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He needs to keep up his image of a loving, doting father.
“Understood, Sir. I won't let you down,” I mumble and he grunts. Looking back up at him, I can see something has caught his attention behind me.
I don't even need to turn around. Whenever Chastity is near, my body can feel her.
“Are you ready?” she asks quietly, and I look at my father.
“We have plans to get some food,” I murmur, and I watch as his mask slips back into place.
“Of course. Go, Son, have a wonderful time. We will talk later,” he says with a big smile, and I try not to visibly shudder.
I nod, then back away slowly. Chas stands there, holding out her hand for me. I give her a shaky smile and take it.
“You didn't have to wait for me,” I grumble and she shrugs.
“Are you okay? That seemed kinda intense.”
Sighing, I run my free hand through my damp hair. After the game, I quickly showered and changed. “My dad isn't who he seems. He likes to pretend a lot. It took me until something traumatic happened to see his real colors, but I don't want to go down that rabbit hole.”
I give her hand a squeeze and start walking over to where the guys and Tempest are waiting. I know Chastity has questions, and I will tell her one day, but not tonight.
Seeing my father made me feel raw inside, and I just want to get some food and spend time with my girl and my family.
“Finally, ugh. I am starving,” Tempest whines and Ash laughs.
“How? I saw you snacking during the game,” he grumbles, and Tempest looks at Chas. They seem to have some unspoken conversation before Tempest shrugs.
“How about we sneak over to the coffee shop? I don't have a curfew anymore, but you guys do,” she says and I groan.
“Actually, could we sneak into the kitchens and bake some cookies?” I ask and Chas gives me a huge smile.
“That sounds perfect. Temp, I'll make you a sandwich,” she says before turning and heading back to the Academy.
Jonas comes up next to me and pats my shoulder. He's wincing and walking with a small limp. I could murder that linebacker for what he did. At least Ash got a few good hits in.
Tempest and Chastity chat and giggle as we move closer to the kitchens. We are not being quiet, but I don't think they care.
The lights are off and the counters are spotless when we enter. The lingering smell of lemons from the mop cleaner hits my nose and I sigh. My stomach grumbles at the reminder of her lemon cookies.
“Okay, how about we whip up some treats, then go back to the apartment? I was hoping one or all of you might stay with me, since Levi is still out? I don't want to be alone,” Chastity says, getting quieter, more unsure as she speaks.
I open my mouth to reply, but Ash beats me to it. “Yeah, sounds good, Princess,” he says, and I know I'm not the only one who is surprised.
“Great, thanks,” she sighs with a smile.
I walk over to the sink and wash my hands, then over to the pantry and grab things as she calls them out to me. Jonas is making Tempest a sandwich, and Ash is preheating the ovens.
“Do we really need three baking trays?” I ask and she nods.
“Chocolate chip cookies for Jonas, lemon white chocolate for you, and double chocolate peanut butter for Ash. I’d make brownies, but that would take longer.”
My eyes widen. “You're planning to make us all our favorites? I would be fine eating just one of those recipes,” I murmur and she rolls her eyes.
“Baking is my love language, Bast. Just let it happen, okay?” I nod and watch as she puts us all to work.
Tempest leaves after she eats, claiming a migraine. She seemed a little tired and sad. I hope she's okay. We may not have been close before, but she is Chastity’s best friend, and will always be a part of this hodgepodge family we are making.
We laugh and chat, and when Mother Superior storms in looking pissed off in a robe, we all laugh. She looks over to her granddaughter and the smile on her face.
