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“Thanks for coming.” I grab a balloon bouquet from him. “I only need an hour to get ready to hang out with you tonight.”
“I’m not staying,” My father says. “But you looked great out there. Congratulations on winning first place.”
“Wait a minute.” I stare at him in disbelief. “I reserved a room for you and Elaine so we could do some sightseeing this weekend.”
“Elaine didn’t think you were serious about that offer,” he says. “Especially since you called her a cunt last week.”
“What’s wrong with calling her by her name?”
He ignores my comment. “She and Harlow are grabbing a quick bite before heading to the airport.”
“I don’t understand the purpose of flying to Canada just to leave on the same day.”
“I’m sorry.” He pulls me into a weak hug. “Remind me to look into getting you some therapy. Elaine thinks that’s exactly what you need to get better, and her sister owns a private practice.”
I don’t hug him back. I wait for him to let me go.
“Harlow is having a party to celebrate getting into grad school next month,” he says. “I hope you’ll come.”
“It’ll depend on my schedule,” I offer, knowing I won’t be there.
I’ll never be there.
We stand in an awkward silence, the emotional distance bending and stretching between us, revealing how far we’ve grown apart.
“I should get going.” He looks at his watch. “I’ll text when we land, and you be sure to call and give me an update on your next competition.”
I nod because that’s all I can do, because I refuse to lie and tell him that I’ll do that.
Watching him walk away stings as lightly as a paper cut, and I know now more than ever that our relationship is done.
I don’t have a family anymore.
Just Travis.
* * *
Later that night
After takingin the sights of this city alone, I walk into the Marriott and spot Penelope red-faced and crying at the front desk.
Confused, I step closer.
“I’m sorry.” The desk agent shakes her head. “We’re sold out due to the skating competition, Miss.”
“Are you sure that you don’t haveanything?”
“One hundred percent certain.” She gives Penelope a sympathetic smile. “I think most hotels downtown are filled to capacity for the weekend.”
“I see.” She sniffles. “Well, if possible, can I just—”
“She can take my suite,” I say. “I haven’t been in it yet anyway.”
Penelope spins around, looking at me in disbelief.
“I have room 1242,” I say. “I can share a room with my parents.”
“Are you sure?”
