Page 16 of Daddies' Little Troublemaker

Blinking back tears, I say, “Thanks, Dad.”

“We’ve had some rough years,” he says in a gruff voice, “but you’ll always be my girl, Evelyn.”

I take comfort in that. I thought I was alone, but I’m not—I still have my dad.

6

FIVE STAGES

Evelyn

Three days later, Dad hugs me while his ride waits in the driveway. “I’m so sorry, Pumpkin.”

“Dad, stop apologizing,” I say with a laugh. “I totally understand. I’m not going to perish from solitude. I probably still have a few friends in the area, and I’ll see if anyone’s around.”

“You will?” he asks. “Truly?”

I hadn’t truly had any intention of doing such a thing, but now I’ll agree to it so he doesn’t feel bad. “Yes, I will.”

“Okay. Stay safe. Remember Lincoln will be here soon, probably later tonight.”

“Got it. I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, Evelyn.”

He gets in the car and I wave goodbye, trying to keep a smile on my face. Do I want him to stay home and baby me for the next few weeks while I find a job and rent a place of my own? Absolutely. But I can’t explode his life just because Chloe and Troy exploded mine.

Once his car has disappeared down the driveway, I take a deep breath, go back inside, and put on my bathing suit. I can alternate swimming, relaxing, and searching online for French instructor job postings.

Now that I’m single, I won’t be limited to any specific location. I can go to a whole different country if I want. This should be fun, right? A new adventure.

Armed with a hard lemonade, my phone, a wireless speaker for music, and a bowl of cherries Dad picked from the two trees in the front yard, I head out back.

My life might be in shambles, but that’s no reason to waste a perfectly beautiful summer day.

* * *

Lincoln

I let myself into Mark’s place with a sigh. This’ll be my base of operations for the next couple of weeks. I tied up some business at a new casino in Nevada yesterday, and now I’ll be helping the San Esteban build get back on track. I like Sims, I really do, but if he’s going to let guys like that Holding character walk all over him, he might not be the right man for this job.

Mark’s house is about an hour from San Esteban. Not super ideal, but better than living out of a hotel. I never liked hotels. Soulless. And Mark is the closest I have to family. His dad and my mom got together when I was five and he was twelve. I’m sure I annoyed the shit out of him, but he was a good stepbrother.

The house alarm isn’t armed, which confirms my suspicions—Mark’s daughter is here. Evelyn. Mark said I could take his room instead of the guest room, and I’ll appreciate the space to spread out.

As much as I want to stay out of my niece’s way, Mark asked a special favor this time.

“I didn’t know when I agreed to let her stay,” he said over the phone, “but she’s been through a lot in the past month, Link. Promise me you’ll watch over her, make sure she’s all right? Maybe hang around the house more than you usually would? I hate the thought of her being lonely after everything.”

“Everything what? What happened to her?” I asked, feeling surprisingly protective of this girl I’ve never met. “Do I need to kick some ass?”

“I wish,” he said. “Just promise me you’ll keep her company?”

“Yeah, of course. I promise.”

Now in his house, I wonder what I’ve gotten myself into. Music plays outside, sugar-sweet pop music. Evelyn must be hanging out by the pool. That music sure doesn’t sound depressed or traumatized, but listening to it might make me feel that way.

I make my way down the hall to the master bedroom, passing the framed photos set up on a narrow table. For the first time, looking at the pictures of Evelyn gives me an uncomfortable feeling. I know she and Mark had a falling-out because of me. Mark doesn’t blame me, but I’ve always felt a twinge of guilt over it.

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