Page 80 of In His Skates

KEANU

I’m a fucking mess by the time we finally arrive at Leigh’s house. Her refusal to tell me what happened between her and my father until we get home tells me it was catastrophic.

She veers straight for the bar and pours herself a healthy dose of whiskey. “Do you want one too?”

“I have a feeling I’m going to need it, so yes.”

I sit on the couch, and Leigh gives me my drink before she sits next to me, folding one of her legs under her. Before she says anything, she takes a large sip of her whiskey.

“Leigh, you’re worrying me. Just tell me what that asshole did. I can take it.”

She sighs heavily, closing her eyes for a moment. “He told me he’s not your father.”

Every nerve in my body seems to turn to stone. I stare at her, waiting for her to say something else, but when she doesn’t, I realize there’s nothing more to add. I feel sick to my stomach.

“If he’s not my father, then who is?” I ask through the lump in my throat.

“He told me to ask your mother. Key, I’m so sorry. That was the last thing I wanted to tell you.”

My eyes burn from the tears forming in them. All my life, I wondered why my father hated me so much. No matter what I did, it was never good enough for him.

I laugh without humor. “My relationship with him makes total sense now.”

“Even if what he said is true, it doesn’t excuse his behavior toward you.”

I finish the drink, then stand up to refill my glass.

“You know that, right?” Leigh asks.

“Yeah.”

I brace my hands on the counter and let my head drop forward. I don’t bother stopping the tears now. I sense Leigh’s approach, and when she hugs me from behind, I lean into her. It’s so strange to be hugged by someone bigger than me. I suppose it’s strange because I never received hugs from my father growing up.

Father. The word is bitter now. I guess I should stop calling him that.

Leigh kisses the top of my head. “Anything I can do?”

“This is nice.”

“What do you want to do now? I know it’s Simon’s birthday.”

Fuck. I forgot about that. “I’m not in the right state of mind to see anyone.”

“He’ll understand. I’ll text him. Let’s go to bed. Tomorrow things won’t seem as grim as they are now.”

I wipe my face, then let her steer me up the stairs. I don’t know if I believe her statement, but I’m grateful that I’m not facing tonight alone.

32 LEIGH

Keanu cried himself to sleep last night, and I held him until his body relaxed against mine. His reaction, albeit not caused by the same event, was similar to the one I had at the beginning of my career. I know when someone is crushed and feeling their lowest.

When I wake up, Keanu isn’t in bed with me, and I feel strangely lonely. Am I missing him? I sit up and rub my face. Shit, I have to shave. But not right now. I settle for brushing my teeth before I look for him.

He’s in the kitchen, and Bobbi is there too. They’re drinking coffee and speaking in hushed tones.

“Hey,” I say from the top of the stairs.

Both look in my direction and wish me good morning together. I keep my attention trained on Keanu. He received a heavy blow last night, and I want to make sure he’s okay. But I can’t flat-out ask in front of Bobbi.