Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
Riley
My eighteenth birthday was a whirlwind, to say the least. After the impromptu party that Ashley and her mom threw for me—I got my cell phone—and all the tears, hugs, and promises to keep in touch, they dropped me off at the airport.
To say I was nervous would be an understatement, since I’ve never flown before, and I’m meeting my father, whom I haven’t seen in two years.
When the pilot announces that we’re ready for takeoff, I can’t help but feel a wave of sadness wash over me.
My mom wasn’t home to say goodbye or to wish me a happy birthday.
Considering we never had a close relationship, this shouldn’t bother me, but a small part of me still wished she was there.
On one hand, she never physically abused me, but emotionally, she left scars that last a lifetime.
After the plane takes off, I reach into my carry-on bag for my e-reader, hoping that reading a good book will make time pass faster. It doesn’t take long before my eyes start to feel heavy because I didn’t sleep well last night.
“Miss, we’ve landed. You can de-board now.” I feel someone lightly shaking my arm.
“I’m sorry; I must have dozed off. Thank you.” Giving her a shy smile, I stretch to work out the kinks in my neck before getting up. I can’t believe I slept through the whole flight. Standing up on shaky legs, I feel the butterflies circling in my stomach. This is the beginning of my new life.
As I step off the plane, I nervously scan the crowd for my father. I’ve only seen him a few times since he left, making him practically a stranger. I have no idea what I should call him, but I need to decide immediately since he’s standing ten feet away from me.
“Riley, it’s so good to see you. How was your flight?” He leans into me, giving me an awkward hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“I slept through the whole flight.” I can feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“I know this move can’t be easy for you, so I just wanted you to know, your friends are welcome to come for a visit anytime,” he says, smiling down at me.
“That means a lot to me, thank you.” My thoughts drift to my only true friends: Ashley and her mom.
* * *
Hunter
After dropping Connor off last night, I thought it was better him than me. I know that makes me an ass, but I couldn’t help it. If it were me, I’d definitely request a paternity test just to be on the safe side.
Scott stopped by a few nights ago to tell me he was picking up his daughter from the airport today.
Her name’s Riley, and she turned eighteen the same day I celebrated my twenty-first birthday.
What are the chances? I’m sure she didn’t celebrate hers quite the same way I did.
The guys took me to a strip club for my first “legal” drink.
That’s when I met Trixie and was lucky enough to have one of her famous lap dances. Wild.
Before Scott left, he invited me to dinner on Sunday night to meet his daughter. That's fine with me, since one of Rosie’s home-cooked meals is worth the hassle I’ll face that evening.
Apparently, she’ll be attending college in the fall and living with him until she graduates. Damn, I hope this doesn’t mess up my routine I’ve had for the last three years. On my days off, I like to swim laps in the pool and then relax in my favorite lounge chair.
Since the house is on a private part of the beach, I always invite my friends over for a bonfire on Friday nights. It’s like my own place since Scott’s never home, but I’m sure that will change now that Riley’s here.
I guess it could be worse; I’ll have an eighteen-year-old to deal with, and Connor might have a baby to handle. I shudder at the thought. I suppose I don’t have it too bad; at least mine’s potty-trained. Chuckling as I leave the house, I can’t help but think I’m such an ass.