“Are you ready for me to read?” I took her outstretched cup and placed it on the bedside table.“I was ready ten minutes ago. If you wait any longer I’ll have time to write a novel meself.”

“Can you tell me what happened?"Her lips thinned as she shook her head. "'Tis not a happy tale.""You have me reading a book about a girl who tries to kill an entire town. Anything else at this point would be a pick me up.”

“Do you realize what a special assignment you have here?"I just stared at her. Special assignment would me like interviewing Lady Gaga. This was just cruel and unusual torture.”

“Sorry, Christina, both my parents have gotten married within six months. I just need some time to adjust." oh, and plus, i don't like you.”

“What’s hard is not having that hope. I can’t imagine going through bad times without that peace. Without that surrender, life just eats you up. Spits you out. Wears you down to nothing.”

“I see who I am reflected in your eyes. I know what you think about me. But what if I told you, you were wrong?”

“When I look at you, I still see the son I love more than my own life. But I also see a man who has become so far removed from what matters that his perception is skewed. Family is real, son. A home to settle into—that’s real. People who love you and care about you. You’ve had a phenomenal career, and I’m proud of you. But it’s time to stop basing your worth on championships and endorsement deals. You can’t buy happiness. You can’t earn it. God isn’t counting all the deals you’re racking up—and neither is your family.” He lifted his brow. “And neither is Lucy. For the first time someone’s looking at the person inside—and you have to decide if you’re going to let her in and be the man she needs you to be.” His father turned his head toward a family picture on the mantel. “It’s a risk. But one I’ve never regretted.”