with, Ellie. He’s going to drop you in a second when he gets bored or restless. Maybe he already has. And you can’t raise a child with that kind of uncertainty. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but…he’s out.”
“Out?”
My dad sighs deeply. “He explained to Paul that he is planning on stepping away. He hasn’t told you yet, but he did tell our lawyer that’s what we should all be expecting. He’s stepping away from you, the baby, everything. I know it’s for the best, but I imagine you’re upset.”
“He couldn’t at least tell me this himself?” I croak, shaking my head in total disbelief.
“Not exactly the pinnacle of class and respect, I guess.”
My eyes are stinging, and there’s a heavy lump rising in my throat. I try to swallow it and keep my gaze fixed on my lap.
“You know…” He lifts my chin and brings my gaze level with his. “You know I have only ever done what’s best for your happiness. I always know, Elizabeth. I know what’s right. So does Paul. Just let him go, and let’s focus on the new Vice child you’re bringing into the world.”
“What did…” My voice cracks, and a couple tears splash down my cheeks. I know I’m showing weakness. I don’t really care. “What did he say, though?” My words shake.
“I didn’t get all details, Ellie. My chat with Richardson was brief. But I know he’s not even remotely invested in this. He’s not right for you at all, and you have to let it go. I mean, look, he hasn’t even given you a call. How’s he gonna be a dad? Or a husband?”
I gulp hard and nod slowly, pain crashing over me in ocean waves. Everything swims around me as my mind races and my chest aches.
I guess I was wrong all along. It’s true that he stopped returning my calls or texts without any warning. My dad is right. The two of us together has never actually made any sense. Matt must have realized that, and now I have to realize it, too.
Twenty-six
Matt
Fuck, this hurts. This hurts more than when I tore my ACL in high school and had to sit out the second half of my sophomore-year season. This hurts more than when I tried to reach out to my parents when I was in eighth grade, and they basically told me to screw off. This hurts more than pretty much anything.
I’ve had my mind in a tunnel ever since that conversation with the stupid Vice lawyer, cutting off everything in existence that doesn’t have to do with winning the Super Bowl. For every wave of pain and anger I feel over giving Ellie up, I just work a little harder on my game or my strategy or my conditioning.
And every time I start to feel that twisting pain in my gut and my brain racks with questions and guilt, I just remind myself that, as much as it sucks to admit, Christopher Vice and his snarly spokesperson are right.
Ellie and I might not make it, especially with what feels like the entire world going against us. And that wouldn’t be best for her or the baby. The Vices can give that kid everything he or she could ever need, times a million. Obviously, Christopher had his lawyer step in to threaten my career, but he did it to protect his daughter, so I have to respect that. I’m trying to respect that.
Probably the only slightly happy thing that’s happened since that conversation at the gym is the fact that Grandma is in town for the Super Bowl. We’re playing in Miami Gardens, which gives us a hint of a home-field advantage and also means Grandma came to town a little early to spend time with me.
I’ve never needed her more in my life.
Riders family members who are in town for the game get put up in a super bougie beachside hotel, which Grandma is beyond jazzed about.
At least I’m able to make her happy.
I pull into the parking garage of the Oceanfront Suites and whip into a space, knowing full well I’m going to have to tell Grandma absolutely everything. She spares no detailed question when nosing around my personal life.
Honestly, though, it’ll be nice to just get it all out there. Just dump it into the universe and never have to think about it again. Being around Grandma will center me and bring me back to my roots. It’ll make all