Chapter 36
MY GIRLS
WILL
After leaving Natalie’s house, Ivy and I were in great spirits, singing along to the daddy-daughter mix we made. “My Girl” came on, and I smiled at her.
“This is our song now, officially,” I told her.
“I love that, Daddy,” she said, grinning.
When we pulled into the driveway, I spotted a light blue Hummer parked outside.
My mood instantly shifted and clenched my jaw.
Was that his car? It wasn’t even eight yet.
I must have missed my Ring notification when this kid decided to show up early.
The buzz from the evening evaporated in an instant.
Under my breath I said, “Are you kidding me?” not meaning for it to slip out with a tone.
“What’s wrong, Daddy?” Ivy asked, her little voice full of concern.
“Oh, nothing, sweetie. Madison and I just need to have a quick talk.”
“Uh-oh. Is she in trouble?”
“Probably,” I said. “I need you to be a big girl and head upstairs to get ready for bed on your own, okay? I’ll be up to tuck you in soon.”
“Sure thing!” she said, looking proud to handle it herself.
Inside, the house was quiet except for a faint glow coming from the theater room.
The door was closed. My irritation grew as I approached, unsure what I might find.
Without hesitating, I opened the door. “Goodfellas” was playing, and Madison and her boyfriend were under a blanket. I flicked the light on.
“Hi, Dad,” Madison said, casually.
“Hi, Mr. Parker,” the boy chimed in. “I’m Kellen.”
“Madison, can I speak to you outside? Now.”
“Uh… okay,” she said, looking confused.
Once we stepped into the hall, I crossed my arms and leveled her with a look. “What happened to waiting until eight?”
“Well, he was already close by at Drake’s house. It just made sense for him to come here,” she said, defensive. “Did you want me to tell him to wait in his car until you got back?”
“Yes, Madison. That’s exactly what I wanted. He shouldn’t have stepped foot in this house until I was home.”
“What’s the big deal? Mom lets him come over when she’s not home.”
“Really?” I snapped. “Well, this is my house, and the rules are different here. No boys are allowed in this house unless I’m here. Do you understand me?”
“Geez, Dad. You’re overreacting. I babysat the boys for you, and he’s only been here for like twenty minutes. Check your Ring!”
“Madison,” I said, my voice firm. “If you break the rules, Kellen won’t be allowed over at all. And while he is here, the door stays open, the lights stay on, and there’s no more sitting under a blanket. Got it?”
“Fine,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.
“And he leaves at ten. No later.”
“Ten-thirty?”
“Madison…” My tone warned her not to push me.
“Fine. Ten,” she said, spinning on her heel. Her long blonde hair whipped around, a stark reminder of Kelly. The resemblance was uncanny, but the attitude… that wasn’t like the Kelly I knew. Had our divorce caused this behavior in Madison?
I went upstairs to check on Ivy and the boys, needing a reprieve. Bebe was already tucked in, flipping through her Madeline book.
“Hi, Daddy! I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and got in my PJs all by myself. I’m growing up!”
I laughed. “You are, but slow down, okay? I want you to stay little for a long time.”
She smiled, proud of herself. “I’m just reading about Madeline and how she got her appendix out, like Bebe.”
“Yep, just like Bebe. But it’s late. Time for sleep.”
As I tucked her in and turned off the lights, she said softly, “I love you, Daddy. You know, it’s okay if you like Miss Natalie. I like her too, and I love Bebe.”
I laughed. Winning over Ivy was easy. I couldn’t imagine what Madison would say about Natalie. She’d probably run off with Kellen in protest.
I went to check on the boys, who were spread out on the floor of Carter’s room trading baseball cards. “Alright, time to wrap it up and get ready for bed,” I told them.
They barely looked up, muttering, “Okay dad.”
Watching them, I couldn’t help but think how nice it was that they were so close, and still so innocent.
My phone buzzed.
Natalie: How’s the boyfriend? Try to stay calm.
I smirked at my phone, grateful for her sense of humor.
Will: He showed up early. I’m livid. Madison said he was just around the corner, so it “made sense” for him to come here.
She responded almost instantly.
Natalie: Yikes.
Will: No kidding. I should’ve told him to leave, but she claims her mom lets him come over when she’s not there. Either Kelly’s doing things differently, or Madison’s lying through her teeth.
Natalie: Hang in there, Papa Bear. Meredith is trying to get me drunk.
Will: I like drunk Natalie. When can we go on a date?
Natalie: I was going to ask if you have a date for the opening of Piers?
Will: Lucas’ restaurant?
Natalie: And Jasper’s. Be my plus one?
Will : A chance to make that handsome Brit jealous? I’m in.
Natalie: You’re something else, Parker. Take it easy on Madison, okay? Remember what it’s like to be a teenager.
I sighed, knowing she was right. But still, I wasn’t going to make it easy for Kellen.
At 9:55, I went to the doorway and announced, “Madison, you’ve got five minutes.”
“Okay, Dad,” she said, annoyed.
I heard whispers and movement. A minute later, they emerged.
“Thanks for having me, Mr. Parker,” Kellen said, polite but awkward.
I nodded stiffly. “Sure.”
Madison walked him to the door, closing it behind her as they stepped outside. I stayed near the window, watching. A few minutes later, she came back in, her expression happy as she headed toward the stairs.
“Good night, Dad,” she said.
“Wait,” I called.
She turned, curious. “Yes?”
I hesitated. “I’m new to this, Madison. I want to keep an open line of communication. I love you, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. You’re still my little girl.”
Her expression softened. “I know. I should’ve asked if it was okay for him to come early. He’s a nice guy, though.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” I said. “Love you, kiddo.”
“Love you too, Dad,” she said, heading upstairs.
And just like that, we had a productive conversation. Small victories.