AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh…” She laughs. “Is that so?”
“Yeah. We got on really well, and… you know…”
“You don’t have to explain to me, darling. Go and have fun. I’ll see you at Huxley’s tonight.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
“Hey, your sex life always has to come first.”
“Damn straight. Catcha later.” I grin and end the call.
Lastly, I call Mum. Knowing Dad will be at work, I call the landline. It rings a couple of times, and then someone answers.
“Hello?”
Fuck. It’s my father.
I freeze. For a few seconds, I have to fight with myself not to just end the call as an icy finger trails down my spine.
But I’m not the girl I was before I left for England. He’s still my father. I’m sure I can have a conversation and not crumble into dust.
Taking a deep breath, I say, “Dad? It’s Heidi.”
He’s silent for a moment. Then he says, “You’re in Auckland?”
“I am. Landed about half an hour ago. I was hoping to reach Mum.”
“And you got me instead. Sorry about that.”
I can’t tell if he’s being sarcastic or if he’s smiling. Probably sarcastic, knowing him.
I decide to ignore the jibe. “How are you?” I murmur.
“I’m well, thank you. And you?”
“Yes, fine, thanks.” Polite as strangers.
He’s quiet again. I screw up my nose, trying to think of what to say.
“Where are you staying?” he asks.
“With a friend.”
“Anyone I know?”
Resentment swells inside me, destroying any intention I had of trying to remain civil.
I could lie, I guess. But then I think, why should I? “It’s Lawrence Oates,” I say, my tone clipped.
“Titus?” He gives a short laugh. “Of course. Julian said his son had blown off the principal of King’s College for you.” He’s talking about Titus’s father. Shit—I’d forgotten that they know one another. “He wasn’t too happy about it,” he continues. “I’m surprised at you, Heidi. Titus isn’t a schoolboy anymore. He’s a Chairman and CEO. You can’t just cry and ask him to come running to help you.”
I blush scarlet. “I didn’t! My ex showed up while we were talking, and he was drunk, and Titus was worried about me.”
“Yes, I heard about the issues you were having. If you’d called the police when Evie said, you wouldn’t have needed rescuing, would you?”
I stand up. “Please tell Mum I called and that I’ve landed okay. I’ll ring her on her mobile next time.”
“Heidi—”
