55. Drew
FIFTY-FIVE
drew
4 DAYS LATER
I clasped Bellamy’s hand tightly in mine as we walked up the steps to my dad’s front porch.
My father opened the door, standing there in his usual immaculate suit, the lines of his face unreadable.
This was the price of my freedom this time.
My mother had paid for my ticket back and reinstated all my credit cards, she’d even agreed that she would pay my tuition for Alabama State, and the price? I had to agree to visit her three times a year, and this, dinner with my father. And that threw me for a loop.
I had no idea why she would try to rekindle our desecrated relationship.
“William.” Bellamy was the first to speak, probably because I was frozen and mute.
“Bellamy. Drucella.”
God, this was so awkward. I wanted to crawl into a deep hole in the ground.
“Come in,” he said, stepping to the side to allow us inside.
This house felt so alien to me now, like another life that I’d watched on television rather than lived. My father showed us into the dining room with the enormous ten-seater mahogany table. A table that would never be filled.
For a second, I actually felt a trace of pity for the man. He lived in a self-made fortress of isolation with only his money for company. It was bitterly sad.
I took a seat across from Bellamy. My father remained standing at the head of the table, clutching the back of the chair. The two men could not have been any more different. My father was perfectly polished, while Bellamy was wild and rough.
“You must be wondering why I invited you both here.”
“Well, I’m here because Irina told me I had to be,” I said. Outside of that, I wouldn’t give him a second of my time.
He nodded, the lines around his eyes sinking. “Yes, I’ve spoken at length with your mother, and she has shown me a few things.”
With that, he took an envelope from the inside of his jacket pocket and slid it across the polished table, but not to me. It stopped in front of Bellamy.
My dad cleared his throat, his attention aimed at my boyfriend. “I’ve thought long and hard about what you said the night you forced your way into my house.” His brows tugged together as he scowled at Bellamy, who looked completely unfazed, as always.
What the hell was Dad talking about? When did Bellamy force his way in here—outside of the two times he broke in?
“And while I absolutely do not agree with your criminal history, I must believe, given the opportunity, you wouldn’t be involved in the activities you currently use to provide for yourself.” He swept a hand toward the letter.
Bellamy’s confused gaze met mine before he grabbed the envelope and opened it. “What in the…” He shook his head, then his dark eyes met mine. “It’s a scholarship. To Alabama State.”
I couldn’t help the little hiccup in my chest.
“I provide a scholarship every year.” Dad smoothed a hand down his tie, looking distinctly uncomfortable. “This year, I’d like to extend it to you, Bellamy. As a thank you for making me realize there are some things money can’t buy.”
“I…” Bellamy frowned at the letter. “I can’t take this.”
“Bellamy…” I started.
This might be his only shot. Regardless of our relationship or the issues with my dad, he should absolutely take this. I wouldn’t allow him to let pride, or loyalty to me, get in the way.
“It’s in your name,” Dad said, finally taking a seat. “The funds are reserved only for you. So you can either use it or let it sit there.”
The three of us fell into silence for a moment.
“I hope this goes some way to making amends, Drucella. I…” He let out a hard breath. “I love you, and I’ve only ever wanted the best for you. After speaking to your mother, I realize I have gone about it wrong and that perhaps you value different things in your life to us.”
I literally had no idea what to say. None. A lump formed in my throat. Tears stung my eyes. “I only ever wanted you to love me,” I whispered.
My dad dropped his chin to his chest. “And I’m sorry I made you feel that I didn’t.” He pushed up from his chair. “I’ll go and get dinner from the kitchen.”
A man of few words and fewer emotions, but he did love me. In a heartbeat, Bellamy was right beside me, lips brushing over my hair as he pulled me into his arms.
“This is so freaking weird,” I choked, half crying and half laughing at what a mess I was. “You have to take that scholarship, Bellamy.”
“Whatever you want, baby girl.”