33. Chapter 34
Chapter 34
CHRIS
I sit in Garry’s living room, remembering the last time I was here. It was Lettie’s birthday, and we’d sat in this very living room having cake and coffee when Garry dropped the bomb about his engagement to my mom. It’s no surprise to me now why Lettie had gotten so upset. She’s been playing defense for her mother for years, and on top of that, her father has given her zero reasons to trust his intentions. At the time I thought she was just being selfish, but now I know her reaction was a means of self-preservation. She couldn’t handle what the news would do to her mother. So, now, here I am playing offense on her behalf because I want a win so damn bad, I can taste it.
I lean forward in my chair, elbows propped up on my knees as I stare at my future father-in-law with his arm wrapped around my mother, having just spilled my guts to them. The ball is in their hands now. Days of research went into this, hours of putting together the information and a proposal they couldn’t refuse. Between touring the facility and speaking with doctors and therapists, all while attending classes and football practice, I’m fucking spent. Now all I can do is pray they’re receptive to my proposal. It’s a big ask, but one I hope will result in big rewards.
Garry exhales, roughly running a hand over his stubble-covered jaw. “It’s a lot of money, even with her insurance.”
I nod. “It is but remember this will replace your agreement with Charlotte, and Tiffany will be putting her house up for sale. Whatever proceeds she has will go toward the cost. Regardless, I want both of you on the same page or not at all. You may not be married yet, but in light of everything that’s happened in the last week, this is a decision you need to make together.”
Garry glances down at my mother, and their eyes lock. “What do you think, Barb?”
“I think . . . I want this for Charlotte,” she says, and I want to give my mom a hug, fucking squeeze her for seeing this is what Charlotte needs more than anybody.
Garry nods, then turns to me with a sigh. “Well, I guess if this doesn’t work, nothing will.”
“So, you’re onboard?” I ask. “You’ll cosign the paperwork for her treatment?” My heart kicks happily in my chest.
“I’ll sign,” he confirms, his gaze assessing. “I have to say, this is above and beyond boyfriend duty.”
“I love her, sir.” Garry arches a brow. “Besides, this is the final play.”
“I don’t know what that means,” he says, his brows furrowed slightly.
“Probably better that way.” I laugh, rising to my feet as I hand him a pen, nodding to the paperwork in his hands?the ones that will enroll Tiffany Baker in treatment at a live-in facility.
Garry scribbles a quick signature on each page before handing the paperwork back over to me, his eyes laser-focused on my face. “And how does Charlotte feel about you? Does my daughter return the sentiment?”
“I’d like to think she does.” Even if she’s scared.
This answer seems to appease him, and I reach out, extending a hand toward him. “I should probably get going,” I say when he takes it, then pulls me in for a hug. I have one more stop, and then it’s back to campus to prepare for tomorrow, having no idea how the hell I’m getting out of the game.
After I say goodbye to my mom, I turn for the door but Garry calls out, stopping me. “Hey, Chris?” I tip a chin, waiting. “How’d you get Tiffany to agree to this, anyway?” he asks.
A cocky grin splits my lips. “Have you met me yet? I can charm the pants off anyone. Just ask Lettie.”
Garry’s eyes twitch, matching the flicker of muscle in his jaw, and I wince. “You’re picturing me with your daughter, aren’t you?”
“Uh, yeah, ” Garry says, looking like he’s two seconds away from drop-kicking me in the dick and taking the papers back.
“That was a wrong choice of words.” I laugh nervously. “I mean, who would want that?” I screw up my face, like yuck , and my mother snickers while Garry’s expression turns thunderous. “I mean, not that there’s anything wrong with Lettie’s pants or anything. I mean, who wouldn’t want in her pants? Shit,” I hiss. “All I’m saying is?”
“Chris,” my mother brings a hand to her head, “shut up.”
“Yep. That sounds like a good idea.” I slowly take a step backward and hook a thumb toward the door. “I’ll just leave now.”
“Good idea.” Garry nods, his hands in fists.
“Just try and forget, you know”?I wave a hand in the air?“any mention of me and your daughter’s pants.”
“Chris!” he barks.
“Right. Leaving now!” I say and then move my ass out the door before he can move it for me.