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“Daddy. Did you call?”
Unaware until that moment I’d been holding my breath. I slowly exhaled, feeling my shoulders drop just a little.
“Antonia, are you okay?”
“Yeah, why?”
I ground my teeth. “Because, little brat, you haven’t answered my calls, and I was worried about you.”
“About damn time,” she slurred.
“Antonia Bloom, are you drunk?”
A peal of giggles. “Yes, Daddy. But I also have a headache, so I guess I’m drung.”
“Drung? What does that mean?”
“Oh, silly Daddy.” A fresh peal of giggles. “You know, drunk and hungover at the same time.”
“I don’t think that’s a thing, funny girl.”
“Daddy.”
“Yeah, honey?”
“I’m lonely.”
That was about as real as it got from Antonia. It was an unguarded moment, the hurt and despair she was feeling evident in her tone.
“I know, babygirl, and I’m sorry. I’ll be home in a few hours and make it all better. Go back to sleep.”
“Okay, Daddy, night.”
She was okay, thank goodness. I made my way back and took up my seat opposite Johnathan.
“Everything okay?”
“No, but it will be.”
“That sounds ominous.” Johnathan chuckled.
I scrolled through my contacts and found Dorian’s number.
“I will be taking some time off when we get back. I have a project that needs some serious attention.”
Glancing at the time, I decided to text instead of call, in case they were asleep.
Hey, I need a favor.
If it’s about Toni, you definitely need help.
I hear you and I’m working on it. What I need is a cabin in the mountains for a week, arriving on Christmas Eve morning. I want snow, comfort, anonymity, and no cell service. Can you find me such a gem on short notice?
I can. Will send you the specifics.
Thanks, Dorian, I owe you one.
You give that brat of yours a talking to and consider us square.
