Because I couldn’t stay strong.
Not whereshewas concerned.
Chapter 10
Creedence
Age 17
Had I known today what I would know in only a few hours... I could have saved myself a lot of heartbreak.
But when it came to Alexander Richard ‘Ripper’ Lawrence... I was powerless.
***
I knew he wasn’t busy.
That little freaking liar.
Oh, payback was going to be sweet.
I smiled.
He told me that he couldn’t meet me for ice cream after school.
The man was playing poker.
That didn’t make you busy.
After classes were over for the day, I climbed into my car and started planning.
He was going to have to sit through the movie that made me cry every time I watched it,Deepwater Horizon.
I got home just in time to see Dad loading Mom’s overnight bag into the SUV.
I parked next to it, grabbed my bookbag, and climbed out.
As I rounded the hood, Dad hit me with a smile, “Hey, princess. How was school?”
I shrugged, “Like any other. Kind of boring.”
He chuckled, “That’s school for you.”
Mom came around the corner of the house then and handed Dad another bag, “Where are you two going?”
Mom smiled, “A little weekend getaway. Connor is hanging out with some friends. Ripper will be by later to make sure you're safe.”
I nodded, “Okay, please be careful.”
She winked, “Always.” Then she stepped around Dad and pulled me in for a hug.
Her belly was adorable, and I grinned as I hugged her back. “And make sure my little brother or sister stays safe, yeah?”
She giggled, and Dad responded, “Have you met me?”
I giggled, “Right.”
In other words, anything that wanted to hurt Mom was going to have to get through Dad. And nothing got through Dad.
