Page 7 of Chasing Honor

“Well what?”

“Why are you taking pictures of my daughter?”

“Huh?”

I studied his face and thought about how unfair it was that men aged so much better than woman. There wasn’t a line on his face. After looking at him for a moment or two, I realized he had to be close to my age, I glanced over his shoulder at the little girl, now standing by the swings, she had to be nine or ten—there was no way.

“Serious as shit. Right now, lady, tell me why you took my kid’s picture.”

“I’m a photographer.”

“And?” He motioned for me to keep going as if my explanation wasn’t good enough.

“I didn’t mean to offend you. I’ll delete the picture. I heard her laughing and when I glanced over, she looked so happy and carefree I couldn’t help it.”

“Delete it,” he demanded.

What an asshole.

“Okay.”

“Now.”

“You’re kinda a jerk,” I told him. I said I was sorry. “Don’t you think you’re being a tad over-the-top?”

“A jerk?” He recoiled. “You haven’t seen over-the-top yet. It’s fucking rude to take pictures of other people’s children. You could be some sicko for all I know.”

“Never mind, you’re not a jerk, you’re an asshole.” I pulled my camera body up and scrolled to the image, flashing the LCD screen in his direction so he could see me deleting the picture. Before I could pull my camera back, his large hand covered mine and stilled my movements. Goose bumps raced down my arms at his touch.

“That’s good,” he said narrowing his eyes.

“That’s because I’m good,” I told him, yanking my camera free.

I glanced at the screen, saddened to delete such a perfect moment in time. I hit the trash button on the back of my camera and the image disappeared. I hated deleting pictures, even the bad ones. They were moments in time you’d never get back.

“I hope you take a lot of pictures with her.” I don’t know why I said that, and when the man looked at me in bewilderment, I hurried to finish. “I lost my dad when I was about her age. I have one picture of the two of us together. Only one. I wish with all my heart I had more. When memories start to fade, it’s important to have a reminder. Sorry for troubling you.”

I turned to leave when the man stopped me.

“Listen, you were right. I was being a dick. I’m sorry. I’m a little crazy when it comes to my daughter. I’m a cop and, unfortunately, I see danger everywhere. It was a really great picture.”

“Thanks. Enjoy your day.”

I glanced at the little girl again, wishing I could remember if my dad had ever pushed me on the swings. And, if he had, did I laugh and smile like the cute little girl with wind-tangled curls? I like to think I did. My mom had told me stories about how much my dad loved me, but I had no way of knowing if those tales were made up to make a broken-hearted ten year feel better.

Now I was a twenty-something orphan. No parents, no family. It was me, myself, and I against the world. I started back to the motel, needing to change before I went to meet a man about a room for rent. It was the second step on the road to independence. A place to live that was not a motel.

When I’d left Frank’s house I took only what was mine. Either what I’d bought with my own money or what I’d had before my mom had married the prick. It wasn’t a lot, but, truthfully, I didn’t need much. I’d preferred it when it was just my mom and me in a small condo. Frank’s mansion was cold and lonely. Thankfully, I had my car. I was happy that even when he’d complained the old Honda was a piece of shit, I’d never given into his desire to buy me a fancy, new car. My car was mine. Bought by me before Frank came into the picture. I wanted nothing from him.

I was so lost in my thoughts the short walk to the motel was a blur. I rushed a shower, dressed, and was in my car before long.

I grabbed the directions I’d written down and pulled out of the parking lot. The drive was short, and when I pulled into a nice neighborhood, I prayed the landlord wasn’t a creep. I needed to find a place to live and get back to work before I blew through my savings.

I parked at the curb and got out, straightening my T-shirt the best I could.

Please. Please. Please. Be normal.

I lifted my hand and knocked. A few seconds later the door opened.