Chapter 40
“For what it’s worth, Asher, I really am sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t react well. I’m sorry I was an idiot and didn’t talk to you sooner. I’m happy Cory got here before it was too late. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, son.”
Asher hid his face against my shoulder. “I’ll try.”
Mr. Cross pulled back, wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, and nodded. “You wanted to talk to me about something?” he asked.
“Yes.” I held up a finger, asking him to wait a minute, and turned to Asher. Combing my fingers through his hair, I whispered, “You okay?”
He nodded against my shoulder. “Yeah.” After a few more seconds, he straightened. “I’m ready.”
“Yesterday, my mother called me and told me I needed to come back to New York because The Senator was sick.”
“The Senator?” Mr. Cross asked.
“My grandfather,” I explained. “It was a lie. He’s fit as a fiddle. When I got there this morning, I found out it had all been a ruse to get me to come back home. To get me away from Asher.”