Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
I walk through the door of the house, checking one last place before I call it quits looking for Mae. I run my fingers through my hair, gripping it tightly in annoyance as I walk through the house.
“It sure took you long enough.” Mouth full of attitude, like she’s a teenager all over again, greets me as I walk into the kitchen.
“If you had turned your damned phone on, you’d have known I was out looking for you all over town. Fucking great reason for me to pay for a phone,” I start in, annoyed. It’s Christmas Eve, and while I have some explaining to do, my daughter’s too busy being immature.
“My, how the tune has change. My best friend dodging my calls, my father not answering my FaceTime calls. I guess you could say I’m giving you a taste of your own medicine.”
“Touché, kiddo, touché.” She definitely has me there. “And that would be my fault. I asked Tessa to keep things quiet. You had finals, the timing was all wrong, and believe me, she chewed my ass out not long ago for keeping you out of the loop. If you’re going to be pissed, be pissed at me.” Mae arches her eyebrows.
“I’ll give you that, but, dude, my best friend? Was this going on while she was underage?”
“Jesus fucking Christ, Mae, give me some credit. No, it didn’t happen when she was underage. She was eighteen, and even then, I didn’t fucking touch her. That didn’t mean the feelings went away for either of us. When Tessa came back, everything was the same. I tried to keep things platonic. It was near impossible once she came to work for the firm.” I need a damn drink to continue this conversation. There are some things you do not want to explain to your daughter, whether she’s an adult or not.
“It was an honest question. So, is this just a fling, or is it more?” I’m not sure who Mae is pissed at more, Tessa or myself. I’m thinking it’s me.
“It’s not a fling. It’s real. One day, I want to ask her to marry me. Right now, we’re still building our relationship, but now that you know, and if you’re not opposed to it, I’m going to make her my wife as soon as she agrees.” I wasn’t expecting to lay my cards on the table for Mae when Tessa deserves them more, but since she’s asking the questions, I’m going to tell her the truth.
“Whatever, but I’m not calling her mom,” Mae snorts and then tips her head back laughing.
“I think you’re giving me emotional whiplash, kid.” I walk towards her, pulling my daughter in for a hug as she continues chuckling. Maybe she’s overtired. God knows I was at her age while in law school. And she caught a redeye without giving us a heads-up. On one of my stops, I looked up the app we share when traveling via air, and that’s when I realized what Mae did. I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t let her put that tracking app on my phone when she suggested it before leaving home. It’d be really hard to explain when she’s miles away. It’s bad enough this was dropped in her lap.
“I’m fine. Shocked. Stunned. Kind of sucks I won’t be able to share sex stories with her, because yuck. Your best friend banging your dad puts a damper on that. And where is Tessa anyways?” Mae’s filter is gone, deliriousness is settling in. Some things in life never change.
“Kid, you need a shower and bed. Tessa’s still at the office. As long as we’re good, I’m going to go pick her up and bring her home.” Mae tips her head back, a shit-eating smirk on her face.
“I’m good, and I’ll be doing that.” She pulls back from our hug. “But Tessa isn’t at the office. It’s been hours. Go to her place first; guaranteed she’s there.” I’m thankful for the small favors. My luck, I’ll get to Tessa’s and the snow will start falling again, and with it getting later in the day.
“Thanks, and thanks for the heads-up. Don’t go snooping for presents while I’m gone.”
“You do it one time, and they hold it over your head for years. Go get my bestie. She needs to know you two are okay and I kind of need to talk to her myself. After I get some sleep.” She yawns tiredly.
“See you later.” I’m walking back to my car, towards the woman who has my guts wrapped in knots and my heart beating like crazy.
“Shoo, get out of here,” I hear as the door closes behind me.
22
KINGSTON
The whole way to Tessa’s place, I’ve tried to recite what I’d tell her, no, how I’d tell her that I love her, that I’m sorry. I should have stayed with her, given Mae time to cool off, and driven Tessa to her place at the very least. I’m not surprised that when I pull into her driveway I’m met by her father sitting on the stairs to her place, a bottle of beer in his hand and a look on his face that I’m sure means he has a bone of contention with the man who’s been sleeping with his daughter.