On My Own: Book Three in the Who's Your Daddy series by Rhonda Marks Read Free Book Online

welcome and then   launched into the speech he spent several hours writing last night and this morning. He encouraged them to stay in school and to further their education once high school ended. He regaled them with tales of his adventures when he was a boy growing up in Devinne, cracking them up at all the trouble he used to get into.
    Once his speech was over, there was time for some questions. They ranged from his NFL experiences to his thoughts on what colleges they should consider. Dirk took the time to answer every last question and posed for a ton of pictures.
    Bone tired, he started for the exit but was stopped by Hines. “You did a good job today, Benedict,” he said begrudgingly. “I have to hand it to you, the kids love you and hung on your every word.” He turned to go then quickly stuck his hand out again. “I may have my misgivings about you, but I’m man enough to admit I might be wrong.” He then quickly walked out of the auditorium.
    Stunned, Dirk stood there for a minute and took it all in. The film crew was packed up and ready to go. Monique must have already headed for the car because she was nowhere in sight. Time for him to go too. He had a workout with the team later in the afternoon and being late was not an option. As he started for the exit, someone tapped him on the shoulder. “Yes,” he said turning around. He gasped when he saw his son staring up at him.
    Dirk quickly looked around to make sure no one was nearby before speaking. “Hello, son. How’d you like my speech?”
    “It was cool. My boys really liked it.”
    Dirk knew that he had no business talking to JJ, especially since Caroline warned him to stay away until they worked out something. But he wasn’t the one to make the first move, so he hadn’t really broken his word, right? “Don’t you need to get to class, sport?”
    “Well, I kind of told my teacher I was going to the restroom.” He held up a piece of paper Dirk assumed was a hall pass. “But I wanted to talk to you.”
    “Let’s go someplace private, okay?” They walked down the hall and soon found an empty classroom. Dirk squeezed into a desk while JJ chuckled at his efforts. “How are you, JJ?”
    “I’m good. Can I ask you something?”
    “Shoot.”
    “Why did you leave my mom?”
    Dirk took deep breath and tried to formulate an acceptable answer. Caroline said she’d told him a little bit about their relationship, but what had she said concerning him leaving town? “JJ, my leaving town had nothing to do with her. I loved your mom.” And still do.
    “But why, then? Why’d you go away?”
    “It’s complicated son, and something I can’t talk to you about.”
    “Can’t or won’t?” JJ looked him dead in the eye and Dirk had to stop himself from smiling. The expression on his face reminded him so much of his father. That look he had when he faced down the city council on a monthly basis. Dad would have been so proud of this boy.
    “I ma de an agreement with your mother not to talk about certain subjects. And I’m going to follow her lead. But let me tell you this, I’m going to be in your life from here on out. We will get to know one another, okay.”
    “Okay, Dad.” JJ glanced at the clock on the wall and started for the door. “I guess I’d better get back to class before my teacher starts looking for me.” Just as he reached the door, he whirled around and launched himself into Dirk’s arms. Father and son hugged each other, neither one wanting to let go. Eventually, JJ pried himself loose and rushed out the classroom, leaving Dirk tearing up for the second time today.
    After getting himself under control, Dirk exited the school and headed for the limo. Monique gave him a curious stare but said nothing.
    “Drop me off at the library,” Dirk said to the driver.
    “Don’t you have a workout this afternoon?” Monique asked.
    “This won’t take long,” he replied. He hoped.
     
    Caroline had just returned to her office and