Juan looked relieved and reassured but then laughed. “Do you think your James might have been misplaced?”
“Most definitely. Did you see his face?” She giggled again as she turned the bacon. “Go and see if you can hear what Jim’s saying.”
“No way. If he catches me, he will be pissed with me too and if I am safe I would like to stay that way.” Juan’s seriousness made Tasha laugh at him.
They looked at each other and flinched as they heard Jim’s raised voice.
“Watch the bacon.” She tiptoed towards the office and stood at the door to listen.
“I told you to look after her and you didn’t,” Jim shouted.
“She’s an adult and was dancing, no more,” said Philip, his voice ever so slightly raised.
“She may have been dancing, but some fucking idiot was trying to stick his hand up her dress.” Jim sounded very angry.
“I didn’t know, sorry, but I was pretty wasted.”
Tasha winced at his father’s likely reaction to that if not at his words themselves.
“Oh well, that’s okay then. My son was too wasted to stop some dick feeling my girlfriend up and ripping her dress.”
“I didn’t know,” repeated Philip sheepishly. “But no harm came to Tasha and if you will date a young and beautiful girl then you know that other guys will want to be with her and touch her.”
Tasha recoiled at the reference to two of Jim’s biggest concerns; people wanting her and touching her.
“You think some smart ass comment is due?” Jim continued before a reply was possible. “Thank God Juan was there to look after her, and you. They carried you home when you got back because you were so incapable, Philip.”
“Sorry.” Philip sounded sad. “But Tasha’s alright? And when she goes home—”
Tasha jumped and squealed as Sandra tapped her on the shoulder. “You’ll never hear any good of yourself eavesdropping.”
Tasha laughed as she clung to her chest that contained her pounding heart before jumping again as the office door flew open.
“You two, again. Can I do something for you?” Jim stared at them.
“I was just telling Tasha the dining room is ready for breakfast,” said Sandra thinking quickly, but not as quick as the other woman.
“And I was going to ask what time Lizzie was due,” Tasha said as Jim and Philip looked at her.
“Most convenient,” snapped Jim but answered her question. “Lizzie is due anytime now.” He looked at his watch before the doorbell rang.
“Saved by the bell,” whispered Philip as Sandra opened the door.
“Don’t you believe it,” muttered Jim, sauntering back to the kitchen with a scowl.
Lizzie flew through like a whirlwind and quickly kissed them all before looking for her father.
“Are you alright?” Tasha asked Philip, concerned. “I am so sorry. I told him I’m not your responsibility, or anyone’s.”
Philip smiled. “Don’t worry, he really cares for you, that’s all. You’re okay though?”
Tasha nodded. “I’m fine, really. Alex was very drunk and a dick, but I’m fine.”
“It was Alex?”
Tasha nodded.
“He is such a douche bag and if Donny found out he would kick his ass. Does Dad know it was Alex?”
