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Chapter Seven
“Hello, dear. Come in, come in.” He gives me an awkward hug then takes my jacket. I see his hand run along the pockets.
“Father.” I nod, glancing around and noting that something is different. Our family pictures have been removed, and my graduation photo is gone from the mantel. Jeez, you would think he never had a family.
“Captain Rent, thank you for joining us this evening.” My father shakes his hand.
I try not to let it bother me that my father knows Derek’s rank. I’m guessing he did his homework before we came over this evening.
After my father makes us a drink along with his small talk, the doorbell rings, making my stomach drop into my lap.
“Are you expecting someone?” Derek asks, standing at my side.
My father rises and gives us a warm smile. “Actually, yes.”
I stand, glancing at Derek, who looks as worried as I am. I thought this was a private dinner.
“Savannah?” I hear her voice, and I nearly drop my drink. “Is that really you?”
“Lynn?” I can barely speak as she runs over and wraps her arms around me, embracing me in that familiar hug I missed dearly. She still looks amazing. Everything matches, nothing out of place. I start to wonder about my own appearance. I quickly stop myself.
Don’t go there, Savi.
“Oh my god, I thought you were dead! When your father called me to come over, I thought it was just for dinner, but when he told me you—” She pulls away and looks at me with tears in her eyes. “You look amazing!”
“Thanks, so do you.” I point to Derek. “This is my friend Derek. Derek, this is my longtime friend Lynn.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Derek’s voice is laced with discomfort. I don’t blame him; I wasn’t ready for this either.
“Well, well, well, look at you, spitfire.” Luka holds open his arms, coming into the room and granting me a large hug. “Never thought we’d see you again.”
“Luka!” I smile at him. “If you told me I would be standing here with you guys a few months ago, I wouldn’t have believed it.” I turn to Derek and make the introductions. Poor Derek. He does not like this.
“Okay, now, enough hovering, everyone.” My father beams. “We are all excited to have her safely home. Let’s get some food, and then Savannah can tell us everything that’s happened.”
Oh, lovely, a trip down memory lane.
Derek sits next to me, facing Lynn and Luka, and my father sits to my left at the head of the table. A massive, gaudy panting of him is hung behind his seat. He is in a red leather chair, nursing a drink. It looms over the room as if to prove he is high and mighty. Nice to know he had time to get a painting done while my life was turned inside out. I move my arms out of the way while the entree is served, and the questions begin.
“So, you were held captive for nearly seven months, and we understand you were rescued a while ago, but why are we only seeing you now?” Lynn asks, confused. “Where were you between then and now?”
Wow, jump right in, guys.
I see Derek shift ever so slightly. I’m not sure how to answer her, but I don’t need to because my father does it for me.
“She was in a safe house.” My mouth drops open.
“Where?” Lynn asks over the rim of her wine glass.
“I can’t say,” I reply, looking at my father.
“Why?”
“Rules,” I answer truthfully.
“Really?” She takes a bite of her salad. “So, are you and Derek dating?”
“No,” Derek answers quickly.
