“No, don’t even think about it.” Lila’s grin gets wider. “LILA,” I whisper, “Don’t…”
Before I can even finish, Lila is waving Sterling down, “Excuse me!” He looks over to her, “Yeah, you!” Groaning, I slide down into the booth.Please ignore her. He makes his way over to us. “Hi, do you happen to know my friend here?”
Sterling looks over to me again, giving us a lopsided grin.Fuck me. “Well, as a matter of fact, I did meet her the other day? Paige, was it?”Fucking asshole. He knows he knows me.
“It’s Kiera. Stalking me now? Sarah did mention you came in the next day.”Two can play this game.
Lila has a shit-eating grin. “Would you like to join us?” If looks could kill, mine would have stabbed her a million times.
“He’s probably busy, Lila. Let’s not keep him.” Hoping he takes the hint and goes his way.
“I would love to join you.” Sliding into the booth next to me, “and to answer your question, I came in here for the pesto.”
Sarah comes over with our salads, trying to hide the amusement on her face, “Here you go, ladies. Hey Sterling. Want your usual?”
He nods politely, “Thanks.” Turning his attention back to us, “and what can I do for y’all?”
Feigning as much fake interest as I can, “Lila was just asking about the man who keeps making his presence known in my life? So please do tell us about you!”
“Well, what would you like to know? I’m an only child. I don’t have any family, and I own a business with my only friend, Cam.” A sadness washes over me, hearing his nonchalant tone about being mostly alone in this world.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Feeling bad for being a bitch toward him, “Are you from here?”
“Nah, it’s fine, I’ve grown used to it. I’m originally from Arkansas but moved here a few years ago with Cam.” His voice shares no hint that he’s bugged about the topic.
My phone rings, Dad’s name flashing across my screen, “Hey, Dad, what is it?......No, I didn’t forget… It’s four; I’m leaving now. See you soon.” Hanging up, I turn back to the group, “Sorry, guys, I got to get to my dad’s. Lila, I’ll call you later. Sterling, it was nice seeing you again.” I look back before I head out the door.He sure is damn good-looking
After thirty minutes, I’m pulling down my dad’s long driveway.This is going to be fun.Coming to a stop, I turn off the car, making my way up to the extravagant front porch of Dad’s new estate. He moved in here shortly after I turned 18.
I’ve only been here a few times, and it’s still shocking how he went from vintage homes with character to a fucking cookie-cutter modern home.Before I can even ring the doorbell, his new housekeeper opens the door. A young blonde woman wearing the shortest uniform I have ever seen stares back at me, “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m here for dinner with my dad.” I go to move through the doorway.
She blocks me from entering. “I’m sorry, Wade doesn’t have any kids.”
This woman goes to shut the door in my face. I jam my foot in the gap, stopping it from closing all the way. “I’m sorry, you must either not have your facts straight or not use social media, and seeing as you’re probably two years younger than me, I highly doubt that. Or…”I drag out, “You’re one of my dad’s new fuck buddies he has on the side, and he doesn’t tell y’all shit. Now, if you’d kindly get the fuck out of my way, that’d be great. Thanks, doll.”
Her face crumples into shock, pure and unpracticed. Apparently, no one talks back to her. Unfortunately for her, I’m not scared of her or the monster hiding behind the door. “I don’t know…” she starts to say, but I cut her off.I’m not in the mood for her bullshit and him.
“Let me stop you right there. Let me call him; I’m sure he’d love to find out you’re leaving his daughter on the steps.”
Pulling out my phone, calling Dad, and placing it on speaker, “Kiera, where are you?” The irritation is coming through the phone.
“Well, you see, I’m here, but a pretty blonde housekeeper says you have no kids.” The call ends abruptly. Hearing doors slam, the woman looks nervous: “Oops, I hope you weren’t too attached to this job.”
Dad storms to the door. “Anika, what is the meaning of this?” He looks at her, waiting for her to answer.
“I’msorry, sir. I didn’t know. You’ve never mentioned kids, and you don’t have any photos up.” She stumbles trying to save her ass. I’m sure he doesn’t. And while I feel bad for her, she’s safer away from him.
“Dad, it’s fine. I’m here now. Let’s go have this dinner. What’s on the menu?” I stroll into the house, dropping my jacket on the entryway table.
“Your favorite: lamb chops and mashed potatoes.” He continues toward the dining room.
“Those aren’t my favorites,” I say, looking at him, puzzled. “Those were Mom’s. I’ve never liked lamb.”
“Ahh… I see, well, it’s too late now. You can eat it anyway,” he states, as if I’m still a child.
“I will sit with you, but I ate a salad not too long ago, so I’ll be fine. I don’t like lamb,” taking my seat across from him.