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I give him a weak smile before rolling over toward my phone. Just as I thought, it’s from my home. It’s either my mama or my daddy on the other end.
I take a deep inhale before I pick up. I’m either about to be yelled at or interrogated about last night all over again. Either way, it’s too early for this, but I’d rather deal with it now than have it on my mind all day.
“Hello,” I breathe into the phone.
“Hey, Babycakes,” my daddy returns.
I close my eyes and sigh. I had been hoping it was my mama. She’s always been easier to talk to.
“Hey, Daddy.”
“Lynn, I’m sorry about last night. I… I just— Your mama and I happened to try to clean Pook’s room yesterday. I found one ofher diaries and she may have mentioned something about you crushing on Trev.”
“Daddy,” I say to cut him off.
“Hold on now, girl. Your mama talked to me and she’s making a whole lot of sense. I just want the truth from you.
“Are you and Trev more than the friends I know you to be? You two didn’t plan this trip to go fooling around behind my back, did you?”
“Trev is helping me heal from losing my sister, Daddy. We didn’t plan anything to do anything behind your back. I came to live Pook’s dream for her. To leave pieces of her here,” I say as I glance toward the bathroom.
“Then I’m sorry about last night. I have so much anger and emotions swimming through me all the time. I want my baby back.
“I want that man punished for taking her away. Taking her future from her. I should have made her get a new truck. I had planned to buy her a new one for graduation.”
He gives a sad chuckle. “She probably would have still driven that hunk of junk.”
I can see him shaking his head in my mind. He’s right though. She would have frowned at a new truck and got right into her beat-up love.
“This is all my fault,” Daddy sobs. “I dropped the ball on protecting my baby. I failed Brooke.”
“Oh, Daddy. No.”
“I did. I know I did, but I can’t do that with you. I’m sorry if I haven’t been there for you lately. Sorry if I haven’t noticed what’s important to you.”
“I’m fine, Daddy. Trev, Tom, and the others are helping me through. Doing this for Pook was the right thing to do. I feel closer to her. It’s like I’m seeing things through her eyes. I’ll be fine,” I reassure him.
“I’m proud of you, Cakes. If I’ve never told you that. I’m real proud of you.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
He gives a lighter chuckle. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. Trev has always been like a brother to you.”
“You have nothing to worry about. I think Pook said he’s dating someone on campus. Trev already has a girlfriend. He’s not worried about little old me.”
I don’t know what makes those words come out of my mouth, but I feel they’re a mistake the moment they’re breathed. I palm my forehead and wonder why I can’t seem to keep my foot out of my mouth.
“Daddy, I better go. I need to get dressed. The group has plans today.”
“You go on then. Have fun, Lynn. It’ll be all work when you get back.
“Pook would want you to do your best at this. I know she’s watching you. You’re going to be the star she always knew you’d be.”
“I know, Daddy. I’ll do my best. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby girl. Talk to you later.”
“Later.”
