One of the things he didn’t need to know about was my plan to move to Sweetwater Valley. I don’t care what he would have said about it if he had known, but I suppose I might as well tell him now. While I doubt that he’d show up at my old place, considering he had never been there, I didn’t want to deal with his anger about it later if he felt embarrassed in any way by not knowing.
And I suppose it is the right thing to do to let the only parent who is in my life know where I am.
This is his chance to step up and be the dad I think he could be. I’m not expecting perfection, but I would like to see some sort of improvement. Even just a glimpse of real care would go a long way.
How sad is that?
Kelly does a double take before her eyes soften as she looks at me. “Helen,” her voice is bright, and there’s not the fake edge to her voice that’s there when she’s in work mode, “it’s so good to see you. I’ve been missing you around here.”
My shoulders slump slightly because while I would have seen Kelly around town, even if I was avoiding Dad and his office, I haven’t really been around. Not for a while.
Once I realized Rhodes could be called out at any time as Sheriff, I hated the idea of him needing to drive farther than needed, especially when considering how unpredictable the weather can be. I was not going to be the reason to add danger to my man’s life. Nope, no fucking way.
“I’m sorry,” I keep my voice low out of respect for my dad’s position more than concern for his judgement, “I haven’t been around as much.”
Kelly gives me a small smile and leans over her desk toward me. “Is it because you’ve been spending all your free time with a certain Sheriff?” Her eyes sharpen, an accusation on the edge of her tone, “He better be treating you right.”
“Absolutely,” I chirp brightly with amusement in my voice. “He’s amazing. I love him.”
Kelly does a little dance in her seat before gripping my hand tightly. “I’m proud of you for finding something that is all for you. Hold it tight and don’t let anyone take it from you. Love is worth fighting for when it’s right and as long as it doesn’t hurt you.”
I suck in a sharp breath and need to blink a few times to hold back my tears. While I don’t need anyone’s permission to love Rhodes or to choose myself, having it from this woman who has helped me learn how to navigate life without a mother, is special.
“Thank you,” my voice is thick with emotion and the smile on my face doesn’t feel forced, it feels grateful.
Kelly glances at the door and bites her lip. “He’s in a meeting right now,” her voice is strained.
I study her face, but I have no idea what has made her nervous. She doesn’t give anything away, but it’s not like I have any right to knowabout my dad’s business beyond being a citizen of Dogwood Ridge. He’s always cared more about the job than his girls anyway.
Or maybe that’s not fair.
Because I can’t begin to know what kind of deal or plan he made with my mother before it all went to hell. Maybe part of him did care about me and Jessi at some point.
Maybe he just never knew how to show affection.
Internally, I shake my head at myself because I am done making excuses for him.
As long as he doesn’t switch his focus to Jessi, having some distance with Dad has felt good. I’ve been less stressed and I haven’t gotten lost in anxiety loops. It’s also possible that the number of orgasms I’ve been having has helped.
I’m not going to say it’s not a factor.
A very delicious factor.
Before I can get lost in the memories of the way Rhodes touches me, which would be very inappropriate considering where I am right now, the door to my dad’s office opens. I’m momentarily stunned when Thad walks through the door with Dad right behind him.
I throw up a little in my mouth when I see the practiced politician smile on Dad’s face as he looks at Thad. While I can’t exactly ask the man to stonewall my ex just because he is my ex, this stings in a way I wasn’t prepared for.
Thad sees me first and the smile on his face turns lascivious. It makes my skin crawl, and I almost take a step back from the pair of them. When I glance at Kelly, she as an apologetic look on her face, but it’s not like she can control who my dad meets with. She just controls whether someone gets decaf or regular.
I hope she gave Thad decaf.
Dadsounds surprises when he exclaims, “Helen!”
When I look at him, he flinches back from the cold look in my eyes. He clears his throat and, for the first time I can remember, Dad looks uncertain and even a little embarrassed.
That should give me the feeling of vindication, but it doesn’t.
Thad opens his mouth to say something offensive, I’m sure, but I cut my eyes in his direction, my words like knives, “Don’t say a damn thing. You’re the last person I want to hear a word from.”
