I Stopped Loving Him When He Let Me Bleed Out novel Chapter 20

Finn's fingers tightened slightly around his glass.

"No."

"Give me a break," Xavier leaned back in his chair. "I've known you my entire life. When something's eating at you, your left eyebrow ticks up higher than the right. Look at your face."

Finn instinctively reached up and touched his brow.

Xavier laughed.

"Gotcha. I knew it. You're a damn airline captain, you barely ever drink. The fact that you dragged us out to a bar means something is seriously wrong."

He paused, his tone dropping its usual playful edge.

"Finn, I'm telling you, you have to prioritize the kid. Don't end up like me."

The private room grew quiet.

Xavier's smile faded completely, his voice heavy with regret.

"You know my story. Short marriage, single dad. My biggest regret in life is not giving my daughter a complete family."

He picked up his drink and took a slow sip.

"She lives with me now. When I'm shooting, she hangs around the set, practically raised by the crew. Sometimes she looks at me and asks, 'Dad, everyone else has a mom. Why don't I?'"

He set the glass down, his voice turning rough.

"And I never have a good answer."

Finn stared at him, saying nothing.

"So listen to me," Xavier patted Finn's shoulder firmly. "If you and Chloe can make it work, make it work. Don't let your boy suffer for your mistakes."

Finn picked up his glass and drained the amber liquid in one shot.

"I know."

The moment he set the glass down, his phone rang.

The caller ID flashed: Chloe.

Xavier leaned over, caught a glimpse of the name, and grinned.

"Wife checking in? Don't worry, I'll smooth it over for you."

"Get the hell out of here," Finn shoved Xavier's face away and answered the call.

"Finn, where are you?" Chloe's voice drifted through the speaker.

"Out with Xavier and Isaac."

"Oh..." Chloe's tone instantly relaxed. "By the way, I saw an ad for a play at the Grand Theatre next week. 'The Little Prince'. York really wants to see it, but I heard it's completely sold out. Can you pull some strings and get tickets?"

Finn's grip on the phone turned white-knuckled.

'The Little Prince'.

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