“I didn’t mean—”
“It’s fine, Barren, let’s go.”
He nods and we leave, going straight to his private jet and flying home.
Home.
What the fuck am I doing?Barren and I sit in the back seat of a limousine as the house comes into view. It’s large and over-the-top. Some people are intimidated by it. Some want to see it, others want it, all while I couldn’t wait to run away from it. Climbing out of the car, I see my father sitting on the overly large porch, sweet tea next to him, as he rocks back and forth. I look to Barren who watches him then starts walking toward Father with my bag in his hand.
Usually, this place is busy with staff, but it feels like it’s only the three of us here right now, which I know isn’t true, because there’s no way my father would make his own tea when he can have someone else do it for him.
“Baby girl.” He stands, reminding me of how I always thought he was bigger than life. That no other man was as big and scary as my father. That was then, this is now. Now, I know he can’t protect me from everything there is out there. I found that fact out too late.
“Papa.”
His arms fold around me. Despite his many flaws, his love for me has never wavered, not even when I decided to leave this place behind.
“Your brother managed to get you here. Didn’t think I would see the day. You love that place where you’re living.”
“I do, and I plan to go back soon.”
My father glances over to my brother. “You told me she was back for good.”
I flick my head to Barren.
“She’s going to stay for a while… aren’t you, sis?”
“For a few days, then I have to go back to work.”
My father waves me off. “You don’t need to work, baby. And if you want to, I’m sure your brother can find you a position in the company.”
I step back from him. “No, no. I don’t want that. When will you understand? I came back because you’re sick, I didn’t come back to stay.”
“Sick?” my father asks while staring at Barren. “You said I was sick?”
Barren shrugs, dropping my bag and walking back to the car. “You deal with her, I got her here.”
“You aren’t sick?” I ask in disbelief.
“No, baby, I’m not. Why Barren would say that I don’t know. But I am glad you’re home.”
“I’m leaving tomorrow.”
He sighs loudly. “I’ll tell them to prepare the jet.” He starts walking inside, and I follow. Nothing’s changed since I left, everything’s still the same and in the same positions.
Lavish.
Opulent.
Extravagant.
Fucking pompous.
Father opens the door to my bedroom and nothing’s changed in here either, but it hurts to look at it all laid bare in front of me.
A tire screech comes from the front of the house then a loud bang. My father glances over to me then shakes his head. I know who it is from observing Father’s face, I don’t need him to confirm it. The front door is slammed open, then loud footsteps echo through the house until he reaches me.
Slate stands there, in front of me, tall and breathing heavily with his face scrunched up in pain. Pain for me? I have no idea. And I don’t want to know.
“So, it’s true, you’re back.”
My hands go up and then fall back to my sides. “I’m back.”
“For how long.”
My father starts to walk away quietly, leaving us both standing there.
“I leave tomorrow.”
“Were you even going to tell me you were here?”
“No,” I tell him honestly.
He glances to the floor, his dark hair longer than I remember falling over his eyes. He’s dressed much as he always is in dark jeans with a blue shirt, no collar, enough to see the slight chest hair on his tanned skin.
Slate Hill.
My first love.
My first everything.
My family wanted me to marry him, I wanted to marry him. At least I think I did.
I step closer and brush away his hair from his face much like I used to do when we were younger and stupid. “Hi, Slate, it’s good to see you.”
He regards me with those same eyes I once loved. “It’s really good to see you, Olympia.” He smiles as he assesses me. “Your hair’s still the same.” He touches the strands, picking a piece up and letting it fall.
“You know me, rebel in all aspects. Don’t think that will change any time soon.”
His smile falls and he checks around, his eyes lingering on my bed longer than they should, then they shoot back to me.
“Come to the bar, everyone’s there. Even your brother. He called me when he was on his way.” It’s the local hangout, it’s close to where we live. Barren spends way too much time there.
“That’s where he ran off to.”