Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
I hear a door open and quickly sit up, straightening my hair and my shirt. I don’t know what I’m going to say to Morgan yet, but she will know that I’m her father before she has to leave for school. I’m also hoping to convince Macey to play hooky from work again, even though she’s called in sick these past few days. Truthfully, she doesn’t need a job anymore because I’m going to take care of her . . .
My inner musings slap me in the face. Last night I told Macey I’d take care of Morgan, not her. She must think my daughter is going to live a luxurious life while she works her fingers to the bone. That’s not the case. Macey mentioned having enrolled in college last night, and I fully intend for her to succeed on my dime.
“Hi,” the tiny voice of my daughter says. I look over and see her rubbing her eyes. Her hair is crazy and going all over the place, making it seem like her night was met with bad dreams. She wears a nightgown that has some character on the front, probably from her favorite movie.
“Good morning. How’d you sleep?”
“Fine. Where’s my mom?”
I stay seated on the couch while Morgan stands between the hallway and me. If I didn’t know better I’d say she’s blocking me from going down the hall to where Macey is.
“I think she’s in the shower.”
“Did you have a sleepover?”
“Yes.” As soon as I answer her, I wonder how many other men have come in and out of Morgan’s life and make a mental note to ask Macey, although I imagine the conversation is not going to go that well. Either way, I want to know. If not for my own peace of mind, then . . . no, it’s only for my knowledge.
“Oh. What’s your name?”
“Finn.”
“That’s a funny name,” she says, laughing, and I find myself laughing right along with her.
“I know, but I’m named after my dad. His name is Finnegan.”
“That one is funny too.”
After a short silence, she looks into the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”
She nods and takes her place at the little table for two. I get up and make my way into the kitchen, which is smaller than my guest bathroom. While the refrigerator has food in it, it’s not stocked. I already know what Macey did with the money I gave her thanks to Lamar and know she’s living on a budget, but this is ridiculous. Kids are supposed to have a fridge full of food to offer their friends when they come over.
“What does your mom usually make you?” I ask, staring at a half gallon of milk, cheese, yogurt and some fruit.
“Sometimes I get a muffin on the way to school or I have cereal.”
“What are you doing?” I shut the door at the sound of Macey’s voice. By the look on her face, she’s embarrassed.
“Morgan wants breakfast.”
She looks from me to Morgan and back again. “Um . . .”
“So I thought we’d go out, right?” I lean slightly so Morgan can see my expression, hoping that she catches on to what I’m saying right now. “And I think a day of hanging out is in order.”
“I have to work and Morgan has school.” She brushes past me without making eye contact and stops at the counter. I shrug at Morgan and turn my focus onto Macey, blocking Morgan’s view of her mother.
“Talk to me,” I implore, pulling her chin toward me. There are tears in her eyes and she’s unable to look at me. “What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t think you’d be here when I came out of the shower.”
Looking into her eyes I see nothing but uncertainty. She doesn’t trust me, not that she should. Our relationship, or whatever you want to call it, has been unconventional and I’ve given her nothing to hold against me, until now.
“I’m not going anywhere . . . until I have to go back to Vegas. I told you last night, I want this.”
“You want Morgan.”
I don’t miss that Macey hasn’t included herself in her statement and for that I’m thankful. I can’t do a relationship with her. Hell, not with anyone. The idea that Brandy wants to get married sickens me. The thought of being with her, and only her, does not appeal to me in the slightest.
But Macey . . . No, I can’t think of her like that, think of us like that. Being tied down is not my forte.
“Of course.” A hint of sadness plays on her features. A stronger man would kiss those fears away, but that’s not me. “I also told you I’d take care of her. That means you don’t have to work, Macey. So call in sick and let Morgan skip school. We’ll go to the lake and have a day to ourselves.”