Page 23 of A Daddy to Love

I’m not going anywhere. Get here whenever you can.

I’m sorry.

Why?

I wanted to go out to dinner with you tonight. I don’t want to be here.

Where are you?

My fingers slipped against the screen. I’d said too much. He was asking questions now and I didn’t want to lie. But he couldn’t know about me and Grandfather and the money and the trust. Not yet.

I tried to come up with a reply that was vague but not a lie. I must’ve taken too long because Truce sent a follow up text.

No need to answer. Baby, I’ll be here all night. You do whatever you need to do.

As I read, my cheeks heated. He was being so nice. He shouldn’t be treated this way. Not the guy who was so party-popular, who could have anyone he wanted for a look and a twitch of an eyebrow. He didn’t need to wait for me when he could be busy somewhere else. I started to type.

I wish I could be there right now.

Before I could hit send, an elbow poked me. I jumped. Richard was staring at me.

“What?”

“What do you want for dessert?”

I glanced around the table. Everyone was staring. I gulped.

“Nothing. I’m full.”

“Shall I bring you a coffee, sir?”

“Yes, thank you very much.”

“Cream and sugar.”

I nodded. “Lots, please.”

Snickers hissed from around the table.

My face got even hotter. They still stared at me, all of them half-drunk and not caring if the night went on forever before the official signing.

I needed to find a way out of this. All of this. But it would take forever to break the business trust fund. And if I did sell everything, I could already see the hurt and disappointment in Grandfather’s face. After everything he’d done for me, given me, it would be a dishonor.

The waiter said kindly, “Yes, sir.”

Another half hour for desserts to arrive. Another for everyone to eat them. And get drunker. It was now after ten o’clock.

I kept looking at Richard. When I checked my texts, I realized I hadn’t sent the last text I’d written. I’d left Truce hanging. That was unacceptable. I hit send. Then followed it up.

I forgot to send that last text. I think things are wrapping up. Is it too late? It feels late.

If you are tired, we can postpone.

No. I’m not. I want to see you!

There’s no work tomorrow. I usually stay out late on Fridays.

Oh no. That meant because of me he couldn’t go out. He wasn’t having his usual popular time and fun. All because of me. I couldn’t be worth it. Not after all this.