Page 51 of A Daddy to Love

“I’ve been wanting to ask you. Is your car new?” Daddy asked when we got in.

“Yeah, I got it about six months ago.”

“It still has the new car smell.”

“Uh huh.”

My mouth was completely dry and it was difficult to talk. So I focused on driving. Daddy was quiet for a long while before he spoke again.

“You’re a good driver. I shouldn’t always insist I drive everywhere.”

“I like when you drive. You’re the daddy. But now you don’t know where to go.”

“Nope. I have no clue.”

My eyes welled a little. “I’m a bad boy.” I choked out my words.

“Why do you say that?”

“I wasn’t honest with you.” I started to cry.

“It’s all right, baby. Hey, pull over.”

Luckily, we were out of the city and I saw a turnaround space up ahead. I steered into it. Daddy unbuckled his seat belt and leaned over the console to take me in his arms. I began to sob.

“If it’s a bad place, baby, it doesn’t matter. You’re with me now.”

I cried harder.

“Turn around then,” he said, patting my back. “Let’s go back to my place.”

“No. You have to see.”

When I was composed, I pulled onto the road again. I could tell Daddy was confused at the turns I made and the streets I drove on. But he said nothing.

Then I turned onto a road with signs that said Private on either side of the entrance. Foliage lined the little avenue, shadowing the pavement.

“I think this is a wrong turn,” Daddy said. “It’s not a public road. Someone owns it.”

“Oh. Um. You’re right.” I kept going forward.

“There was a space back there where you could turn around.”

I pressed my lips tight and turned onto a brick drive. Ahead was a huge gate and through the foliage you could barely see the rock wall that surrounded the huge property.

“Why are we pulling in here?” Daddy turned all the way around to peer out his side window. “I think this road leads to that enormous mansion on the hill. It’s private property, you know.”

“I know.” At the same time, I spoke, the gate opened. There was a guard station that looked like a mini cabin. Today it was Trevor in the little house. I rolled down my window.

He came forward with that smile he always gave me. “Kairo. Hey. Good to see you.”

“Hi, Trev.” Nothing else needed to be said.

All the muscles of my face went taut as I drove forward. I didn’t dare sneak a peek at my daddy as the big house came into view. I sensed him turning his head, looking at everything, including me.

The house wrapped a section of land littered with pines. It had sections with different kinds of rooftops like curved or pointed or flat. Attached to one side was an atrium where a lot of plants could thrive. I didn’t know anything about plants so it stood empty. The gardeners only worked outside.

We drove past the wide front porch, the high roof supported by four columns. Everything was white and tan. Grandfather liked luxury but in a sedate manner so there was little color. Plus, the light colors made the greenery stand out.