“Heisthe only thing that matters, because unlike you, Haze is kind, patient and loving. He doesn’t show up when he wants something, or to rub things in my face and act like he knows all the answers.”
“Those are perfect examples of exactly why he has his claws in you once again, because he knows you’ll just fall for his bullshit,” he snarks.
I take a breath, trying my best not to scream. “This is over,” I say, my voice breaking. “Between us, Dad. You never once let me make my own decisions. You’re here in New Orleans, not to look out for me and have my back, but to hang around in my workplace inventing things to do so you can spy on me and point out all the things I’m doing wrong.”
There’s a brief pause. “That’s where you’re very wrong about everything. The only reason I’m here is to protect you from things you know nothing about.”
I frown, stopping my pacing for a beat. “What are you talking about?”
“Why don’t you ask yourhusband,I’m sure he’ll come clean with you about all the lies he’s been keeping.”
“Dad, what lies? Why are you doing this?”
I can just picture him and his smirk because he has something over me. He has no reason to act like this. It’s taking protectiveness and possessiveness to a whole new level.
“I came to New Orleans to help you, and all I get is this thrown in my face and a black eye for my troubles. Haze is reckless, just like Max, and you don’t see sense with either of them.”
“Leave Max out of this,” I warn. “I mean it. You’ve always been hard on him for no good reason. Why do you think he turned out the way he did?”
“Oh, so it’smyfault?” he snaps. “Of course, neither of you takes any responsibility for your shortcomings?—”
“What have I ever done to you?” I demand. “Except try to be the best daughter I can. I’m not perfect, I don’t pretend to be, but all I’ve ever wanted is your approval, and I’ll never get it. No matter what I do, or how hard I try, you will never see me as your equal.”
“You’re talking garbage, Willow?—”
“I’m not done!” I yell. “If you ever come to my workplace and cause a fight ever again, I will have you physically removed from the building. I don’t care who your connections are. I don’t want to see you, hear from you, or look at you, so don’t bother coming back.” I hang up, my hands shaking.
It’s then that I see movement from the doorway and my eyes widen. I forgot to shut the door when I’d called my dad, and Hally is making a run for it — my coffee in hand.
“Wait!” I call out, she turns, and I don’t even have to see her face to know she’s already wincing.
“I’m so sorry—” she starts.
“Put it on the desk,” I tell her. “Next time, knock.”
“I’m sorry.” She swallows hard. “I did the coffee run this morning, and I know you like the?—”
“You’re ass kissing because you think I don’t like you because of what happened with Max,” I say. My tone is still furious because of Dad. The poor girl unfortunately came in at the wrong time, but here we are.
Her face flushes. “I don’t see it that way, but I’ll admit it is kinda awkward sometimes.”
“I’m a professional,” I say, then drop my gaze to the desk. “But sometimes we have to do things, not because we want to, but because it’s the right thing to do. And it’s our job.”
She nods.
“You don’t have to feel bad about being the one who arrested my brother, you probably saved his life.”
She blinks. “I did?” I can see some relief washing over her face as her shoulders drop, her eyes meeting mine. “I still feel bad about it.”
“Well, don’t. Max made his own choices, and that’s water under the bridge. I treat all of my staff equally until they piss me off. So don’t piss me off by treading on eggshells around me thinking I’m going to bite your head off for no good reason.”
“Okay,” she says. “I’m sorry if I did that.”
“And stop apologizing. Like I said — you did your job, and that’s what matters.” I take a long needed breath as I let the silence settle between us. I can tell she wants to leave, but I haven’t dismissed her yet. “You didn’t hear that conversation,” I go on.
“No, ma’am, I didn’t.”
“Do you have good parents, Hally?” I ask out of nowhere.
