That landed like a dropped weight. Mark looked down. Eliza started crying quietly.
“I didn’t tell you about the academy because I didn’t want people to treat me like I was going to fail.”
My laugh came out bitter. “And you thought I would.”
“I didn’t want you to end up like your father.”
“No,” he said fast. “You’re the only one who didn’t.”
He swallowed hard. “You used to tell me I could be anything if I’d stop acting like I didn’t care.”
My throat burned. “I told you that because I didn’t want you to end up like your father.”
The air changed.
Grant’s eyes filled. He nodded as if he’d been carrying that sentence for years. “I know.” He took another step. “I wanted to show you I’m not him.”
