Not with anger, though.
With remorse.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that night, but I’ve been swamped with work. It’s not an excuse. But I’m sorry I snapped at you that night. I didn’t mean to.”
She studied him intently, noting the lines of exhaustion etched on his face. “All right, I’m going to ask this again. Are you okay? Like, truly okay?”
Presley picked up his water glass and took a deep swig, his long fingers tightening around the glass for a moment before he set it down.
“For the most part,” he finally said.
She eyed him in concern. “For the most part?”
“I mean, I can’t lie—the divorce has taken its toll. Not to mention the rumors plaguing the franchise.” Her father offered a reassuring smile, but the shadows in his eyes betrayed a deeper struggle. “But I’m handling it, sweetheart. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Despite his assurances, Hayden couldn’t shake the nagging suspicion that there was more to the story. “Are you sure that’s all it is? Because you seemed really...” She took a deep breath, deciding to address the concern that had been gnawing at her. “You were really drunk that night, Dad. And that’s not like you. I’ve never seen you drink too much at those events.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. “What exactly are you asking me? If I have a drinking problem? Because I can assure you, I do not. You’re right, though—I drank too much that night. It had been a particularly tough week with all the rumors swirling, and I let everything get to me.”
She nodded slowly. “I get it. It can’t be pleasant, all the stuff the media is saying about you and the Warriors.”
“It’s not. But like I said before, you don’t have to worry about me. The franchise and I are going to weather this storm.”
“I’m always going to worry about you. You know that.”
His features softened. “I know, sweetheart.” He reached across the table to squeeze her hand. “And I appreciate it, I really do.”
They were interrupted by the server again, who came to drop off the check. As her father handed over his black Amex, a text lit up Hayden’s phone.
DARCY: I’m taking the day off. Want to do some shopping with me?
She sent a quick response while her dad spoke with the server, telling her friend she was actually in the city, not far from Darcy’s apartment.
DARCY: Oh nice! Stay put. I’ll come meet you there.
“Ready to go, sweetheart? I can get my driver to drop you back at the Ritz.”
“No need, but thank you. Darcy just texted. She’s coming to meet me. We’re going shopping.”
“All right, then.”
He didn’t give her a hug goodbye, but leaned in to squeeze her arm and plant a kiss on the top of her head.
After he was gone, she ordered yet another coffee, resigning herself to being wired for the rest of the day and not sleeping a wink later tonight. Darcy arrived at the restaurant shortly after, greeting Hayden with a grin as she slid into Presley’s vacant seat.
“Damn, you got here fast,” Hayden remarked.
“I was already dressed and ready to go when I texted you.” Darcy smoothed out her red hair and tossed it over her shoulder.
“Why’d you take the day off?”
“I got in super late last night.”
“Hot date?”
“Hot fuck.”
Hayden almost snorted out her coffee. “Sorry, my mistake.”
Her friend’s blue eyes danced impishly. “Apology accepted. And don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about him while I drag you into every dress boutique on this block. I’m seeing him again tonight.”
Hayden’s jaw dropped. “What? A repeat performance?”
“Yup.”
“He was that good in bed?”
“Yup.”
“Are you going to marry him?” Hayden asked hopefully.
“Nope.” Grinning again, Darcy pushed the chair and started to rise. “Come on, let’s go. I want to find a really slutty dress for tonight.” As she stood, she picked up the half-full water glass Hayden’s father had left behind. “I’m parched. Mind if I chug the rest of this water?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Darcy lifted the glass to her lips and took a deep swig.
A second later she started coughing wildly, eyes widening as she spit the water out, getting it all over her shirt.
