Now what the hell am I supposed to do? I told the nurses, so they’d give me information, and at this point, I just have to go with it.
“Yeah. We are.”
“Wow.” He lets out a labored breath, sliding down into one of the chairs in the hallway. “I didn’t even...she didn’t tell me.”
I let out a sharp laugh. “I don’t blame her. It’s not like you’re the most supportive person in her life.”
Jesus, Roman. I grit my teeth before I can dig myself into an even deeper hole.
“You’re right,” he says as I sit down. “I haven’t been a good father to Maddie for a long time. Maybe not ever.”
“Why did it take you three days to get here?”
He swallows, gripping the arm of the chair. “It took me a while to find out where they took her after the explosion, but I got here yesterday. I’ve been trying to work up the nerve to come speak to her after the way I’ve been acting.”
I remain silent. If he’s fishing for sympathy, he won’t find it with me. He acts how he does and then doesn’t even have the balls to face her? If it was up to me, I’d send the bastard back to St. Louis right this second.
“Is she...”
“She’s awake,” I say. “But she’s in rough shape. Fractured ribs, collapsed lung, broken leg…She just barely regained consciousness this evening.”
“Jesus.” He runs his fingers through his hair, lip quivering. “Roman, you and I have a lot to talk about, but I’d like to go see my daughter if that’s okay.”
“It’s not okay with me, but fortunately for you, it’s up to Maddie. And just to be clear, if she doesn’t want you here, you’re gone. No questions asked.”
“Thank you. I won’t be long.”
We stand, and I gently knock on the door. “Maddie?”
“You’re back with ice cream already? You’re my hero!” She smiles, looking over towards the door.
“Uh, actually. I ran into someone in the hallway. You have a visitor.” I move to the side, revealing her father standing behind me.
Maddie’s eyes widen and she glances between the two of us.
“Dad.” Her voice breaks.
“Hi sweetheart.” Mark smiles sheepishly. Good. He should feel fucking ashamed. It isn’t enough to be an asshole, but he has to be a coward, too.
I put my hand on her shoulder protectively. “He wants to talk to you for a few minutes. Are you okay with that?” I ask, hoping she’ll tell me to kick him out. That’s something I’ll gladly take pleasure in.
“Sure.”
“You’re sure?” I ask.
“Yeah. I’ll be fine, Roman. I promise.”
“Okay.” I bend to kiss her. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
“Thank you.”
Maddie could handle herself, but I’m reluctant to leave her alone when she isn’t at full strength. To distract myself, I use the time to check in with Emmett and Ty and see how things are going. Hopefully, it will take my mind off of the asshole at her bedside.
WhenRomanwalksout,I halfway consider calling him back into the room. I’m not in the frame of mind to fight with my father right now, and despite the concern on his face, I have my suspicions about him being here at all. I want to think he’s here because he’s concerned, and deep down in my heart, I’m actually glad to see him. It’s amazing what a near death experience can do to a person.
We haven’t spoken since the gala, and as angry as I am, something inside of me still wants his approval. Or maybe it’s more love than approval. Maybe that’s all I ever really wanted. To know my dad cares about me, that I’m important to him, and that’s something I battled with my entire life.
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” he asks, approaching me cautiously. He sits on the edge of the chair next to me, looking as uncomfortable as I am.
