None of this was supposed to happen, she wasn’t meant to be here, but now that she is, it feels… nice. Like she’s always been part of my space and this home, and honestly, having her here might be the first time these four walls have ever felt like such.
We told her stories of our time in the military together; Sam even forced me to tell my‘hero story’as he likes to call it. Explaining the reason behind why I have the scars I do on my neck and chest—which came from saving him from an IED during a routine operation that I received a purple heart —wasn’t exactly how I saw this evening panning out. But she seemed to enjoy it, and knowing she learned a little more about me made me feel… warm inside.
My time in the military isn’t something I talk about much, too many bad memories and self-deprecation, but when I’m around people who were there, who saw the same shit I did, it’s easier. But nothing made me happier than watching her get along with three out of four of the most important people in my life. It’s odd, but I’m not mad about it.
Robyn’s dirty little laugh fills the room, her shoulders shaking with mirth as she, yet again, beats Danny in a game of cards, and I smile around the rim of my whisky glass as I focus on the scene before me.
“Don’t fuck me about, Robyn.” Danny points spiritedly at her, humour swirling in his eyes. “I served a long time in the army, getting fucked about by professionals,” he exclaims further, snatching the cards from the table as she laughs harder, dropping her head back. Her long red hair is piled up on top of her head in a messy bun, my loungewear adorning her body yet again.
I watch the way her tongue bounces inside her mouth, the way skin at the corner of her eyes wrinkles, and this is not the first time I’ve caught myself getting lost in her either. Since that night on the couch all I seem to do is watch her, memorising all the features of her beautiful face, and knowing my enjoyment of her company won’t last forever.
I know it’s stupid. I know my thoughts and feelings over this girl are ludicrous because I’ve known her for seven years, but never like this. She’s my stepdaughter, and maybe if I’d have been able to spend time with her as her stepdad things may have been different. But we didn’t, and as bizarre as it is… I can’t help but be glad to have her now, instead of not at all.
There’s something about Robyn I’m unable to put my finger on. A part of her that entices me to think certain way when I shouldn’t. I’ve spent so long feeling like a part of the furniture with Jennifer—feeling unimportant and just someone for her to use to get ahead in… whatever it is she’s interested in—that since being around Robyn my perspective on how things should be has changed drastically.
How has it been less than a week and I’m already this hooked on monkey phonics with her?
“It’s not my fault you have a terrible poker face, Danny,” Robyn chimes in, baring her teeth with a bright, striking smile, one that ever since I saw it, I’ve done everything I possibly can to keep it there.
And there’s a serious possibility I’ll miss seeing it.
“I know that look,” Sam rasps as he drops down next to me on the couch. I slide my eyes in his direction, knowing where this is going but choosing to play dumb because this isn’t a conversation I need orwantto have.
Don’t say it.
Don’t ask.
“What look?”
You idiot.
“You knowexactlywhat look I’m talking about.”
“Do I now?”
“It’s the same look you give Dita Von Teese whenever she’s on the TV screen.” I bark out a laugh, taking a sip of my beer because he has no idea what he’s talking about. “You’re in love with her,” he whispers, quietly enough that only I can hear. I go to open my mouth, but he cuts me off before I’m able to mutter a single syllable of denial. “And don’t tell me I’m wrong, or that I don’t know what I’m talking about. You’re better than that, Jack.”
I clear my throat and finish off my drink, placing the glass on the small table beside me, theclinkgaining Robyn’s attention. “Do you want another?”
“I’m good.” I wink at her, watching the blush return to her cheeks before she turns her attention back to Danny and the fifth—or is it sixth—game of poker they’ve been playing this evening, this round having Pete join in.
“Whatever you think you’re seeing is nothing more than me waiting for the three of you to fuck off so I can finish what you all so inconveniently interrupted.”
“Hmmm.” Sam presses his lips together, nodding but not believing a single word coming out of my mouth.
There’s no way.
It’s impossible.
“Don’t make it weird.”
He huffs dryly, angling his head in my direction. “Weird? I’d say it’s way past weird, brother. But…” He thinks for a second but shakes his head and chooses not to say anything. Knowing full well how it frustrates me when he does it.
“Jesus Christ,” I grumble under my breath, nudging my elbow against his. “Just… say it for fuck’s sake.”
Slouching down further, Sam rests his head on the back of the couch and threads his fingers together over his broad chest. When he lulls his head to the side, giving me his full attention, I know he’s about to say something I’m not going to like. “She’s young, and you’realmosttwice her age. You think this is a good idea?”
There it is.
