“It’s unlocked,” cameAvô’svoice.
I slowly opened the door and stepped inside.
Avôwas in bed, looking sleepy and concerned, and as I walked in further, his eyes searched my face.
“Qual o problema, pequena?” he asked. What’s wrong, little one?
Can’t sleep, I signed.
His shoulders relaxed at my response, and he threw aside his blanket before shifting a little to his left. “Hop on.”
I went without hesitation, and all but curled up against him when he opened his arms for me.
My throat tightened as I placed the side of my face on his chest, and when he ran a hand up and down my back, I lost it and began crying on his shirt.
God, I felt so safe like this – cocooned against him. I didn’t even care how I looked in that moment. All I knew was that I was okay and he was there for me.
“Carina…”Avôpressed a gentle kiss on my hairline. “What’s wrong, hon?”
I sniffed, and as I moved back to look at him, I saw how starkly visible his wrinkles and worry lines appeared under the silver light that reflected against the window’s glass and poured into his room.
I miss you, I signed, because it was the truth.
“I’m here,” he said, but I knew that he knew exactly what I meant.
It’s not fair to me, I signed, perhaps a bit more angrily than I’d like to.
Avôlet go of a breath as he looked at me. “And how is it fair tome, Carina, when you won’t respect my wish?”
He can’t be serious.
Myles is amazing, Avô.
He raised a brow. “And you know thathow, exactly? By sneaking out of the shop to go on dates with him? By going behind my back and spending time with him here, in this house, when I’m at the shop?”
If you already know I’ve been doing all of this, then why not fire him? Why is he still working on renovations if you aren’t happy with our relationship? You’re willingly letting us spend time together. Shouldn’t you be doing the opposite of that?
He bunched his jaw as he stared at me. “Because I know what you’re experiencing is simply a phase, one thatwillpass soon enough. I’m waiting for you to realize that by yourself and come to terms with it. Children need to learn certain lessons on their own.”
I’m not a child.
“But you sure have been acting like one recently.”
I fisted my hands.Why are you doing this?I signed.Why won’t you believe me when I tell you Myles is not like the others?
Avôshook his head a little. “I trust him enough to know that he won’t behave incorrectly with you, but that doesn’t mean I think he’s right for you.”
Oh, he’sgotto be kidding me.
And you know what’s right for me?
“Of course I do.”
I roughly ran a hand under my nose.You don’t know anything, I signed, just as a tear slid down my left cheek.
Avô’sexpression softened, and if I was right, I even saw a flash of regret on his features.
“Carina, come on–”
