Balance Due by G.K. Parks

Author:G.K. Parks [Parks, G.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Modus Operandi
Published: 2024-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-four

“Alexis.” Martin reached for me, but I pushed away from him, gulping down my sobs and getting my emotions back in check.

“The truth this time,” I said.

“That piece of shit has had you twisted up inside since the moment he came back into your life. I didn’t want to upset you.”

“Great job.” I took a shaky breath, biting the inside of my cheek. I had so many questions, I didn’t even know where to start.

Martin’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to check the display.

“Don’t you dare answer that,” I said.

Ignoring me, Martin typed out a quick text and put the phone down on his desk.

I turned to face the windows and stared outside. The leather sofa creaked as he sat down. I searched the reflection to find him in the glass. I had always trusted him. Now, I wasn’t sure.

“He was waiting for me to leave work. He said he wanted to apologize, clear the air, and explain a few things to me. He suggested we have a civilized chat over dinner.”

“Who did you call after Don walked away?”

“Marcal,” Martin said. “I told him we were going to the steakhouse a few blocks from here and that he could pick me up there. It was early, so getting a table wasn’t a problem. But Don didn’t know that, which is why I sent him ahead. I never should have shown up. That man knows exactly how to twist the knife.”

“You’ve accused me of that before.”

“Sweetheart—”

I turned to face him, wrapping my arms tighter around my middle and leaning against the glass. “That must be where I got it from.”

Martin got off the couch, and I flinched. Holding up his palms, he sat back down. “That’s not what I was going to say. I would never say that. He is poison.” His expression softened, his eyes passionate. “I am sorry you grew up with that.”

“Let’s stick to the facts. Did anything happen at dinner? Did you fight? Argue? Threaten to cut his throat with your steak knife?”

“No. We didn’t make it that far. He wanted money and was willing to say or do whatever it took to convince me to give it to him. I had no desire to hear his bullshit, so I excused myself. He followed me out of the restaurant and grabbed my shoulder. He wouldn’t take the hint, so I hit him and told him to stay the hell away from us. By then, Marcal had pulled up. He got out of the car to help, but I didn’t want our exchange to turn into more of a scene, so we left Don on the sidewalk.”

“You should have known better. I told you the only reason he showed up was for money. By hitting him, you opened yourself up to criminal charges and civil lawsuits.”

“I know.” Martin rubbed the bandage on his hand.

“Did you really only hit him once?”

“It took a lot of effort not to whale on him, but despite everything, he is your father.

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