Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
“You’re so young. Doesn’t a baby at twenty scare you?”
Her smile is serene. “Jared and I want to be young with our children. I’m happy being a housewife, and I’ll be ecstatic being a mommy.”
“I didn’t mean it in a negative way.” My mind jumps to that night with Angelo and the wrongness of what we shared. “I just can’t imagine being tied down when there’s a whole world to explore.”
“Everyone’s ambition is different.” My sister shrugs. “It doesn’t mean one is better than the other.”
“Of course not,” I say quickly.
Mattie and my mom launch into a discussion about the baby shower arrangements. I should be more interested, but I can’t help how my mind wanders. I worry about my dad. He’s been so closed-off and distant after Ryan’s birthday. Like Mom, he’s more absent from home. I imagine him sitting alone in his study, going over his accounts or balancing his checkbook. Will he eat a proper lunch if Doris or my mom isn’t there to cook? He’ll probably just munch on a few pretzels.
A wave of tenderness washes over me. I have a sudden desire to be with him, to sit on the sofa with a blanket over my knees and a book on my lap while a fire crackles in the fireplace and his presence warms the room.
Mattie and my mom don’t seem to notice when I stand and take my phone from my bag. I walk onto the terrace, soaking up the welcome winter sun as I dial my dad.
“Hey,” he says. “Is everything all right?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I thought you’re spending time with Mattie and your mother.”
“I am.” I lean against a pillar. “They’re discussing baby shower stuff.”
“Ah. Try to give some input. It’s important to your sister.”
“Sure,” I say half-heartedly.
“Is there something you wanted to talk about?”
“I just wanted to check up on you.”
He chuckles. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m old enough to take care of myself.”
“I know you don’t eat when you’re alone.”
“I’m at the office. I’ll pick up a frozen meal on my way home. Happy?”
I laugh. “You’re working too hard.”
“It comes with the territory.”
“Are you there by yourself?”
“What do you mean?” he asks, his voice scraping in his throat.
“Is someone helping you at least?”
“I don’t make the staff work on weekends. You know that.”
Biting my lip, I consider what to say without making it sound as if I’m babying him.
“I’ve got to go, Bella. I still have a ton of reports I’d like to finish before tonight.”
“Okay,” I say, for some reason reluctant to let him go.
“Love you, darling,” he says.
“I love you too, Dad.”
The line goes dead.
I catch a glimpse of Mattie and my mom through the window. They’re conversing with their heads close together, no doubt talking about a color scheme and baby shower themes. They don’t need me. They’re happy doing this together.
Making a quick decision, I go back inside. “I’m going to see Dad.”
Mom lifts her head. “What about your tea?”
“Sorry.” I kiss her cheek. “I’m just a little homesick.”
“Now?” Mattie asks.
“It’s early. I’ll get there before dark. I can sleep over and drive back tomorrow.”
“It’s far to drive alone,” Mom says.
“You drive the same road all the time, Mom. I’ll send you a message when I arrive to let you know I’m safe.”
“All right,” Mom says slowly. “But if I don’t hear from you by four o’clock at the latest, I’m sending a search party.”
“Do you mind if I leave Pirate here?” I ask Mattie. “I’ll pick him up on the way back. He doesn’t like traveling in the car that much.”
“Sure,” she says. “Leave his food out in the kitchen.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her cheek. “I appreciate it.” Remembering Roch’s visit at the library, I hesitate. I hate that he’s still following me. “Do you mind if I take your car? You’re not planning on going anywhere, are you?” I grab the first excuse that pops into my head. “I forgot to charge mine. It won’t make it to George.”
“You shouldn’t forget to charge your car,” Mom chides. “What if you have an emergency and you’re stuck?”
“No problem,” Mattie says, coming to my rescue. “The key is in my bag.”
I shoot her a grateful smile before escaping. Mattie’s car is parked in the garage. The windows are tinted. To be on the safe side, I bundle my hair under a cap and nick Mattie’s sunglasses from her bag. This way, Roch won’t recognize me, and I can get away without worrying about having him on my tail.
After throwing a change of clothes into a bag and giving Pirate a cuddle, I hit the road.
In George, I stop for fish and chips at my dad’s favorite fast-food restaurant. It’s only late afternoon, but we can pretend it’s dinner time. I’ll surprise him at the office. He’ll be happy that he doesn’t have to nuke a ready-made meal from the supermarket when he gets home.