A California Christmas (Silver Springs #7) - Brenda Novak Page 0,87

it. I’m not making the offer just because I respect your ability and everyone around here likes you.”

That statement confused Dallas. “Then why are you doing it?”

“You have to ask?”

“I’ve often wondered why you mess with me. It can’t be convenient that I’m gone half the year.”

“I do it because I care about you, you knucklehead,” he said.

Brian had been good to him. It was Brian’s friendship and employment over the years that had helped him remain centered—as much as he had remained centered. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“Stop. I’m not saying this to make you feel indebted. I just...with your father out of prison, maybe you need to hear me say... Well, I want you to know that you don’t need anything he might have to offer, and what he did had nothing to do with you—wasn’t any kind of rejection, even though it has to feel that way. I would’ve been proud to have you as my son. I love you like a son,” he added, his voice suddenly gruff, and disconnected.

Dallas pulled to the side of the road. He knew he and Brian were closer than most employers and employees, but he’d never expected Brian to feel quite this strongly.

He chuckled as he recalled how quickly Brian had gotten off the phone. But the desire to laugh faded when he realized that Brian probably hadn’t hung up to save himself the awkwardness and embarrassment of saying something so uncharacteristically sentimental. He’d done it to save Dallas from feeling the need to respond.

He’d just wanted Dallas to know that he had the love of a father, even if it wasn’t a biological one.

20

Seriously? You think you’ve got the grounds to sue me?

Here it was: Ethan’s reaction. It had come by way of a bitter and angry text. But that was better than a bitter and angry phone call. At least this way she didn’t have to hear his voice.

“What took you so long to react?” Emery muttered as she debated whether to respond. She’d just arrived home from work, changed her clothes and gone down to the kitchen. Liam and Bentley were in their rooms, doing homework, Aiyana was still at her office and Dallas was on his way back from Santa Barbara. She planned to make dinner for the family so that she could feel as though she was contributing, and she wanted to get started on that right away.

But Ethan’s text proved too provocative to ignore. She wrote back:

I have grounds. You’re finally going to be held accountable for what you’ve done.

I haven’t done anything, and there’s no way the station is going to let you get away with this. You’ll never be able to work in television again.

She was afraid that was already true. And it wasn’t because of the lawsuit; it was because of him.

I’m not trying to get away with anything. I’m determined to see justice done—that’s all. You humiliated me and purposely ruined my reputation and career. Did you honestly believe there’d be no consequences?

You lost your job because you suck at it. Don’t blame me.

You’re delusional! I’m a better newscaster than you ever were.

You’re full of shit. I don’t know what I saw in you.

Believe me, the feeling is mutual. And I was the one who dumped you, remember?

She knew she shouldn’t add that last part. It was childish, petty. But she was so tired of taking his blows.

I don’t care. You’re the one who’s missing out. It’s truly over between us. And I’m telling you right now—you’d better drop the suit.

No way. I’m in it to win it, Ethan. After what you did, I won’t give up until justice has been served.

You’re going after the wrong man.

Is this where you tell me it was Tommy again?

She added a laughing emoji.

If you don’t drop this damn lawsuit, you’ll be sorry.

Because you’ll try to take revenge? Like you did before, when you posted that video? I’ve talked to Tommy, Ethan. And Tommy has already spoken to my lawyer. He’s going to tell the truth.

Leave Tommy out of this.

You’re the one who dragged him into it!

You fucking bitch! You’re trying to ruin my life.

She leaned against the counter for support.

Have you ever heard of a boomerang? You started this mess, and now it’s coming home.

I swear to God you’re going to wish you’d never met me.

Emery could feel the hatred oozing through those words and hesitated before blasting back another knee-jerk response. She felt safe while she was in Aiyana’s house, an