Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
“I can’t live at home forever.” I might have if he wasn’t so overbearing.
My dad means well, but he treats me like a breakable porcelain doll. Always trying to protect me. It’s strange that I’ve seen so much of the world, but I’m naïve about a lot of things. It’s something I’m hyperaware of.
When we left home, I was always with my father or one of his men. He kept me under lock and key. I know he worries that I might have an accident again, but I can’t live that way.
“Any dreams?”
“No,” I lie. He studies my face. They’ve been worse. “I sleep great.”
“I’ll give you a ride home.” I want to tell him no, but I give him this one.
I did just lie to him, which I hate doing. People lie about the stupidest things. It’s strange and something I still don’t understand.
He guides me out to the car. Steven is waiting with the door open. I give him a smile. He’s been my father’s driver for a while. He’s part of the family at this point. When you’re locked away, you become friends with whomever you can. And that meant I befriended my father’s staff. Even though most of them are twice my age.
I wasn’t allowed to go back to school after the car accident. Which made me friendless. I couldn’t remember a thing before I woke up in the hospital. Everyone was a stranger to me.
My dad was at my bedside every second. At first it was comforting. He’s been my best friend for a long time. I would follow him around and beg to go to work with him. He made me feel special. He could be hard around the edges, but he never was with me. But I couldn’t stay a little girl forever. I knew I needed to get out on my own and spread my wings.
“So?” I climb in the car and scoot all the way over. My father follows me in. I glance over at him. He looks tired today.
I want to know about the man we met in the office. He wasn’t like any of the others I’ve met in my father’s meetings or business deals. It was hard to pay attention to the conversation when I felt his eyes on me.
“We’ll wait him out.”
I nod. He’s been doing this a long time and knows this business better than anyone. I don’t know crap about owning or running a business. Especially one the size of my father’s.
We’re not talking about some little mom and pop operation here. My father has built an empire. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any of those skills. All I can do is tell you if someone is a liar. I don’t even know why they lie half the time. I just know they do.
“How’s Mom?” I say sarcastically because she’s not actually my mom. My mom died when I was little. Not that I would have remembered her either way.
“I still can’t believe you left me with her.” He huffs. I peek over at him and have to fight a laugh. I think he’s pouting.
“You could get divorced.” I don’t know why he stays with her.
“Would you move back home?”
“No.” I snort a laugh. “Why do you stay?” It’s not like she’s home often. My dad pretty much lives by himself now that I moved out. Julia stays in the city most of the time instead of on the estate.
“I’m a man of my word.”
“So if I got married and my husband sucked, you’d want me to stay?”
“No,” he says without hesitation. “You’re not getting married. You’re too young.”
I roll my eyes. This is one of the main reasons I wanted to move out. I want to date and do all the things girls do. To live somewhat of a normal life. I knew that wouldn’t be possible if I stayed under his roof. I’m not sure it is even now. But I like the illusion of thinking it is. I’m pretty sure he’s still keeping tabs on me.
It doesn’t help that I’m realizing men are liars. I’ve gone on a handful of dates thanks to all these dating apps. All have sucked so far. I wish they had one to help meet friends.
The last date I went on was extra horrible. It didn’t help that now every time I turn around, he’s there. From the coffee shop to the grocery store. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but not so much anymore.
Steven pulls up outside my building. “I love you.” I drop a kiss on my dad’s cheek. “I’ll see you later.” I’m opening the door before he can respond, knowing he might ask to come up or say we should get something to eat.
A small pang of guilt hits me for rushing away from him. I pull out my phone when I step onto the elevator and see I have a few alerts on the new dating app I got last night.