She lets out a sarcastic laugh. “You’re grounding me because I don’t get on with your girlfriend?”
“This has nothing to do with Ash. You’re grounded because you used a fake ID to get into a bar.”
“You can’t ground me. I’m eighteen.”
“I’m your father; I can do what I want. If you’re going to act like a child, then I’ll treat you like one.”
“Surely, getting into a bar makes me the opposite of a child,” she sasses.
“Don’t test me, Laney. I’ll take your car and your allowance if you continue with this behavior.”
“This is ridiculous.”
She huffs, grabs her glass of water from the countertop, and storms past me. Her feet are heavy on the stairs as she races up them, followed by the slamming of her bedroom door.
With a heavy sigh, I sink onto one of the stools at the breakfast bar, resting my head in my hands. I hate fighting with her, but her behavior tonight was completely out of control. It’s all my fault. She’s pushing back against my relationship with Ashlyn, and the truth is, I have no idea how to handle it. I want to be with Ash, but I also want Laney to be okay with it. I just wish I knew how to make both things possible.
I lock up and head upstairs, passing by Laney’s room without saying goodnight. We’ve both said enough for one night. Maybe things will seem better in the morning. After a quick shower, I climb into bed and grab my phone from the nightstand. Ashlyn is probably asleep, but I still want to check in on her. Unlocking my phone, I type out a message.
Me: Hey, baby. Are you awake?
I stare at the screen, waiting for a reply. When I see the typing indicator appear, a wave of relief washes over me. She’s still here. I know Ash told me she was all in when we talked the other night, but I wouldn’t blame her if she chose to walk away.My life is anything but simple, and she doesn’t deserve all this chaos. My phone chimes with a message.
Ashlyn: Hey. I’m awake. Are you home? How’s Laney feeling?
Me: We’re home. Laney’s okay. Nothing some water and Tylenol won’t fix. I’m sorry about how she spoke to you.
Ashlyn: She’s hurting, Ben. I get it. I’d be pissed too.
Me: You’re incredible, you know that?
Ashlyn: Not sure Laney would agree.
Me: It’ll be okay, Ash.
Ashlyn: Will it?
I read her last message and let out a heavy sigh. Am I just fooling myself? I want to believe everything will be okay, that Laney just needs time, but I’m not so sure now.
Me: I hope so, baby.
Ashlyn: Me too. Night, Ben.
Me: Night, Ash.
I switch off the bedroom light, but sleep refuses to come. No matter how much I try to reassure myself, and her, that everything will work out, I don’t know that it will. The truth is, I’m scared. Scared I won’t be what she needs. Scared I’lldisappoint her. Scared that my daughter won’t be able to accept this, or worse, that trying to hold onto both of them will tear everything apart.
And that’s something I can’t let happen.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Ashlyn
Ipull into my parents’ driveway and turn off the engine. I always come straight from school on a Thursday and get some work done while I wait for everyone else to arrive. Ben needed to check on Laney first, though, so he’s meeting me later. I can’t help but feel a little nervous, especially since I have no idea which of my brothers, if any, will be here tonight. After Laney’s reaction to our relationship last night, I’m not sure I can handle another evening of judgment.
“Are you coming in, sweetheart?” my mom calls from the front door.
I force a smile, step out of my car, and grab my bag from the back seat.
