This time she does. She laughs as she says, “Okay, Gage.”
Damn. I don’t want her to go, but it’s the right thing to do. “Night.”
“Night.”
Chapter Nineteen
Daisy
The minute I pull into my spot in the parking lot, I reach for my phone.
Me:Home.
I wait for his response. Actually, I’m holding my breath. Weird, right? I don’t have to wait long.
Gage:Good. Had fun tonight.
Yeah, I should be cool and wait to respond, but why?
Me:Me too.
Gage:We should do it again. Watch the second one.
Me:I’d love to.
Gage:We could get food from…
Gage:What’s your favorite restaurant in Ames?
That’s a tough one. I have to think about it.
Me:Well, don’t judge, but I love Blaze Pizza.
It’s a chain restaurant, but I love their crust made crispy by the open-flame oven. Dang, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Gage:Never been. Can’t wait to try it.
I don’t know what to say to that, so the smiley face will have to do.
Me::)
Me:Night, Gage.
Gage:Night, Daisy.
Stepping out of my car, I’ve got a stupid grin on my face. It can’t be helped. Unfortunately, that grin only lasts until I get to my apartment. It’s there the smile drops because there’s something taped to my door. An envelope. Moving closer, I see my name scribbled on the front in handwriting I recognize. Dad’s. Grasping it, I carefully pull it away from the door so paint doesn’t come off.
While I’d like to tear it open and read it now, I know I need to wait until I get inside. With key in hand, I open my door and step into my apartment. The sense something isn’t right is immediate. Well, I guess I suspected something the minute I spotted the envelope. Moving past my kitchen, I freeze. “That fucker.”
Yanking my phone from my pocket, I don’t bother with the letter.
Me:Where’s my computer?
He must’ve been waiting because he responds right away.
Daddy Dearest:In your old bedroom. With your clothing and the rest of your things. Didn’t you read my note, honey?
“Honey” my ass.
