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What had she done to anger him? He slumped into his chair and crossed his arms. She wanted to ask what was wrong, but the anger radiating from him kept her mouth closed.
She studied her phone, trying to remain unobtrusive. Several minutes later the room grew quiet and she glanced up. Her father stood at the edge of the table, looking at her with wide, tear-filled eyes, as if he was seeing a ghost.
Her heart dropped into her stomach.
“Emma?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
Emily’s mouth dropped open and she searched for David, who watched the exchange with narrowed eyes and furrowed brows.
Joe Parker reached out for her, his eyes holding a hint of warning, but she couldn’t move. She stared at him, knowing it was an act, not knowing what he expected from her. Her mind circled desperately, trying to grasp what was going on, wanting to run away but unable to move.
Her mother appeared at the table as well, the tears in her eyes more sincere, making Emily wonder if she knew what had happened to her.
Joe stepped around the table and pulled Emily into his arms, holding her tight and burying his face in her neck. “Oh, Emma!” he cried, then whispered, “Appearances.”
Emily wrapped her arms around him reluctantly, again not knowing what he expected. But he liked a show, so she did as she thought he’d want.
He loosened his hold on her and gazed into her eyes. “My daughter!” He looked around the room, a triumphant smile on his face. “She’s here.” He turned back to her, tears filling his eyes once more. His voice softened and broke on the words, “How are you here?”
He really shouldn’t have quit acting. He was quite marvelous. If Emily hadn’t known him better, she would have believed his anguish.
“Emma!” Her mother cried, throwing her arms around Emily’s shoulders and weeping. Literally weeping. Emily wanted to shrug her off, but couldn’t without incurring the wrath of her father.
Joe pushed at the two women and ushered them out through the lobby and into the cool night air. He looked around and then turned to glare at Emily. “What the hell are you doing here?” he whispered in a harsh voice. “I thought you were in DC.”
Emily stared at the man who was her father. She’d been gone for over five years, and the only thing he did was question why she was here instead of rejoicing as she’d imagine a normal father would.
Joe Parker was not a normal father.
“You knew I was in DC?” Emily contemplated the towering figure she’d loved as a child and feared as a teen. Something wasn’t right and her heart was heavy. If he’d known where she was, why hadn’t he come and gotten her? Or sent word, begging for her to come home?
He pressed his lips together and shook his head. “It doesn’t matter now.”
“It doesn’t... matter?” she asked, feeling both bold and bewildered. She glanced at her mother, still unsure if the woman knew what happened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Joe started pacing, the sign he was trying to figure out what to do next, how to maintain his public image and salvage the situation to his advantage. “We’ll say you did run away, but somehow got amnesia and didn’t know where you were or who you were...” he muttered. He stopped and stared at Emily for a moment, chewing his lip. “Whydidyou run away?”
Heated anger filled her chest. “You really have to ask that?”
Joe lifted his hand and Emily flinched and held up her arm. “You sorry excuse for—”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” a soft voice came from behind her father.
Joe spun around. “This isn’t any of your business, Dave.”
David appeared from behind Joe and walked to Emily’s side. “Well, since she’s my employee, yes, it is my business.”
Joe’s eyes widened. “What?”
David gave a small smile. “She’s been working for me for years, but became my assistant when Becky went on maternity leave.” David raised his brows. “I’d be quite lost without her.”
Emily’s father stared at David for a long moment, his brows knit with confusion. He glared at Emily and then turned back to David. She glanced at her mother, who stood at her father’s side, an unreadable expression on her face. Emily still couldn’t decide how much her mother knew about the situation.
“I don’t know everything,” David began, “but after hearing bits and pieces of Emily’s story, and seeing your reaction, more is becoming clear.” He turned to Emily and gave her a sad smile. “I believe your dad has known the entire time where you were. Or at least most of the time. I believe he was using Geoffrey to keep you out of sight.”
Joe’s eyes narrowed. “I thought you saidyouwere her boss.”
David laughed. “I am, technically. I’ve backdated employee files so she doesn’t have to be ashamed of the position you put her in.”
