Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
I raise a brow at his bossiness but don’t say anything as he slips from the room, shutting the door. Grabbing the bag, I shove it underneath the bed and quickly get dressed. A pair of faded, light wash jeans and a cream-colored sweater seem good enough, and then I towel dry my hair. There’s no reason for me to try too hard. It’s just my dad.
I hang the damp towels in the bathroom and stop in front of the mirror, taking a few deep breaths. I feel like a different woman these days. I’m not sure if it’s the shitstorm with finding out my father’s real business or if it’s the fact that I’m finally not so innocent anymore, and I’m having to hide the secret affair with his best friend.
Damn, that’s a lot.
I run my fingers over my face and spin on my bare feet, heading out of the bedroom door and down the stairs. Male voices fill the living room, and they seem tense.
Yikes.
“I don’t understand why he’s treating you like you’re the head of the family.” Troy’s tone is sharp and cold, stopping me in my tracks as I stand on the threshold. Both men’s backs are to me, but Gerard is facing me. He looks up, giving me a warning look.
Uh oh.
“I don’t know why he communicated with me the way he did, but it could be the fact that my money was being invested. You and I both know that was no secret to him, even though the deal was being made through your people.” Dad’s speaking through gritted teeth, which he does when he’s trying hard not to lose it on someone.
I can’t stand it anymore. I clear my throat, and they both whip their heads around to see me standing there. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hey,” he grunts, watching me as I enter the living room. I plop down on the opposite side of the couch from Gerard, facing both my dad and Troy.
“So…” My voice trails off as my eyes bounce between them. “What’s up?”
Gerard chuckles, and I don’t miss the look my dad gives him.
“You two were talking, and then you stopped when I walked in,” I say coolly, like I’m just slightly offended.
“It’s none of your concern,” Troy says, his voice strained as our gazes meet. “It’s just business matters—my business matters.”
Dad scoffs. “It’s both, Troy. What happens to you affects both of us. We’ve been partners for years, and you know that we always split our investments the way two partners should. I think Vitali skipped you and came to me because he just fuckin’ likes me more.”
Oh boy. This is interesting.
“Yeah, I know he likes you more, but I’m the one who controls the investments,” Troy grits out.
“No one is questioning that.”
“You came in here and told me what I was doing. All the while, I’ve been doing you a favor by babysitting your daughter.”
Ouch.
“I don’t want to talk about this in front of her,” my dad snaps, glaring at Troy. “Whatever issues we have, we’ll work through them, like we always do. There’s no need to drag her into this.”
“Then I’ll leave you two to catch up.” Troy stands, ignoring my curious stare as he motions to Gerard.
“Oh shit, I have to go, too?”
“Yes.”
Gerard shrugs, gives me a funny look, and then shoves himself upward. “I need a fuckin’ smoke. You people all stress me out. Maybe I should look for a new job, too.”
“Good luck with that,” I mutter before turning to my dad, who appears to be studying me.
“What have you been up to the last few days?” he asks, his voice lightening slightly but still not as friendly as usual with me.
“Well…” my voice trails off, “I went for a walk on the trail.” I offer it up like I’m bored as hell.
My dad takes it, chuckling. “You’re a breath of fresh air, Lizzie.”
I smile. “So, how are things back in the city?”
He grimaces. “Don’t worry about all that. We’ll work it out. I think your time here will be over soon. We’ll come to an agreement and then move forward. You’ll be back in the city you love in no time. I know this must’ve been hard for you out here.”
“I don’t know,” I say carefully. “It hasn’t been nearly as bad as I thought. I think… I think I actually like getting away and getting some fresh air.”
“You sound like your mother,” he chuckles, though his voice is devoid of humor. “She always loved getting out of the city. She took a lot of trips, and then one day, she just didn’t come back.”
I frown. “That’s not how I remember it.”
“Oh? Well, we all recall different parts of memories, don’t we? That’s why they say we all have our own truths.”
“Maybe,” I say, my mind filling with big arguments and intense moments between my parents. I was too little at the time to remember the details, but I know my mother cried often. “Anyway, it’s good to see you.”