Chapter 26

Four years ago

Tate:

I wake from my slumber, stretching and slowly opening my eyes only to see dads eyes already on me. He’s leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

I sit up, throwing suspicious glances his way.

“Being creepy doesn’t suit you, dad”, I say, if not for anything, then to avert his strong gaze from me. He doesn’t.

“There’s Tylenol on the nightstand”, he says instead, pointing towards the glass of water and card of drugs beside me. I’m confused at first, but I recall that I cried myself to sleep the night before and judging from the raging headache I’m suffering, dad was really nice to bring me the pills. I stick one pill in my mouth, swallowing it down with the water. Dad uncrosses his arms and makes his way towards me, sitting on the edge of my bed and staring at me.

“We need to talk”, he says and I groan.

“Too early daddy. I’m exhausted”. I’m honestly not, but I’m not ready for heavy talk.

“Sleep later. We talk now”. His tone leaves no room for argument.