He stands and sets his napkin on the table. “Of course. I’ll be sure to get your details from Holden.”
I smile in appreciation and turn, only to lock eyes one last time with Holden who has an unusual stare that’s new to me.
It’s fine. He should enjoy his dinner because I have a feeling he might freak out later.
* * *
I fiddlemy thumbs as I lean over the kitchen counter when I hear Holden and Harry arrive home.
“Head upstairs, and I’ll say goodnight soon,” I hear him tell his son, followed by feet thumping up the stairs.
I dread what’s coming, but Holden will figure it out. My eyes lift when he slowly saunters my way, half pissed and the other half lost.
“You owe me a few explanations. That was one abrupt exit for an important meeting. What has my daughter done now?”
I grab the bottle of wine that I had opened and drag it my way, but then second-guess myself and slide it in Holden’s direction and pour him a glass, as he will need it at the ready.
“She started her period,” I mention as I close the bottle.
Holden’s eyes flutter, and he seems to be registering the information. “Excuse me, she what?”
Okay, disbelief it is.
“Holden.” I circle around the island to be close to him because a counter seems too much distance for us. “You know what I said.”
He grabs the glass and takes a gulp of wine before setting it down and hissing a breath as he claws his hair. “The time has come.”
I nod in understanding. “It seems it has.”
He blinks a few times, taking in the fact that his little girl is growing up. “I knew this was coming, I just wasn’t expecting it now. I’m kind of unready and surprised here.”
I touch his arm to ensure he connects his eyes with me. “Then imagine how she’s feeling.”
“What the fuck do I do? I’m not prepared. Do I need to go upstairs and talk to her? Throw her party to welcome her to no longer being my little girl?” He’s all over the place, as expected.
My hands skim up to square his shoulders to me, and I squeeze the curve of his muscles to assure him. “I took care of it, and if you need to add buying supplies next month to your grocery list then so be it. That’s life.”
He attempts to escape my hold. “I should talk?—”
“Noooo.” I shut that down right away. “Just let her have some space tonight, and tomorrow it’s a normal day. She wanted me to tell you, and I have.”
Another sigh leaves his lips. “Okay, normal day. Yeah, I can do that. I can totally do that.” He peps himself up.
I look at him with skepticism. “Really?” My tone is flat. “You’re eyeing the wine bottle wondering where you put the whiskey. I can read your mind.”
At last, he scoffs a sound of calm. “That’s right… Want to have a drink with me?”
“I want my doggy bag actually. Lori and I just ate ice cream, and I need my Alfredo.”
His face drops. “Oh shit, I knew I forgot something.”
“Tell me you didn’t.” Ugh.
A grin stretches on his face again. “Nah, but messing with you is a relief right now.”
I swat his arm, only for him to catch my attempt. His hand wraps around my wrist to hold up with warmth in his eyes.
“Lexi…”
