Game On

Chapter Twenty-Eight

(Attached: Alex looking super fine at the beach - minus all the tattoos, more on that later *teaser*)

ALEX'S P.O.V

"Happy Valentines Day my boy!" My dad smiles warmly as I jog down the staircase, dressed in track pants and a plain t-shirt.

My dear old dad is becoming paler and frailer by the day. His eyes have sunken in and his bones are even more protruding than last time I checked in. My eyes skim over his tired face, noting the unfamiliar moles spotting his skin.

I make a mental note to book him an appointment with his doctor to check those out.

A soft laugh falls from my mouth. "It was yesterday dad."

"Oh dear! Really losing track of the days kiddo." He makes a strong attempt to sound upbeat, but disappointment traces his features.

I take a few moments to decipher why he might be disappointed. Surely he couldn't have heard of all the shit I've done lately. Unless Soph sent him an email giving him the lowdown - but I doubt she would, she's a nuisance, but she's loyal.

"What's wrong dad?" I ask, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

He sighs. "Can't seem to get anything right can I?" His lips stretch into potentially the fakest smile I've ever seen.

My heart clenches for him. "Dad, that kind of stuff is irrelevant. It would be hard to find something which I care less about. " I add a subtle laugh in there to reinforce my point.

That was a lie - yesterday did mean something to me. I kissed Jordan Reid and enjoyed it. Obviously, it was the sexual attraction and my crazed sex drive which resulted in me actually having a good time.

After the whole fiasco with Jacinthe and Jordan that afternoon, I practically sprint to Soph's house. I gave her a rose and a box of chocolates, made her sit down and told her what happened. Her reaction? 'Lost her shit' would be an understatement.

I vaguely remember hearing the words "Omg!" "OTP! "My ship has sailed!" among the screams and squeals. Following that, she wouldn't stop asking me why I kissed Reid. My best response was:

"She needed a gift! And seeing as that was the one thing she wanted most in the world, I delivered."

That was the complete and utter truth. I didn't feel so inclined to add in the part about wanted Reid to realise how much she loved me so I could win our little game. That would've tarnished my gentlemanly image I just created for myself with my Valentines gifts.

I turn my attention back to the problem at hand (I'll have to address my other problem later).

"Here's your gift! Better late than never aye?" Dad jokes, pulling a small present from behind his back.

Dread courses through me as I search every corner of my brain to locate my present for him.

My car? No.

My bedroom? No.

My other bedroom? Yes.

I'll have to drive over to the Reid household this afternoon and pick it up. I must've left the brand-new watch on his desk while I was over there a couple nights ago.

"Thanks dad! I accidentally left yours over at Spence's but I'll give it to you tonight." I explain as I unwrap the present.

It's pretty dodgy in the gift wrapping department, but you can't expect much of a man who's hands shake every second of every day.

Inside a small box, is a ring. I've never been one to wear a ring, but it's stylish simplicity and the fact that it's given to me by my favourite person to walk this earth, makes me slide it onto my finger.