My dad has been quiet this whole time.
“Dad. You okay over there?”
“Are you sure about this?” he asks carefully. “Are you sure he’s not messed up in any…shady dealings?”
“Dad,” I say quietly. “No, he is not. But really, in a roundabout way, you should be thanking him.”
We share a look, and I know he understands exactly what I’m saying. His jaw tightens and he nods slightly, not saying another word.
“So,” Isla says, moving the call forward. “Tell us about his family.”
And just like that, the call shifts. I talk about meeting them and how warm they all were. We laugh about the dachshund race, and eventually hang up, one by one, until it’s just me and my dad left.
“I’m glad you’re happy, Lola,” he says. “And I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”
I look at this man I have loved my whole life, who has cost me things he doesn’t even fully know he cost me. I think he’s always understood that the money I gave him came with a huge price that he ultimately did not have to pay. But I did.
I nod. “Thanks, Dad.”
I text Tully before bed.
My mother wants to meet you. Consider yourself warned.
Three dots appear almost immediately.
Tully
Should I be terrified?
I have a feeling you’re going to wrap her around your little finger the way you have me.
Tully
Is that right?
I smile at the phone, and a FaceTime call comes in.
I accept it and he’s there, smiling back at me.
“Tell me more about the way I’ve wrapped you around my little finger?”
I laugh. “Did I say that? I’m not sure?—”
“I have it in writing!”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
COME AWAY WITH ME
TULLY
The drive up to Windy Harbor feels entirely different than the last time I came. My hand rests on Lola’s thigh the whole way, her laughter filling the car every time I crank the music louder or point out another funny landmark. She’s wearing a soft gray sweater dress that shows off her shoulders, with thigh-high black boots, looking cozy and sexy at the same time.
“Are you sure you’re ready for Thanksgiving with my entire chaotic family?” I ask, squeezing her leg.
“I can’t wait.” She grins at me, her eyes all lit up.
My heart’s been on overdrive for days, much longer than that, really, now that she’s back in my life. I still can’t believe she’s here, with me, even as I run my hand up her leg.
