“Oh.” I don’t know what else to say. I clear my throat and add in a, “Sorry.”
He snorts. “You’ll be happy to be done with me. You can say it.”
“Dad! I would never say that.”
“I know. That’s why I’m giving you permission.” He laughs again. When he looks at me, I see the spark of meanness in his eyes. Looks like I caught him in rare form tonight. Lucky me. “You quit paying for my phone, so I know you don’t want to call me no more.”
I know Timofey is standing behind me, but I have to pretend he’s not. Talking to my dad is hard enough without processing everything through the filter of Timofey.
What must he think of me right now? I’m pathetic and weak. I can’t stand up to my own father. I let him walk all over me.
I shake my head and focus on my father. “You told me you were going to tak
