AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No, she didn’t. But I asked her to. I wanted to enjoy a meal with my kids.”
It was awkward at first, the three of us sitting there with Dad. But then he cleared his throat and said, “Me and your mother have decided to separate for the time being.”
“Well, shit,” Max breathed.
“Max, language, please.”
“What does that mean, Dad?” I asked. “What’s going to happen?”
“Honestly, sweetheart, I don’t know. Your mother and I have a lot to work through. But for now, I think it’s best that we do that separately.”
“I’m sorry, Dad.” I gave him a weak smile. Part of me was relieved that I wouldn’t have to deal with Mom every day, but she was still my mom, and he was still my dad.
“I’m sorry if I caused trouble,” Harleigh said quietly, looking at her plate. “That was never my—”
“Harleigh Wren, look at me,” Dad said. “You are my daughter and I have already made so many mistakes where you are concerned. But I’m done making excuses. If Sabrina can’t accept you as part of this family, then that’s her choice. But you are my daughter, my flesh and blood.” He looked at me and then Max. “I know I haven’t been perfect or present nearly enough but that all changes today.”
“Sounds good to me, Dad.” Max shrugged. “Can we eat now?”
“Yes, let’s eat.”
Dad and Max chatted and joked like he hadn’t just announced he and Mom were separating. But Max seemed lighter somehow. It was weird.
“Hi,” Harleigh slid into the seat beside me.
“Hi.”
“Celeste, listen, I am so sorry. I’ve been such a bitch to you over the last few weeks, but Sabrina said—”
“Don’t. Don’t do that. I know she’s to blame, I do. But you could have talked to me, Harleigh.”
Devastation flickered across her expression. “I know. I’m so sorry. Honestly, I think a part of me believed her. Believed that you were better off without me.”
“Harleigh, I have never thought that, not once. You’re my sister, I love you.”
“I know and I’m so lucky to have you.” She hugged me. “And Zane would be lucky to have you too.”
I pulled back, frowning at her. “But you said—”
“I know what I said but I was scared, Celeste. I’ve never had to worry about someone else’s feelings before. I didn’t want you to get hurt and Zane is a complicated guy.”
“You’re telling me.” I smiled but it quickly dropped when I remembered that he hadn’t gotten in touch this last week.
When I’d seen the flash of jealousy in his eyes at the center, I’d thought he might try to see me. Or in the very least, text me. But he hadn’t.
“You know he—”
“Harleigh, it’s okay. I’m okay. Do I wish he’d have given me a chance, yeah.” My heart squeezed. “But it’s okay. I just hope he and his grams are okay.”
I knew they would be. Nate had helped me to make sure they were. I still needed to explain that little fact to my father, but I figured today was probably not the right time for it.
Besides, it was my money. If I wanted to help a friend out, that was my prerogative.
“Miriam is doing okay. She’s pissed that Zane ‘chased you off’ though.”
Laughter pealed out of me, and Dad and Max glanced to our end of the table.
“What are you two whispering about?” Max smirked.
