“Now, I fear disappointing him again.What if I stay, and the novelty of being with me wears off?Or we shift into a dormant season, like we used to do when we were teenagers?Don’t misunderstand—this summer with Henry has been the best of my life.He’s been attentive, loving, and the sex is incredible…”
“Um, well…” Dad looks perplexed.
“But how can I make a decision based on such a small sampling?How do I trust it to last?And how do I take such a risk, considering the collateral damage I might cause, not just to Henry but to Olly, too?I feel like I’m in one of Christie’s romance novels, living page to page in a beautiful story that will fall apart when it becomes clear that I don’t belong here.”
“Why don’t you belong there?”
I shrug.“I’ve never belonged anywhere.”
“That’s a false statement,” he says.“You belong with us—your family.”
As if cued, Christie turns toward the camera from twenty yards away and gives me an exuberant wave.
My forehead scrunches as I wave back.“It is nice having… people.”
“Leaving Henry behind is an experiment that you’ve already performed, and it failed.Ten years apart didn’t stop you and Henry from caring about each other.When it comes to love lasting forever, that’s fairly compelling evidence in your favor.”
“True.”
“Venus, if you hold on to what you love, you have a greater chance of keeping it.”
I can’t fault his logic.
“You belong with Henry,” Dad says slowly to heighten the impact.“Whether that’s here together or with you abroad, that’s only for you to decide.I’m tickled hibiscus pink to learn that staying is a possibility.”He grins, looking sheepish as he pushes his wire frames up on his nose.
“Henry wants me to.It would be more ideal and I… I don’t know.”
“If you stay, stay for yourself, Venus.It should be whatyouwant.But I promise—we’d all love to have you.”
“Thanks, Dad.I, um… I want to amend my answer to your previous question about regrets.”
“Oh?”He looks surprised.“What’s your regret, then?”
“I regret not asking for your advice more often.You’re an excellent father.In the near future, I’d like to discuss the past to bring us both a better understanding, if that’s agreeable.”
His lips part in a stunned gaze.“Um, why yes, of course… and Venus, you’re an excellent daughter.I trust that you were right to leave us, that you made the best choice, especially for yourself.But home is here, whenever you want it.”
“Thank you.”A light smile grazes my lips as emotion builds underneath.“Tell Christie and Wren, thanks for letting me interrupt your pub night.”
“Interrupt anytime,” Dad says.“Oh, and Saturday’s the big campout, correct?”
“Yes, me, Henry, and Olly in the backyard.I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’s a good reason to put big decisions aside for a bit of fun.Memories won’t make themselves.Just beware the coyotes and mind your campfire.”
“Yes, Dad.I know,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Sending your dad a few pictures would also be appreciated.”
“Hmm, I’ll think about it,” I say with a smile.We soon end the call, and I feel better.
CHAPTER42
Henry
“Wow.That’s a lot of gear,”Venus says, hands on her hips as she eyes my overloaded trunk.“How long are you staying?A month?A year?”
Olly chuckles beside her.“I wish.”
