Dirty Curve by Meagan Brandy
CHAPTER 33
Tobias
I drove around for hours after leaving Meyer’s house. Hours, and it wasn’t until I was a hundred miles out that I realized where I was going.
Now, it’s after three in the morning, and I’m finally dragging myself out of my truck and up the short walkway to the front door, but I don’t even get the chance to pull my key out, because my mom beat me to it.
She’s standing on the dark porch, waiting for me, just like she said she would be when I called her from the road and told her everything that had happened.
She said to me, “Come home, baby” not knowing I already was.
As subconscious as the decision might have been, it was the right one. I need them right now, and that’s confirmed the second I meet my mom’s watery eyes.
Everything inside of me crumbles and I walk right into her open arms.
“Mom,” I croak. “I love her. I can’t lose her. I can’t.”
“Oh baby, I know,” she cries, clenching me tight. “I know.”
“I’m sorry I fucked up before.” I swallow. “I should have been better. I was raised better.”
“Honey, no stop it.” Her voice shakes, and she gasps for air through her tears. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry for everything. You’re my baby, and I love you. Every part of you. I’m so sorry.”
My dad steps up behind her, placing his hand on her shoulders, and she steps back, tears spilling from her eyes.
He gives a tight-lipped smile, nodding, and when he steps up, unsure, I move in to hug the man.
He clamps my back tight, slapping his hands a few times. “It’s going to be okay, son.”
“I don’t know, Dad. I can’t do this.”
“Hey.” He pulls back, gripping my shoulders and locking his eyes with mine. “You can do anything; do you hear me?” His grip tightens. “You’re Tobias Cruz, a man of honor. Strong and determined. You never give up and you won’t be starting now.”
My eyes cloud and I look away. “How am I supposed to step back on that field when I know she’s hurting alone?”
My dad pats at my cheek, drawing my eyes back to his.
“She’s not hurting alone, son. You’re hurting right there with her, even if you’re not at her side, she knows it, and it would hurt her more to see you fail. You know this.” He dips his chin, and I nod.
“And my coach? How am I supposed to perform for a man like him? I want to fucking kill him.”
“Then kill him with the acts of a man, because lord knows you’re ten times the one he could ever be.”
I blow out a harsh breath, dropping my chin to my chest, but he lifts it.
“You…” My dad swallows, moisture building in his gaze. “Are our son, and you have become a man any father or mother would be honored to call theirs. You’re going to show that bastard what that means. You’re going to get back in that truck and you’re going to go do what you were born for, son. You’re going to show the world what you’re made of, and then you’re going to show him the same. And while you do, we’ll be there. Me and your mama.” He swallows, his voice cracking. “Whatever you need, whatever you want, whatever you do. We’ll be right there. Always. No matter what.”
They’ll be there.
My parents.
They’ll be here for me.
They believe in me.
They see me.
My jaw muscles twitch and I nod, looking from my mom to my dad.
I can do this.
For them.
For her.
For me.
I will fucking do this.