Sparrow Read Online Free PDF Page A

jinx the season.  None of the scouts want word getting to the
other schools, either; I’m sure you understand.”
    Addison’s
dad gives me a curt nod.  “Impressive.  I get the sense some big names are
looking at you.  Big Ten schools perhaps?”
    My
mouth opens but nothing comes out.
    “Rob,
leave the boy alone,” Beth interjects from the opposite end of the table.  “He
said he can’t talk about it.”
    I
shoot her a grateful glance.
    “Has
Addison mentioned Julliard?” she asks me.
    A
smile I can’t contain breaks across my face.  I look at Addison.  “Yes.  There’s
no doubt in my mind she’ll get in.”
    Addison
blushes and stares at her plate.
    “I
don’t doubt she will be accepted, either.”  Beth reaches for her wine glass. 
“What I do doubt is her ability to make a living as a dancer.  Maybe you could
talk some sense into her, Kyle, since you have your choice of colleges.  As an
athlete, you know you can’t rely on your body forever.  I feel she should minor
in dance.”
    Addison’s
brown eyes flash.  “Really, Mom?  You’re going to bring this up now?”
    “We’re
on the topic of colleges,” Beth says innocently, “and Julliard is quite
expensive.”
    “I
told you I’m looking into scholarships.  I’m willing to take on the loan debt.”
    “But,
you’ll need a co-signer without a job.  Your father and I aren’t…”
    “Beth.”
    All
eyes swing to Robert and his baritone voice.  “Enough.”
    Addison’s
mom lets out an exaggerated sigh, and she levels her eyes at her daughter.  “I
love you.  I only want what’s best.”
    Addison’s
shoulders sag.  “You’ve said that before.”
    Uncomfortable
tension hangs in the air and a knot forms in my stomach.  I want to hold
Addison and tell her she can do whatever she damn well pleases.  Instead, I
sneak another piece of chicken to Sam, who has been sitting by my chair the
entire time I’ve been here.  I don’t want Addison’s mother to think I dislike
her cooking, but my appetite has disappeared.
    Dinner
is finished in relative silence.  Addison stands to help her mother clear the
empty dishes from the table, leaving me alone with her father.  My nerves jump
into overdrive at being scrutinized by such an intimidating man.
    He
runs his napkin over his mouth and then tosses it on to his plate.  Crossing
his arms, he leans back in his chair.  “So, Kyle.  I guess now would be the
appropriate time to tell you I own a gun.”
    I
swallow and rub my sweaty palms against my cargo shorts.  I thought this only
happened in the movies.  “Yes, sir.”
    “I
don’t like what I saw today, mainly because I remember being your age.  I know
what’s going through your mind,” he says.  “Addison is my baby.  If you hurt
her, I hurt you.  Understand?”
    I
nod.
    “My
daughter has a bright future ahead of her, be that in dance or whatever else she
decides to do.  She doesn’t need anything getting in her way, if you know what
I mean.”
    I
don’t know what he means.  Does he think I’ll be too much of a distraction if I
stay in her life?  Or does he think I’m not good enough for her, period?
    He
sighs and reaches into his jeans pocket, then shocks me by flipping several condoms
on to the table.  I stare at them wide-eyed.  What the hell?
    “This
doesn’t mean you have my blessing or I condone what you’re doing,” he says as
he rubs his hand over his face.  “But I know I can’t stop it and I don’t want
her pregnant.”
    Holy
shit!  Is this a test?  If I take what he’s offering, it’s like admitting we’re
sleeping together.  Which we’re not.  I won’t lie; I’ve thought about it.  Imagined
it.
    “Mr.
Parks,” I protest, “Addison and I…we’re not…we haven’t…”
    “Doesn’t
mean you won’t,” he cuts me off.  “How many more weeks are you up here?”  He
shakes his head.  “Take them.  Trust me.  I’m thirty-six years old.  Addison’s
sister is