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I don’t even really kno to feel about it My father, Ji up, I found him to be cold and distant, a hard man to know He’s an electrician and, in , hard hours to provide for his faht and expect my stay-at-home mom to have dinner on the table

After dinner, he’d retire to his recliner and watch TV for the rest of the night, and I had to be quiet and not disturb him It was my mom who helped me with homework, ht She’s the one oke , fed me, and waited with me at the bus stop

Only after I showed some natural talent for hockey did my dad’s interest in ames when his work schedule allowed, and while he was never one to boisterously cheer me on, I could tell he was proud It was the look on his face

Still, it was Moame and nursed my sprains and injuries When I doubted myself, she always bolsteredday in and day out to develop my talent

And she’s the one who held back her tears so I wouldn’t feel guilty when I left to live with my billet fae of sixteen She kneas my best chance to move forward inup the last two years ofwith her full-time

It’s true I grew a little closer to ue, but that had more to do with the fact that I was an adult, and thus we had s in common While the bond with ht and emotional, my relationship with Dad has been more like that of the proud uncle who lives down the street We’ve never had the in-depth discussions one ine occur between father and son, and he’s never been the one I turned to for guidance and support

And yet, when he called nosed with cancer, it stunnedthe news Based on our history, I would have considered it normal for hi in his voice then that I’d never heard before

Thinking about it now, it’s hard to describe, but if I have to boil it down to one word, it ret

Not that he’s dying, but perhaps that we ether

Whatever it was I heard in that conversation, it was enough for h I don’t have a deep relationship with h for me to walk away from an assured championship, and possibly set my entire career back

The baggage carousel alar the platforgage It jolts aze moves to the little ramp that leads up from the bowels of the airport, where sos

The various pieces start their climb upward and dump unceremoniously out onto the metal platform that will eventually deliver the items

Ian open spot between passengers Flying first class has its perks, one of which is thatIt comes out third in line, and I nab it easily

Myout by the curb I set the heavy suitcase on its wheels, pull the telescoping handle up, and turn toward the door, i where I’

“Shit,” Ito steady the person “I’m so sorry”

My gaze travels up past jeans-clad legs, a pretty spring sweater in butter yellow, gorgeous breasts, and a slender neck

Then my eyes lock on the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen

One I’ve looked at least a hout my life and in my dreams I still have found none to rival it My entire body jolts with an electric shock as I stare into the eyes of irlfriend, Calliope Ramirez

“Hey,” I say interribly aard at seeing her here I look around for her faht be on a trip with Wheninto you at the airport”