“I got it for Harbor, you think she’s going to like it?” I asked with a smile.
“She would be crazy if she didn’t.” Ivy spun around and began examining me. “So, did I miss something?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, watching them park the car.
A big red bow was tied around it, and the car gleamed in the bright ass sun. The driver began walking toward me, clipboard in hand for me to sign off. Once I jotted my signature, he went to load up with his partner to leave.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Harbor’s soft voice came from the top of the stairs.
She wore her hair pulled on top of her head and sported some joggers with a tight tank top. Barefoot, she padded down the steps. I wasn’t going to be the one to say anything, but she didn’t look like she felt well. She crossed her arms over her chest and Ivy peered up at her.
“Ugh, no offense, but you look like death.” My daughter voiced, disgusted.
“Thanks.” Harbor rolled her eyes and nudged her playfully.
“So, daddy was just about to answer my question.” Ivy perked up, rocking back and forth on her heels.
“And what question was that?” Harbor locked eyes with me.
“Well, I asked if I missed something around here. With you two.” She motioned her hands between us.
I simpered and bowed my head. Harbor held a breath in and waited for me.
“What do you think is going on, Ivy? You know I would never play it like you’re stupid. So, tell me what’s on your mind. You don’t have a problem speaking it any other time.” Harbor articulated.
“Are you like… together? Like dating and stuff?” She interrogated.
“If we were, how would you feel about that?” Harbor tested her.
Ivy didn’t respond, but she looked to me first. She dropped her hands at her side and a little pout formed on her lips.
“You said that this wasn’t that.” She voiced.
“It’s not something that I planned, Ivy, believe that.” I explained. “But… me and Harbor… we have a connection, and we care about each other. So things have changed. I wanted to talk to you about it, of course?—”
“Why? Looks like you already made your decision.” Ivy retorted under her breath.
Harbor’s color changed and she looked like she was about to throw up right where she stood but she was fighting the urge to do so.
“Ivy—” she began, but my daughter glared at her.
“Save me the sappy speech.” She countered, and Harbor was at a loss for words. “My opinion doesn’t matter around here.”
Ivy tried to stomp around her, but she wasn’t having it. Harbor blocked her path to the stairs with her thick ass frame. They were going toe to toe with one another, and I was forced on the sidelines. I wasn’t used to my daughter being this resistant. It reminded me that I need to take the time to spend with her and get to know her.
“What have I done to you?” She asked, aiming a finger at herself.
“Other than be fake? Trying to get close to me so you can get close to him.” Ivy quipped resentfully.
I could see Harbor taking offense as anguish clouded her face and her eyes misted.
“Ivy, that’s not cool.” I stepped in.
“Oh, but it’s okay for her to be fake? She’s been using me to get to you, not even realizing that you don’t care about me either.” Ivy spat, anger taking over.
Floored by her words, I tried to think of a response, and none came. Tears built in her eyes. I reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder, and she jerked away from me like my touch was fire. Staring back at her with sympathy, I used a little force the next time so that she had no choice but to look at me. With both hands on her shoulders, I looked into my child’s face.
“Ivy Roth, look at me when I talk to you.” I ordered sternly.
