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Chapter Seventeen
BOOTY CALL
Kenzie
It’s Friday,and I have no plans. My life officially sucks. Instead of going home after getting off work early, I head to my dad’s office. Too many weeks have passed since we’ve properly caught up, so I’m hoping he’s free for dinner.
My mom passed away when I was twelve, and my dad stepped up in a big way for me. He never once made me feel like his grief was more important than me, even though I knew just looking at me reminded him of his late wife.
The man is a saint. He even talked me through my first period and uncomfortably taught me about safe sex and boys before I entered high school. We’d have shopping days and daddy-daughter dates a few times a month, which I cherish and miss dearly with my busier adult schedule.
I park in the familiar parking garage and take the elevator up to the nineteenth floor of the high-rise building my dad has worked in for the last twenty years. He made partner with his law firm after only being there a few years. I worried he would work too hard once I moved out, but he often assures me I have nothing to worry about.
When I get to his floor, I make my way to the front desk, taking note of the new abstract art on the walls and fresh flowers on the tables.
“Hi, Sherry,” I say to the receptionist and offer a smile.
She looks up and tucks her brunette curls behind one ear. “Oh, McKenzie! What a lovely surprise. Does James know you’re coming by?”
I shake my head. “I was hoping to catch him in a lull.”
She grins and stands before smoothing her hands over her modest black dress. “Well, you’re in luck. It’s been a slow week with half the courthouse out sick. Follow me.”
It’s not necessary for her to show me to his office, but I don’t tell her that. If it’s been slow, then I’m sure she’s just looking for something to do.
Sherry knocks on the closed door and peeks her head in.
“Hello, beautiful,” I hear my dad say.
My hand covers my mouth to suppress my shock, and I don’t miss the way Sherry’s shoulders go rigid.
“McKenzie is here,” she says quietly.
When she turns around, my hand is still on my face, but I’m grinning.
Her face is bright red, and she avoids my gaze, but I grab her hand before she can walk away. “If he’s happy, then so am I.”
She looks up at me with awe in her blue eyes. “Really?”
“Really.”
She squeezes my hand. “Thank you.”
My dad comes out of the office sheepishly, but there’s a glint in his green eyes that I don’t miss. He adjusts the navy-blue tie at his neck, then runs a hand over the back of his salt-and-pepper hair. “Hey, I wasn’t expecting you, but I’m glad you stopped by.”
I glance between him and Sherry. “Are you sure?”
His lips flatten, and I get the “dad look” he’s always been great at. “Get over here, McKenzie Jane.”
Sherry walks back toward the front desk, and I head right into my dad’s waiting arms. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Hi, Pumpkin.” His arms tighten around me before letting go and guiding me into his office. When he closes the door, he nods toward it. “The thing with Sherry. It’s new or I would have told you.”
I grin. “It’s okay. I’m glad you’re dating. It’s about damn time.”
He laughs and takes a seat on the couch at the back wall of his office. “Yeah, maybe.”
I join him and grab his hand. “I’ve missed you. Sorry I’ve been so busy.”
