I step out of my bedroom at the same time Penny steps out of hers. Her brown eyes flash to mine in near-horror, but I can’t care anymore. It’s almost the weekend and I need to figure out how to make sure Penny doesn’t end up a target. Especially if we’re taking off and leaving her alone on Saturday.
I don’t care what she does, but Harper will.
Wordlessly, we both turn and head to the dining room. Dad has decided we’re taking family meals together. Breakfast and dinner. More time to watch him be disappointed in me.
Penny draws in a deep breath before opening the dining room door and walking in. Maybe she’s learning that having our father isn’t better than not having a father.
“Good morning, Dad.” Her voice is cheery, but tight. She’s stopped hesitating when she saysdad. He’ll appreciate that.
“Penny. Luke.” Dad looks up from his tablet and lifts his coffee cup to his lips.
We take our seats like dutiful children and the staff brings two plates of whatever Dad has decided we should eat for breakfast today. It’s his power play. He’s taking away our choice and keeping us under his control.
Omelet. Protein is good. I take a few bites, letting the silence settle over us, before I clear my throat.
My father lifts his hard gaze to me.
“I thought I might drive Penny to school instead of her taking her car.”
Penny straightens next to me, but I don’t turn to look at her. She can think whatever she likes, but this is just another chess move. I never take my gaze off my father’s.
“We have a pep rally and then the game tonight. Both of us have a party to go to. It just makes sense to take one car. And that way, you don’t have to worry about her being out on her own.” I’ve thought about this all morning while I got ready without Harper.
Because getting ready without Harper in the morning is fucked up. Sleeping with her every night and showering with her in the morning became a habit. One that I want to return to. I’ll share that shit with the others, but I hate that right now I’m not there.
College can’t get here fast enough.
But I have to deal with my father and newly discovered sister. Keeping Penny close means he can’t use her against me. It also means if he’s using her to get information, I’m making it harder for them to talk.
Penny seems terrified of our father. Which either means she’s too afraid to tell him anything or too afraid not to tell him everything. One works to my advantage. The other doesn’t. As far as I know, he only knows Harper is my girlfriend, not that I share her with my friends.
“I’m glad to see you taking an interest in your sister.” Dad doesn’t look up from his phone. “But don’t forget your other mission. We need to find that information.”
Penny looks confused, but doesn’t say anything. She’s not stupid. She seems to know when to keep her mouth shut. At least she has that going for her.
He must have something up his sleeve. Today, I have bigger concerns than my father’s twisted obsession. We need to get through Homecoming and whatever Zach’s group has planned for us or Harper.
I eat the rest of my omelet in silence while Penny does the same. When we both stand to go to school, my father clears his throat.
Holding my breath, I turn to him. What fresh hell is he going to rain down?
“Time away from the girl hopefully made her a little more needy. You should spend more time with her. We have things under control here, don’t we?” His eyes pin Penny in her spot.
She forces a smile. “Yes, Dad. We’ll be just fine.”
She could have sold it better without that slight tremor in her voice. Even if that were an option, I don’t think Harper would want me to leave Penny alone. Not here in this house.
“I’ll see what I can do.” I give him a clipped nod before motioning to the door at Penny.
She heads out and, once in the hallway, releases her breath. “I need to grab my backpack.”
“I’ll meet you at the car.” Pulling out my phone, I open the app Jack installed.
Me:
Bringing Penny to school
Caden:
