“No,” I said. “She was here last night, but she left.”
“What was she doing here?” His voice was low, his eyes dangerous.
“Well,” I said. “She drove me to PT and then dropped me off.”
“That’s all she did?” he asked. “Drop you off?”
I didn’t answer right away. Our eyes were locked together. He knew exactly what happened between Tara and me last night. I wasn’t the best at keeping a straight face, and I wasn’t a liar. I wouldn’t outright say “I fucked your daughter,” but I also wouldn’t lie about it.
“You don’t have anything to worry about,” I said with a sigh. “She’s been distant lately. I’m not sure she even wants to be with me.”
“Her clothes shouldn’t be left here either way!” he yelled. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m not dicking her around!” I said, trying to get to my feet but failing. My leg wasn’t strong enough, and I couldn’t reach my crutches.
“The hell you aren’t!”
“Listen,” I said slowly. “I care about Tara, okay? You know that. I’m not just screwing her until I get bored. That’s not what this is. Tara is amazing. She means a lot to me. Tara’s more important to me than you know.”
“That’s bullshit!” Darren screamed. “Don’t sit here and tell me you care about my daughter. I know you too well, Caleb. You’re a lowlife who doesn’t care about anyone but yourself.”
“Darren!” Mom said, stepping in front of him. She was angry, but he wasn’t ready to back down. He moved around her, so he and I were face to face again.
“You’re just a lowlife,” he spat. “I knew it ten years ago, and I know it now.”
“I love her,” I said boldly. “I’m in love with Tara. Nothing you say can change that.”
“You aren’t good enough for her.”
“I’m a fireman for God’s sake!” I yelled. “I’m a fucking hero. Have you already forgotten how I injured my leg?”
“I’m only going to say this one more time,” Darren said, his voice low. “Stay the hell away from my daughter, or I swear to God, you will regret it.”
“What are you so scared of?” I demanded. “I’m not the same person I was when I was seventeen! Mom knows that. Tara knows that. Why the hell can’t you see it? I’ve changed. I have a respectable career.”
“Not for long,” Darren said.
He glared at me one last time before spinning on his heel and marching toward the door. He yanked it open and then stepped outside, slamming the door behind him. Mom jumped at the sound. When I looked over at her, tears were streaming down her cheeks. She looked to be in shock.
“Mom?” I said softly. “Mom, are you okay?”
“I’m so sorry,” she said weakly. “I don’t know where that came from. I mean, I know he’s angry with you but I never thought he would be so vicious. He shouldn’t have been like that. How could he be so mean?”
“It’s okay,” I said quickly. “Mom, I’m fine. Nothing Darren says can hurt me.”
“That doesn’t matter!” she shrieked. “You are my son. I can’t believe he said those things to you.”
“I can.” I sighed. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t win him over. He hates me, and as far as I can tell, that won’t ever change.”
Mom’s face changed in an instant. One second, she was scared and weak. She was crying and shaking, unable to control her emotions. The next second, a steely glint passed through her eyes. She was determined and angry, ready to take on anyone who stood in her way.
“I’ll talk to him,” she said with venom in her voice. “This isn’t how our family is going to be. I won’t allow it.”
“Mom, I don’t think there’s anything you can do.”
“Watch me,” she snapped. “I’ll talk to him, okay? I’ll make this right.”
I nodded. She rushed forward and wrapped me in a hug, kissing my cheek quickly and running outside.