“Jamie wants to do something with the twins for spring break,” Dad says around a mouthful of steak. “It’s not an ideal time for us to leave, but you know I can’t tell that woman no.”

I bristle at the reminder. I’d always wondered who came onto whom. Exactly how my relationship with Jamie deteriorated to the point she was able to slip away and fuck my dad enough times to fall in love with him. Was she the one who pursued him? And he couldn’t tell her no?

Looking down into my lap, I flip my phone and find the picture waiting for me along with a voice message. Pink lips, glistening with arousal, seem to be wrapped around her finger. Like a kiss or a mouth around a dick.

Goddamn, she’s hot.

And mine.

No one’s going to be taking her away from me.

Not Dad. Not Levi. Not anyone.

I’m forced to pull my attention from the picture to listen to Dad discuss possible nearby vacation spots for them to go to.

“Of course the invitation always stands for you boys to join us. We’re a family.”

A family.

Because normal families have our fucked up dynamics.

Nice try, Dad.

“I’m sure you can convince Hugo and Spencer to go,” I murmur before lifting my phone to play the voicemail. “Excuse me.”

Dad’s lips purse together as though he’s annoyed with being blown off, but I don’t give a shit. I need to hear her voice.

“Hey.” A pause. “I have to go back in there, but I can’t wait to see you again.” A ragged breath. “We’re going to binge-watch Riverdale probably. I’ll call you later if I can after Gemma goes to sleep. Miss you.”

I replay the message just to hear her soft, breathy voice again. Tonight is going to be the longest night ever.

“More work stuff?”

“Work has really consumed me lately,” I admit.

“Shaping Park Mountain’s youth. Admirable career, Son.”

The sarcasm is thicker than my juicy filet. I know he hates my job, hence why I took it in the first place. Any jab against Dad I can sneak in, the better.

He brings the subject back to potential vacation spots, though he’s leaning toward Vancouver. I stare at my father, still wondering how he managed to wreck my life when I was a teenager.