“No, the leg comment was dramatic.” Kaiden honked the horn at someone trying to merge in front of us and threw up his hands.
“Let’s get there in one piece,” she added.
He let off the gas a tad and eased into our journey. I watched the scenery pass, too afraid to see if Kaiden was glaring at me in the review mirror. I could feel it. The tension was thick enough to choke on.
Gina broke the silence first. “Maybe you could talk to your dad while you’re there.”
My anxiety shot through the roof. There was no slow lead in so I could stop her. Just bam! Slapped in the face.
“Talk to Dad about what?”
“Nothing.”
Gina side-eyed me over her shoulder. “Calista got fired.”
My eyes widened. “Gina!”
“You got fired?” Kaiden laughed. “That’s what’s wrong with you?”
“Amongst other things,” I mumbled.
The atmosphere that threatened to crush us changed in an instant. I could breathe easier without the weight on me. Dad’s quote about secrets danced in my head.
“She’s scared to ask for help.”
“I’m not scared. I just refuse to. Big difference, Gina.”
“Okay,” she scoffed.
I bit back my retort as we pulled into the drive of the two-story brick home with a freshly landscaped yard. My childhood bedroom window faced the street, curtains drawn blocking out the rest of the world. Exactly like me. Fitting.
“Here.” Gina handed me a hair tie and flipped down the vanity mirror in the visor.
“Eek.” With quick hands, I finger combed my hair into a messy bun that didn’t look half bad. The bags under my eyes had only gotten heavier with the added stress over the past week.
Patty opened the door when our feet hit the steps, dressed to the nines per usual, with not a hair out of place. I was surprised her high-neck, button-up dress shirt or the belt snugly cinched about her waist didn’t choke the life from her. How did she breathe?
Her tight lips drew into a full smile when she saw Gina. Lightly rubbing Gina’s arms, she said, “I’m so glad you came to visit. Herbert,” she raised her voice and said over her shoulder, “Gina is here!”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“You are welcome every Sunday.”
My lids slid shut to cover my biggest eye roll to date.
“Kaiden, dear,” Patty schmoozed. I almost gagged.
They stepped to the side revealing me. Patty forced a smile and said, “Calista, glad you could grace us with your presence.”
I forced a tight-lipped smile, as well.I’m sure you are.“Where’s Dad?”
“I’m in here, sweetheart.”
Warmth filled me when he called out from the dining room. I left everyone behind to go see my father. He sat at the head of the table, dressed in his golf clothes, tapping so hard on his phone screen I thought he would shatter it. He looked up when I giggled.
“This dagnab contraption doesn’t work.” He set it down, scooted his chair back to stand up, and wrapped his arms around me. I melted against him, taking all the comfort I could before everyone walked in and stole his attention. “How’s my beautiful daughter?”
Tears pricked my eyes.My world is falling apart, and I’m suffocating beneath the rubble.“I’m fine, Dad.”
