I don’t know why I said that last part but it slipped out before I could stop it.
And now I’m basically roped into meeting a stranger. But I won’t be alone. The truth is, Kelly and I were planning to go anyway, and she initially told me to invite Bodi. When I called her a little while ago to lament about today’s events, she reminded me about Broderick and said it was time to shake things up in my life.
By inviting him to meet in person.
Part of me is terrified, but I’m not unattractive. I’m just kind of shy and introverted. At least, that’s what I’ve heard my father and Lourdes tell people for the last six or seven years. I don’t remember being introverted when my mother was alive but that seems like a lifetime ago. And whenever I’m around Lourdes, it’s just easier to disappear than to try to compete. It shouldn’t be a competition but somehow it always feels like it.
For once, I’m doing something for me.
Something completely out of character.
If it blows up in my face, at least Kelly will be with me.
A knock on the door surprises me and I call out for whoever it is to come in.
To my astonishment, it’s my father.
I can’t remember the last time he came to my room to talk to me. Usually, he corners me at dinner or sends me a text.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hi.” He looks around like he’s never seen my room before. “What are you doing?”
“I was studying but I’m taking a break now. Do you need something?”
“Do you think you could come back downstairs?”
“Why?” I ask suspiciously.
His face tightens. “Could you go down and calm Lindy? She’s having a meltdown and Lourdes is about to lose her cool. You’re much better with Lindy when she’s like this.”
Of course.
He only wants me around when he needs a babysitter.
“I can go get her,” I say softly, sliding off the bed.
“Thanks,” he says gruffly. “And, uh, sorry about before.”
“Before?” I glance over my shoulder. I know what he’s talking about but I’ll be damned if I make it easy for him.
He scratches his chin. “About what I said… you not having any friends. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I was just stressed. It’s really important that everyone have a good time today.”
“Are they?” I ask.
“I think so, yes.” For a fraction of a second, I see a remnant of the dad I remember. Tired and overworked, but also kind and thoughtful. Then it’s gone so quickly I’m not even sure what I saw.
“Then take the win.”
His eyes meet mine and they narrow, as if realizing who he’s talking to. “Just keep your sister up here, will you please? I don’t want Lourdes to lose her temper in front of everyone.”
Because Lourdes loses her temper all the time. God forbid she does it in front of the other wives and girlfriends. Or the team. His staff. The other coaches.
“You worry about Lourdes, I’ll take care of Lindy.”
That, at least, is easy.
She’s a good kid but so desperate for her mother’s attention she’ll do almost anything to get it. Sadly, the only time Lourdes really pays attention to her is when they’re shopping for things for pageants, and Lindy hates everything about them. She’s learned to smile and dance and sing, but her heart isn’t in it. Atsome point, it’s going to turn into a showdown. Based on Lindy’s behavior today, probably sooner rather than later.
