Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 122030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 610(@200wpm)___ 488(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 610(@200wpm)___ 488(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
“How about a cup of tea?” he offers.
“How about some ice cream?”
He smiles. “That’ll work too.”
I pull a tub of mint chocolate chip for him and black cherry for me, then grab two big spoons from the drawer.
“Sloane gave me the short version,” he says as we both sit. “I do wish you girls had called me from the dance.”
He’s being especially diplomatic now. Despite the soft voice and gentle expression, I can tell Dad is fuming inside. Part of me still is too.
“If either of us had stopped long enough to take a breath, we definitely would have,” I assure him.
Truth is, as much as Sloane held it together, we were both losing our minds. Stunned that Lucas could have done this. Devastated to finally know the truth. It’s been a hell of a night. I’m still not sure I’ve fully grasped the situation, and I expect to wake up tomorrow and burst into stress tears.
“Most importantly,” he says, digging his spoon into the tub. “How are you feeling?”
“Honestly? Not as relieved as I’d hoped I would be.”
Dad doesn’t respond. He does that thing that Dr. Anthony does when she waits for me to fill the silence. Enjoying his ice cream and giving me the space to collect my thoughts while I hunt for the chocolate chunks in my tub.
“This whole time, I thought the thing that’s been the hardest was not knowing. That as soon as all the questions were answered, the weight would be lifted off my shoulders. But now I know the truth, and I don’t think I feel any different.”
“It’s still a terrible betrayal. I’m not sure you should put too much pressure on yourself to feel any certain way right now.”
“I’m just so shocked by Lucas,” I admit. “I never even suspected it was him.”
“I don’t think anyone did.”
I think about how tonight ended, with the cops showing up to arrest Lucas. They took statements from all of us, and the officer who interviewed me said Lucas was facing a lengthy list of charges. Leaving the scene of a crime, failure to report a crime. Possibly even attempted manslaughter.
That last one triggers a pang of doubt. I dig my spoon into the tub again. Then I falter. “He insisted he didn’t drug me.”
Dad studies me. “Do you believe him?”
After a beat, I nod. “Maybe it makes me naive or stupid or whatever, but I honestly can’t see Lucas drugging anyone. His brother, maybe, but not him.”
“Let’s wait for the police to finish their investigation and see what they’re able to turn up.” Dad makes a derisive noise. “Not that I have much faith in their work.”
“Me neither,” I say wryly. “But hopefully they learn something useful after they question Lucas and Gabe.”
Sorrow lodges in my throat as I remember the look on Lucas’s face earlier. The guilt and horror over what he’d done. Despite the compassion I can’t help but feel toward him, I also feel angry.
“I don’t know how he was able to rationalize it all in his head. How he could look me in the eyes every day while lying to me. You’re right. It’s a terrible betrayal,” I say around a mouthful of ice cream. Because it makes the whole thing easier to swallow. “That was another Ballard dance for the books, huh?”
Dad coughs into his spoon. “One might call that an understatement.”
I laugh. “So, what time do the contractors show up to install the bars on my windows?”
He puts down his ice cream, sighing. “I know I’ve been tough on you this past year. A tad overprotective, perhaps.”
“A tad?” I arch an eyebrow.
“It’s a father’s prerogative to worry about his girls. But you’re not a little girl anymore. I recognize that. And I’m quite proud of how you handled yourself tonight.”
“You mean I’m not under house arrest till I’m thirty?”
“Be patient with me. I’m old.”
“Not that old.”
“But I also know I have to stop coddling you so much,” he admits reluctantly. “Whether I like it or not, you and Sloane are growing up. Can’t stay my little babies forever.”
“Ugh, Dad.” He’s embarrassing when he gets like this.
“I know. Still, I’m glad you’re safe.”
“Me too. All right. I think I’m off to bed.” On a massive yawn, I drop my spoon in the sink and close the tub of ice cream. “I’m starting to crash pretty hard.”
“Of course. You must be exhausted.”
Dad reaches out for a hug and gives me a kiss on the forehead before I can escape.
“I love you. I’m always here for you. No matter what.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
We’ve been on a journey, the two of us. Figuring out our places, our boundaries with each other, after the past year had thrown our relationship out of sorts.
As far as dads go, I could have done much worse.
After I’ve showered and brushed my teeth, I walk back to my room to throw myself at my pillows and maybe sleep till senior year. Except when I open the door, Fenn’s leaning against my desk. I quickly shut off my bedroom light and lock the door behind me.