Chapter 24 – Gavin
24
Drawing Lines and Cutting Ties
Gavin
I STAND IN the doorway like the simp I am, watching Al’s ass as she walks down the hall to the elevator. It takes an amazing amount of restraint to stay put when she turns and gives me a sweet smile. I haven’t been angry at Leo much in the years we’ve known each other, but I could kick his ass for dragging her away from me.
Alexis lifts one hand, offering a small wave as the bell dings, signifying the elevator’s arrival. I’m still returning her wave as she starts to step in. An odd expression flashes over her pretty features as she sidesteps through the open doors, the smile she offered me flattening into something akin to a scowl.
When I see what caused both the look on her face and her maneuvering, my stomach sinks.
My dad steps out of the cab, turning back to stare between the doors as they close. Once Alexis is sealed in, he faces me, brows lifted. “I take it you’re a tit man?” He chuckles. “Cause that little thing had one hell of a rack on her.”
I’m used to my dad objectifying women. Trashing or talking them down with nearly every word that comes out of his mouth.
But this time it isn’t women. This time it’s Al. And it has my hands clenching into fists as anger burns my gut.
“Don’t fucking talk about her like that.” I’ve never said a harsh word to my dad. Never told him how I really feel about his bullshit. I should have—I know that. It shouldn’t have taken him turning his lewd opinions onto Alexis for me to draw the line.
But at least I’m drawing it now.
My dad stops short, hands lifting, palms facing me like he’s innocent and I’m overreacting. “Don’t get all bent out of shape about it. She’s just a woman. There’s a million more like her just waiting to tear you apart.”
My molars grind together and the vein in my head starts to throb. “She’s not like that.”
My dad looks me over, hands dropping to rest on his hips as he snorts out a bitter laugh. “You said that about the last one too.”
I’m not surprised he’s bringing this up. He always does. “That was over a decade ago.”
“Doesn’t change the facts.” My dad comes my way, slowly closing the distance between us. “You trusted a woman. Gave her your heart and your love and your time.” He stops in front of me, dropping a heavy hand on my shoulder. “And she went and found someone else without so much as a fuck you.”
I wait for it. Brace for the stab of pain to cut into that old wound. I’ve carried it for years and my dad has poked it at every opportunity, making sure it festered. Ensuring it dictated my actions and thoughts.
But the slicing sear of rejection and betrayal that kept me from ever letting—wanting—a woman close to me, doesn’t come. Because it doesn’t matter. Not anymore.
“I was a kid, Dad. So was she.” The lens I’ve been viewing the world through is suddenly different. Clearer. “And even if she wasn’t, who the fuck cares? It’s not like I wish I was with her now.”
For six months I’ve been trying to figure out what changed. Why my old ways no longer held the same appeal. Now I know.
It’s me. I’m what’s changed.
My dad’s expression hardens. “Don’t be stupid, son. Women can’t be trusted, you know that. All they do is lie and cheat. They’re just waiting to fuck you over and leave you behind.”
“No. That’s what Mom did to you.” I look him over, new eyes casting him in a different light. “And I’m not sure I blame her. You’re kind of an asshole.” I back away. “I’ve gotta go. I have shit to do.” I don’t know why he’s here and I don’t care. I need space from him. Room to decide what I really think—what I really feel—without the poison of his influence.
After escaping into my condo, I close the door behind me, shutting out the last of my born-into family. The pain I couldn’t find earlier finally shows up, and it cuts deep. I know I just hurt my dad, but he needed to hear the truth. Needed to be held accountable for his part in the bullshit he allows to dictate his life and tried to pour into mine.
I scrub a hand over my face before running it through my hair, resisting the almost overwhelming urge to open the door and apologize. To take back what I said—even though every bit of it was the truth—just to preserve the shitty relationship I have with him.
Instead, I force my feet away, crossing the open living and dining room as I make a beeline for the hall. I wasn’t lying when I told him I had shit to get done. My to-do list is overflowing today, thank God. It’ll provide a distraction I need.
After taking a quick shower and dressing, pausing a few seconds to again judge my closet and personal care routine, I grab my wallet and keys, along with my cell, and stalk down to the garage. After getting into my car, I seek out my first destination, entering it into the GPS before pulling out into the morning sunlight.
I’ve got a lot to get done while Alexis deals with Leo. Hopefully their conversation goes better than the one I just had.