Play The Part (Player Next Door Book 3)

54 | Just A Tragedy

Going back to a familiar place with this one... 

Chapter 54: Just A Tragedy

*Luke's POV*

I sat in the car for thirty minutes after she left.

Thirty, forty, I lost track of time.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. For the first time, I could understand a fraction of the pain Millie has been through.

How does a guy become so weak? What happened to him?

I don't know what I saw back there. The photo, living nearby and refusing to leave... signs that he was fighting himself for redemption?

A redemption that wasn't happening. Stuck in this no man's land, battling his own demons.

I didn't have the words or the heart to tell her what I saw. I don't even know what I saw. And it didn't feel right to pass judgement.

It's just a f*cking tragedy.

It was dark outside when I got out of the car, keeping my head down as I walked towards my house. My jeep locked behind me as I slipped my key into my pocket.

Millie's dad used to be an athlete in high school.

I needed a shower.

**

"Luke, is that you, honey?" mom's voice called out from the living room.

I had barely shut the door behind me when I heard her voice along with the crackling of a fire in the living room. I guess the parents got cozy tonight.

I turned towards the living room and leaned against the frame of the doorway. The table lamps were on, and Char's candle was lit on the coffee table.

Dad was scrolling through his phone, sitting in his armchair, while mom was on the couch, relaxing on her mountain of cushions as she read a book. One of her many romance books.

I guess this is what growing old together looks like.

She lowered her reading glasses and smiled warmly at me, "You were out late tonight, Luke."

I nodded, my jaw locking.

"He's falling off the rails," dad muttered, "Coach said he was awful in practice and he's falling apart. Almost got kicked off like his friend Chad."

He barely looked up at me. I ran a hand through my hair, feeling mixed emotions.

"Dad," I said, walking across the living room towards him.

Dad looked up at me approaching him, lowering his phone as he waited for what I was after, ready to have a go at me. We've reached the point where I'm now taller and stronger than him, and it's changed our dynamics.

He was mean, he was rude, and he was a bully.

I leaned over and gave him a hug.

My dad is a lot of bad things. But he made me believe the world was mine.

And no matter what I did in life, I always knew he would be there, fighting in my corner until the bitter end.

"Thank you," I said quietly, before letting go and walking back out.

Mom and dad stared after me, like someone had switched souls with their son.

"What was that?" I heard mom gasp.

You can hate a man for what he's done to others but love him for what he's done for you.

**

*Millie's POV*