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“Of course I do We leased a slip down there for the boat Where else would Faith and I go for our summer vacations?”

“How about nowhere, if you can’t even keep your business afloat? I had plans for that money, Dad”

“Plans that should’ve included giving your old man a cut of it anyway” He scoffed “You wouldn’t be where you are without y with it, but now you’ll be on TV You won’t even feel a tiny pinch” His eyes flashed dollar signs, already spending the money I hadn’t made

Yeah, I’d had my h it But a part ofto buy my own father’s love and respect The blinders had been lifted, not only on him, but on me

“Bull-fucking-shit You’ve been pulling that guilt trip on h with you I should’ve given that iven you that last check—hell, I shouldn’t have given you the first one I won’t ain The next time your business is in trouble, I’ll help your employees set up their own business that’s not run by a selfish asshole like you”

“You’d rather have given that money to my brother over me?”

Out of everything I’d said, he’d homed in on that one detail

“Yes!” My voice ricocheted throughout the hallway “Because he wasn’t an inconsiderate asshole He overleveraged hi boat and a brand new TV and sound system And he actually cared about me”

“I’oddammit”

“You could’ve fooledfor your bait and switch anyain Enjoy your boat It only cost you your son”

I stormed out of the house, determined to make it the last time the old oak door slammed closed behind me

Pulling into the garage of ,to coaxme back there

“What?”

A sharp gasp was followed by a throat clearing “Is this Mr Leo Wilder?”

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