---- Chapter 5 The Last Call On the fourth day after I moved out, I got a call from an unfamiliar number. Awoman's voice came through, distant yet polite. "' Hello, may I speak to Evie's father? "Mr. Jonas, sorry to bother you-I'm Evie's homeroom teacher. We had a parent-teacher meeting today, and unfortunately, Evie's parents were the only ones who didn't show. Some of the more mischievous kids made fun of her, and she ended up getting into an argument with them. "Situations like this can really affect a child's emotional well-being. I haven't been able to reach her mother, so I had no choice but to call you. Would you be able to come to the school?" I sat in silence for a moment after hearing her out. A glance at my phone reminded me that it was Evie's parent-teacher conference that day. Just a few days ago, I had even planned to attend. After all, I had gone to every single one in the past. Selena never had the ---- time, barely managing to keep herself together, much less show up for her daughter. A wave of exhaustion washed over me. My voice was quiet as I murmured, "I'm sorry, but I'm no longer married to Evie's mother. I don't have custody, so it's not my job to clean up this mess. And it's certainly not my job to attend the meeting." The teacher clearly felt awkward, unsure how to respond. So, I asked her to put Evie on the phone. When Evie came on the line, I told her directly, "Evie, arguing with people isn't right. You're old enough to handle things on your own. This meeting was your mother's responsibility. Or you could've asked Mr. Shire. Either way, it was never going to be me- because I'm not your daddy anymore. Those were your words, remember? Don't call me again. We don't have anything to do with each other now." Evie sounded like she wanted to say something, but I simply said goodbye to the teacher and hung up without hesitation. ---- Even after the call ended, I just sat there for a while. Thad loved that girl like my own life for ten years. To say something so final, so cold-it hurt. Evie wasn't always like this. When she was little, she was sweet and kind. But the older she got, the more she became like Selena- willful, unreasonable, and hopelessly taken with Skyler. Then again, that was how I had been treated for the past ten years. And when I thought about it that way, I felt strangely at peace. Anew life was waiting for me. I had given up everything for Selena once- including the things I loved. Now it was time to reclaim it all, one piece at a time. I got up, cleaned myself up, and arranged to have lunch with one of my former professors. When we met, my college mentor looked me over and sighed. "You had such a promising future. I tried to Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.