She wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed. “I miss you, jackass.”
I grinned. “Miss you too, fartface. Where are you guys goin’ tonight?”
“Girls night,” she said. “I left my phone here yesterday, so I had to come get it.”
“No, you didn’t,” Dad countered. “I coulda brought it to you.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “I wasn’t going to make you go out of your way when it was my mistake.”
“Don’t think you’re understanding my words, baby girl.”
“Oh, I understand them perfectly,” she said. “I’m just ignoring them.”
“Violet,” he growled.
“Daddy, I’m fine. I haven’t seen anyone getting fucked from behind, my virginal eyes are safe.” She rolled her eyes for my benefit and threw her phone in her purse. “Everly and I’ll go out the back, so we miss the orgy.”
“Jesus Christ,” Dad hissed.
“I haven’t heard that yelled out in ecstasy either, so my equally virginal ears are also safe.”
I couldn’t stop a laugh as my dad glared daggers at her.
“How’s Raquel?” Violet asked. I shrugged and she frowned. “What did you do?”
I shook my head. “Nothing. It’s not like we’re a thing.”
“But Ilikeher,” she whined. “She’s pretty and funny and doesn’t take your shit.”
“Well, maybeyoushould date her, then.”
She wrinkled her nose. “You’re salty today. Did she dump you?”
I ignored her, taking a swig of beer.
Violet smiled. The one that always made me feel like she was reading my mind. I kept my expression as neutral as possible and she finally faced Dad. “I love you to the moon and back, Daddy.”
He sighed. “Love you, too, baby girl.”
She kissed his cheek, then guided Everly out of the kitchen and I relaxed.
“You gonna be able to make that run tomorrow?” Dad asked.
“Already told you I would.”
“Youarefuckin’ salty.” He raised an eyebrow. “Trouble in paradise?”
“Considering there was no paradise, there can’t be trouble.”
“Right. Well, have a little fun and unwind. Tomorrow’s gonna start early.”
I gave him a chin lift and he left me standing in the middle of the kitchen, uninterested in anything that was happening out in the great room.
Goddammit, I needed to get a fuckin’ grip.
* * *
Raquel
