Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
“There you are, my boy.”
I hear the voice of my dad, but since I can’t stand him, I continue to read. Or pretend to continue to read.
He doesn’t take the hint. Instead, he settles his coke-addled ass on the bench next to me. “Your girl should be coming out soon.”
My book snaps shut almost by itself. “What’d you say?”
He smiles like a snake waiting to bite would smile and waves a piece of paper in my face. “Your girl’s class is almost done. I got her schedule right here.”
I snatch the paper out of his hand and scan it. My blood grows cold as I scan the text. I crumple the printout in my hand and stuff it into my jeans pocket. “Where the hell did you get that?”
“The register or something.” He grins. “The ladies were really helpful. Just wanted a photo and an autograph.”
“It’s registrar, and this is private information. They shouldn’t be giving it to you for any reason.”
“The lady there, the one with the brown hair and glasses that are too small for her round face, told me that she didn’t see a problem since she printed it out for you.”
I clench my jaw.
Dad laughs and slaps me on the back. “I don’t blame you, son. I’m proud that you’re taking the initiative. To tell you the truth, I had a tasty experience the last time I visited, if you know what I mean. These college girls have no inhibitions. If I knew what they were like, I would’ve gone to college myself. What’s your girl like to do?”
“If you weren't my old man, I would’ve decked you by now,” I say coldly. “Out of respect for your advanced age”—he hates to be reminded that he’s older now—”and that your bones are probably brittle and you lack health insurance because you’ve snorted so much coke that you’ve got more pre-existing conditions than a Hollywood prenup, I’m not going to touch you this time. But you talk like that again about her, the fact that you’re my sperm donor isn’t going to stop me from putting you in the hospital.”
The door to the Franklin Building where Autumn takes her sociology classes opens, and the students start pouring out. Before I can separate myself from my old man, Autumn spots me and waves excitedly. She runs forward, her eyes bright and her cheeks pink. I want to eat her up and also take her away from here. I cross over to her, trying to intercept her before her eyes can land on my dad, but I’m too late. Her gaze darts over my shoulder, and I can tell by the slight widening of her eyes that she sees him.
“You don’t have to say a word to him,” I say in a low voice when I reach her. “Pretend like he’s not there.”
“But—”
“Autumn, isn’t it?” Dad booms.
“It’s Nick White!” someone calls. A few people run over. “Mr. White, can I have your autograph?” “How about a selfie?”
“Me next.”
I grab Autumn’s hand and try to use the commotion as cover to sneak away, but Dad’s on a mission.
“Sorry, folks. Another time, but for now, I’m spending the afternoon with my son.” His heavy hand falls on my shoulder.
“Noble Patton is Nick White’s son?” someone murmurs.
I grab my dad’s elbow and drag him away from the crowd. “I don’t want you coming to campus again. If you want to talk to me, call me.”
“I would, but you don’t answer my calls.” He leans around and smiles at Autumn. “Does he answer yours? Don’t take it personally if he ignores you. He probably isn’t doing it intentionally.”
“No. I’m purposefully ignoring you.” I stop when I reach the edge of campus, just before restaurant row where the sandwich, taco, and pizza shops line up in the storefronts underneath the off-campus apartments. “Sorry,” I say to Autumn. “I need to deal with this.” I pull out some cash. “Why don’t you get us some dinner? This won’t take long.”
“I’ll take a turkey club, hold the bacon and the mayo.” Dad pulls up his shirt, which makes Autumn avert her eyes.
“Go. Now,” I order because she’s not moving fast enough. A flash of hurt speeds through her eyes. I guess demanding things of her outside the bedroom is the wrong way to go about it, but I’m desperate to separate her from this fuck ass scene.
“If you get tired of my son—”
“One more fucking word out of you, and I’m going to beat you senseless,” I say through gritted teeth. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Autumn’s mouth fall open. If she won’t move, then I have to get out of here. I clamp my hand around my dad’s elbow once again and march him toward the parking lot beyond restaurant row. He waves over my head toward Autumn.