I shift closer to him and he kisses my head.
He flicks his gaze over to me.
“I’m okay. Really. I appreciate that you’re here for me, Cam. I can’t tell you how much that means. But I have to find out what he wants.” Because I could see it in my father’s eyes—this is not a social visit.
We all reach our vehicles, and stand awkwardly for a moment.
Then Molly breaks the silence. “I’ve got something to say.”
Cam glances over at me. I shrug, having no clue what Molly’s going to come out with.
“Daddy, I’ve been waiting a long time to have the opportunity to tell you this, and I wanted you to be the first in the family to know. This may be the only chance I’ve got to tell you so…here goes.” Molly draws a deep breath and I hear it catch in her throat. She recovers, though, and with a determined smile and looking right at Daddy, she says in a clear tone, “I’ve started dating someone. A woman.”
Daddy had a smile on his face, happy he was thought of “first.” His smile remains although it’s quickly fading.
Cam puts his hand on my arm as Molly lifts her chin and zeroes in on my father.
“I wanted you to know that.”
Celie gasps. “That’s so great, Mol! You’re actually dating?”
Molly nods, and her gaze shifts to me.
“That’s amazing, Mol.” My voice is soft. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, Vannah.” Molly answers me, but her attention returns to my father.
Cam says to her quietly, “You don’t need anyone’s approval to be yourself.”
She sends him a grateful look. “I know, but this is something I had to do.”
Daddy breaks out of his trance. “What the fuck did you just say, Molly? If it’s what I think, that is simply unacceptable for one of my daughters.”
“I’m sorry,” Molly says. “But I’m an adult now, Dad. Not a kid. You can’t tell me what is and isn’t acceptable anymore.”
“You’re screwed up, Molly,” My father says. “This is fucking crazy!”
“Daddy, stop it.” I hear my voice rather than feel it.
My father turns on me. “Oh, you knew about this, did you? And you never said anything earlier?”
I feel rather than see Cam rein in his anger, trying not to interfere.
“Why do you always do that, Daddy?” Molly says. “Why do you always turn it on Savannah and make it her fault, no matter who’s involved?”
“She is at fault!” Daddy’s tone is furious. “Bringing her boyfriend and her sisters along when I only asked to see her!”
Cam tenses like he’s about to turn on my father, but I squeeze his hand, begging him to stop.
I barely recognize my own voice when it comes out low and seething. “Daddy, if you don’t stop, I’m going to turn and walk away. And I know you wanted to discuss something important with me. So consider this fair warning.”
Daddy growls, but he doesn’t say anything in return.
Shaking, I let out a long breath.
Cam’s jaw is clenched in a vice grip, and his eyes are blazing. Molly’s smiling like this evening has fulfilled her every fantasy.
Without another word, she pulls out her car keys. “Thanks for the talk, Daddy. Goodbye.”
