Chapter 14
FOURTEEN
DAISY
*Six missed calls from Dad*
Me
I’m in class. Is everything okay?
Dad
Just wanted to chat :)
“Hi Dad.” I’ve barely made it across the street from the bus stop when the call clicks on.
“Sweetheart, how are you? Why can’t I see you?”
“It’s a phone call, Dad,” I tell him, rounding the block to our apartment building. A patch of green grass peeks out from under a half melted snow drift and for the first time in weeks the sun is out. I tip my head in the direction of it, letting it warm my cheeks.
“Switch on the camera.”
“I can’t. I’m walking home. How are you?” I ask, before he can chastise me for not asking someone to give me a ride home.
“Good, good. We miss you.”
I roll my shoulders back, trying to ease some of the tension there. “Yeah, me too.”
“Mom’s birthday is this weekend.”
“I know.” I called the florist in Willow Creek yesterday and ordered a bouquet of flowers for her. Lilies—her favorites.
“Good,” he hums distracted, and I steel myself against the question I know is coming. “Any ideas for what me and the boys should give her?”
“Have you asked her?” We go through this every year. Dad only has the responsibility of buying gifts for one person twice a year, but ever since I can remember the responsibility has drifted onto me.
“You always have the best ideas,” he responds, sounding distracted. The tell tale sound of the bell chiming above the door of the diner sounds from afar.
“That’s because I check her wishlist, Dad.”
“I’m just asking if you have any ideas,” he says sounding defensive and I instantly feel guilty.
Those imaginary confining walls start pushing in on either side of me again.
I touch my hand to the brick exterior of our apartment building and look up at the blue sky.
Take two breaths, remind myself that he’s my dad and I love him. I just miss being his kid.
“I’ll think about it.”
“You’re the best,” he chimes, but it’s muffled this time and I realize he’s probably moved towards the front of the diner where the cell signal is weaker. “Got to go. Call soon, okay?”
“Sure.”
It takes me three minutes of deep breathing and staring at the sky, until the lump at the back of my throat loosens and I feel stable enough to walk through the front door without keeling over.
Connor is in the kitchen, finishing off the dishes when I step inside. He turns, reaching for a tea towel to dry his hands. “You’re home late.”
“I stayed at the library to write,” I sigh, sliding into one of the high top chairs at the kitchen island.
Ever since our conversation at Mash & Marlow the other day, things have been easier between us. Less strained. It doesn’t hurt that Connor’s promise to take his hookups elsewhere still seems to stand—or at least he hasn’t brought any new ones around while I’ve been home.
“How’s it coming along?” He asks, tossing the towel beside him and leaning against the stove. His t-shirt sleeves strain against the bulky muscles when he crosses his arms over his chest.
“Slow,” I admit. Lately trying to find the right words have felt more like pulling teeth. “How was practice?”
“Slow.” A small smile forms at the corners of his lips when he throws the word back at me. “Ollie was asking about you.”
“Oh?”
He shrugs. “Apparently you left an impression.”
“That’s sweet.” I smile down at the counter. When I look up Connor’s watching me with a pinched expression. I clear my throat. “It’s late. I should probably grab a shower.”
He nods tightly and I slide off the chair. I’m halfway out the door when he adds, “I’m going to the guys’ for dinner tomorrow if you want to join.”
I scrunch my nose and turn to look at him. “Wouldn’t that be weird?”
“Why would it be weird?”
“I feel like I’m crashing a party or something.”
“I’m inviting you. Besides, you’ve pretty much met them all already.” He scratches the back of his neck, before adding, “Consider it mandatory friend duty.”
The corners of my lips tuck up as I turn back down the hallway. “I’m starting to think this friendship thing was a bad idea.”
“I heard that,” he calls after me.
“I meant you to,” I chirp back.
“Does that mean you’re coming?”
“Sure. Wouldn’t want to let Ollie down.” I wink at him over my shoulder, before I disappear down the hallway.