his phone away in his pocket. “You mean—”
“Yes.”
“You and Miss Cruise?”
“Yes.”
I could see him staring at me out of my peripheral vision. “Shit, Theo. What the fuck? I mean, I thought you two were kind of tense together, but this? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I would have had you replaced.”
“Maybe I didn’t want to be replaced.”
Jesse sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Holy shit. Do you have any idea the kind of liabilities this opens us up to? What if the senator finds out? The firm’s reputation’s on the line here.”
“I don’t suppose a heartfelt sorry will fix things?”
“It sure as fuck won’t,” he said, but he sounded more exasperated than angry. Jesse was quiet for a few minutes, which was concerning considering the guy rarely ever shut up. “Well, hell. I hope you had fun while it lasted.”
“Really? That’s all you have to say?”
“I’m not going to lie, Theo, I didn’t think you’d ever move on from your wife. I didn’t think it was possible.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “Good for you, man. Looks like you found yourself quite the young plaything.”
I glared at him. “Ava is not a plaything.”
He put his hands up, raising his brows. “Did I strike a nerve?”
I kept my eyes on the road.
“Ah, I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Shut the fuck up. I’m trying to drive.”
“Is it over, at least?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He pulled his phone out again, typing something rapidly with his thumbs. “I’m giving you an extended vacation, effectively immediately.”
I looked at him quickly, then returned my eyes to the road. “What? I don’t want a vacation.”
“Don’t argue with me, Theo. You’re lucky I’m not suspending you. Hell, I should technically fire you after an admission like that.”
“Why don’t you?” I asked, too curious for my own good.
“Because you’re practically my brother, Theo. The principal’s unharmed, so I can look the other way. I know you’ll never do something that fucking stupid again. I’m letting you off the hook just this once, though. Are we clear?”
I grunted. He got my meaning.
“Spend some quality time with your son. Go fishing or something.”
“I don’t think Cory would appreciate fishing.”
Jesse shrugged. “Well, whatever he’s into. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
I pulled into my driveway and got out of the vehicle, tossing Jesse the keys. “She’s going to want a lot of art supplies,” I told him. “Sketchbooks, pencils, paints. Tell Wilson there’s a store on Mildred and Arlo that sells high quality products. She’ll like it.”
Jesse gave me a knowing smirk. “Enjoy your vacation, Theo.”
I entered my house, unsettled by the stillness.
The projector we used for our little presentation for Cory was still set up in the living room. The cue cards she’d lovingly prepared for me were splayed out on the coffee table, her curling handwriting filling the lines.
When I wandered into the kitchen for a quick glass of water, I found my apron that she wore when helping me in the kitchen hanging from the wrong hook. I didn’t feel like moving it back to its proper place.
I went upstairs to change out of my work clothes. It had always been too stuffy for my liking. My bedroom still smelled like her, as did my sheets, as did the air. No matter where I turned, I couldn’t escape the memory of Ava.
This isn’t how I want to say goodbye.
It wasn’t how I wanted to say goodbye, either. I would have kept her all to myself if that had been an option. If only we’d been dealt different cards. If only we’d been on the same paths forward. If only we wanted the same things.
I found the book she’d loaned to me on top of my dresser, the one she gave me all those nights ago and promised to keep safe until its return. I remembered taking it home and reading it through three times, front to back cover. It was a simple children’s book, full of more pictures than words, but I had to start somewhere.
That night I talked to Cory about color theory. I didn’t know what it was, but it was worth it to see my son’s face light up. And it was all because of Ava. I hadn’t been this close to my boy in years, and thanks to her, that seemingly unbridgeable gap between us got a whole lot smaller.
I tucked the book away and tried not to miss her.
I made it one whole minute.
