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Seven
Aoife
PRESENT - New Year’s Day
When my phonerang and I glanced at the ‘private number’ on the Caller ID, I ignored it the first time.
But when it kept on ringing, and because I’d just put Jake down for a nap, I hit the connect button and snapped, “Who is it?”
There was silence on the end of the line, and for a second, I waited for the spiel for travel insurance or faster internet—not even the mob could avoid telemarketers forever—but then came a voice I hadn’t heard in years.
Not outside of the TV screen, at any rate.
“Aoife.”
Not a question, not even a statement. Just a soft exhalation, as if he savored my name.
“What do you want?”
If that sounded grim, then so be it.
My father had dumped me like I was trash just so that he could hop, skip, and jump his way into the White House.
When the last President had been impeached, there’d been a power vacuum at the top of his party, and Dad had managed to score himself a ride to the most famous house in the world.
“I need to speak with you.”
“Then speak.”
“Not over the phone. Anyone could be listening in.”
I shuffled away from the kitchen and headed toward the other end that was loaded with Jake’s toys now. It meant I was as far away from Finn as was manageable, because if he knew I was talking to my father, he’d be furious.
Not at me, but at Dad.
Finn knew how much it had hurt for me to be cut out and cast away like I meant nothing. If he learned I was giving my father the time of day, I knew he’d be outraged.
“You mean the Sparrows could be listening in?” I countered, not letting him throw me any BS.
“Yes,” he admitted.
“I told you before, you don’t have to worry about me…” If he really thought the Sparrows were listening in, then I was careful with what I said next, “I’m a woman of my word. Unlike some people.”
I’d gone above and beyond to protect him and his reputation. His loyalty wasn’t as strong as mine.
Dad hissed under his breath then took a second before muttering, “I deserved that.”
“Yes. You did.” My voice was without rancor. “I don’t have time for this. I have a friend coming over for dinner, and I don’t think this is a phone call where you wish me a ‘Happy New Year.’ So what do you want?”
“I’m sorry, Aoife.”
“Sorry? What are you sorry for?” I rasped when he stayed quiet, to the point where I actually thought he’d cut the line.
It was hard not tacking on ‘Dad,’ but I’d never wanted to hurt him. Even after he’d hurt me.
“For everything,” he said on a sigh.
My eyes narrowed, and with my toe, I kicked a soft plushie to the side where Jake had a small gathering of them. “Nice and specific.”
