Chapter 29
ZOEY
I hear the rush of footsteps behind me and immediately tense.
It’s Dad.
I can tell it’s him because he’s chased me in fun so many times. And now he’s chasing me because he can’t go another second with this angst between us.
I get it.
Two little girls are missing, and the fact that life is short and precious is being shoved in our faces right now.
Shit, I hope they’re okay.
“Harley!” I shout again, my voice cracking as a spike of fear pinches me. “Kendall!”
“Harley!” Dad booms from just behind me. “Where are you, kiddo?”
I press my lips together, listening out for a response and once again getting nothing.
We could be out here all freaking day.
A shiver rolls through me as I try not to picture where the girls might be and why they’re not answering.
“You okay?” Dad’s voice is soft and husky.
He’s right behind me now, and it’s taking everything in me not to spin around and beg for a hug.
No! I’m not okay. I’m scared for these girls and I’m still mad at you for taking my phone and I hate myself for what I said to Mom and Curry’s a dick!
But I don’t want to admit any of that, so I press my lips together and keep walking, scanning the trees for any signs of Harley and Kendall.
“Okay.” Dad sighs, and I steal a glance at his bobbing head. “I get that you’re mad at me. I took your phone, I probably overacted about that guy in the car, and you’re pissed.” He huffs. “But I’m pissed with you too. You insulted my wife. You hurt her feelings… and you never apologized.”
“I was about to, but then you got all shitty and took my phone,” I snap, then wince, dipping my chin before having to admit, “I hate what I said to Mom. I didn’t mean to. It just slipped out. I felt like you guys were ganging up on me, and I went into defensive mode. I wasn’t thinking.”
Dad sighs again, then reaches for me, lightly squeezing the back of my neck before running his hand across my shoulders. He’s saying he forgives me, and I lean my head into his chest for just a second when he pulls me close.
“We didn’t mean to get pregnant with you in high school, but… you have been the biggest blessing. You brought your mom and me back together. You have been… the sunshine of our lives. And we’ll love you forever.”
My lips curl, tears burning my eyes.
“And I know you can’t stay my little girl.” His voice quakes, and I shoot away from him. Is he crying?
With a thick swallow, he blinks and stares ahead into the forest. “I know you’re growing up, spreading your wings.
It’s time to let you go. Let you fly. But…
” His jaw clenches for a beat. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.
There are too many shitty people out there, and if one of them mistreats you or does something to ruin your life…
or even make it really hard… it’s gonna kill me. ”
“Dad.” I reach for his hand, curling my fingers around his.
“Pain is part of life. You taught me that. We can’t grow without suffering.
We can’t become better versions of ourselves without hard times.
” I let out a soft laugh. “You and Mom say that kind of stuff all the time, and then you don’t want to let me experience it?
Do you not want me to become a better version of myself? ”
“Of course I do.” He whips a desperate look at me. “But heartache is a totally different ball game, and that guy who drove you home… what’s his name again?”
I almost don’t want to say, but pride forces the word out of me. “Curry,” I mutter, still not wanting to tell Dad what a douche the guy is.
How could I get fooled so frickin’ easily?
“He’s just so much older than you, and I know four years is nothing when you’re adults, but when you’re in high school, the gap feels too big. I’m sorry that I feel that way, but I do. I don’t want him taking advantage of you.”
“He won’t,” I assure my dad, tugging him to a stop so I can give him a meaningful look. “I won’t let him.” Sucking in a shaky breath, I reassure myself… and him, “I know I’m still only fourteen, but I’m not stupid, and I won’t let some guy just walk all over me.”
Dad’s lips curl into a half grin, this look of pride making his eyes gleam. “But you really like this guy, huh?”
I shrug, then shake my head.
He frowns. “The look on your face yesterday made me think you were in love with him.”
“After one Valentine’s card?” I shove his shoulder. “Please. I’m not that pathetic.”
“But—”
“But it turns out he’s a bit of a dick.” I’m forced to admit.
Dad’s expression hardens. “What do you mean?”
I sigh, my lips curving into a sad pout.
“I wasn’t the only girl he gave a card to.
I wasn’t the only girl he wanted to kiss, and…
” I shake my head with a huff. “I snuck into your room last night to check my phone, and there were a bunch of messages from my friends sympathizing that I’d been fooled.
” I sniff, my eyes burning as I look to the forest floor and kick at a loose rock.
It bounces ahead of me on the path, and I start walking after it. “I hate that I got played so easily.”
“Aw, baby.” Dad reaches for me again, pulling me into a quick side hug and kissing the top of my head. “I’m sorry that guys can be such douchebags.”
“I guess I should be grateful for the lesson, huh?”
“Yeah. I mean, it’s better than getting strung along for weeks only to get your heart burned later. But I’m sorry he’s a fuck nugget.”
A surprised laugh bursts out of me. “He is a fuck nugget.”
“A shit gibbon.”
“A cock waffle.”
Dad raises his eyebrows, fighting a grin. “A twatopotamus.”
I giggle. “A wankpuffin.”
“Okay, that’s new.” Dad finally gives in to his laughter, shaking his head before giving me a sweet smile. “I really don’t have to worry about you, do I?”
“Nope.” I grin up at him.
His nose wrinkles as he lets out a light hiss. “I’ll love you forever, kid. And I’m always gonna have your back and look out for you. I can’t help it. You have no idea how much I want to punch that guy for leading you on.”
“I know, Dad. And I love that. But… I need you to trust me. Let me figure this out on my own.”
He sighs. “It’s not you I don’t trust. It’s idiot boys I have a problem with.”
I snort and shake my head.
“Just do me a favor. No more rides home with guys like Curry.” He spits out his name like it’s a gross taste in his mouth. “Please, Zoey, I’m begging you.”
I laugh, but the look on his face tells me he’s dead serious, so I clear my throat and try to reply without giggling. “I’m not promising you that. What if I meet a really amazing guy who I fall madly in love with?”
He clutches his chest and looks about ready to throw up. The pained groan that comes out of him is ridiculous.
“Would you stop?” I lightly punch his arm with a laugh. “Seriously, Dad! Chill. It’s going to be fine. I won’t end up with a wankpuffin. I promise.”
He looks at me, his expression crumpled, and aw… he really does love me so much. I guess I should take it as a compliment that my pain and heartbreak kind of destroys him. He just wants his babies to be safe and happy.
But I’m not his baby anymore.
Curling my arm around his waist, I scan the forest ahead of us and softly murmur, “I love you, Dad.”
He squeezes my shoulder, kissing the top of my head again and replying in a husky voice, “I love you too, Zoey Bird. Always and forever.”
“Even when I piss you off?”
“Always and forever.”
I grin. “Ditto.”
Glancing up, I catch his grin just before he opens his mouth and starts calling for the girls again.
Oh man, I hope we find them soon.
I know if I was out in the woods, lost and cold… the only person I’d be wishing for is my big, strong dad.