Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“Daddy,” I say to cut him off.
“Hold on now, girl. Your mama talked to me and she’s making a whole lot of sense. I just want the truth from you.
“Are you and Trev more than the friends I know you to be? You two didn’t plan this trip to go fooling around behind my back, did you?”
“Trev is helping me heal from losing my sister, Daddy. We didn’t plan anything to do anything behind your back. I came to live Pook’s dream for her. To leave pieces of her here,” I say as I glance toward the bathroom.
“Then I’m sorry about last night. I have so much anger and emotions swimming through me all the time. I want my baby back.
“I want that man punished for taking her away. Taking her future from her. I should have made her get a new truck. I had planned to buy her a new one for graduation.”
He gives a sad chuckle. “She probably would have still driven that hunk of junk.”
I can see him shaking his head in my mind. He’s right though. She would have frowned at a new truck and got right into her beat-up love.
“This is all my fault,” Daddy sobs. “I dropped the ball on protecting my baby. I failed Brooke.”
“Oh, Daddy. No.”
“I did. I know I did, but I can’t do that with you. I’m sorry if I haven’t been there for you lately. Sorry if I haven’t noticed what’s important to you.”
“I’m fine, Daddy. Trev, Tom, and the others are helping me through. Doing this for Pook was the right thing to do. I feel closer to her. It’s like I’m seeing things through her eyes. I’ll be fine,” I reassure him.
“I’m proud of you, Cakes. If I’ve never told you that. I’m real proud of you.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
He gives a lighter chuckle. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. Trev has always been like a brother to you.”
“You have nothing to worry about. I think Pook said he’s dating someone on campus. Trev already has a girlfriend. He’s not worried about little old me.”
I don’t know what makes those words come out of my mouth, but I feel they’re a mistake the moment they’re breathed. I palm my forehead and wonder why I can’t seem to keep my foot out of my mouth.
“Daddy, I better go. I need to get dressed. The group has plans today.”
“You go on then. Have fun, Lynn. It’ll be all work when you get back.
“Pook would want you to do your best at this. I know she’s watching you. You’re going to be the star she always knew you’d be.”
“I know, Daddy. I’ll do my best. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby girl. Talk to you later.”
“Later.”
I hang up as I sit and stare into space. I thank God for my mama. That was all her.
Absentmindedly, I reach up and untie my scarf and then retie it to tighten it. I blow out a breath and rub my palms on my thighs.
I know why I told that lie. I wanted to ease Daddy’s mind. Hearing his pain did something to me. Maybe Trev and I can wait to tell Daddy about us. Wait six months to a year.
My father isn’t staying in New York with me; he’s only tagging along for my audition. If things go well, from there I’ll be staying with family.
Same goes for Nashville. If I’m lucky enough to make it there, I’ll be on my own. That will give me the freedom to date Trev and talk to him on the phone. I know Trev said he’d follow me so we could be together, but we’ll just have to put a pin in that for a while.
Resolved in my thoughts, I stand and tug my tank top off, then drop my shorts. Moving to my things, I go to grab my shower cap from my hair-care bag and put it on. Turning for the bathroom, I make my way to Trev with my mind made up.
I saunter my way into the bathroom and freeze. I’ve had that powerful body over mine more times than I can count in the last few days. However, the power and sex appeal rolling off him will never cease to amaze me.
All he’s doing is standing under the spray of the shower with his head back, his face turned up to the water. He’s facing me while the water cascades down his front. Even in its soft state, his length is impressive.
As if feeling my eyes on him, he lowers his head and pushes his wet hair from his face. As our eyes lock, a brilliant smile comes to his lips. I realize I’ve been biting my lip as I stare at him.
“You’re gorgeous,” we breathe at the same time.
We both laugh. I nod toward the sink as he opens his arms to me. I need to brush my teeth first. His eyes twinkle as he nods his understanding.