Page 84 of A Major Puck Up

“Please don’t apologize.” Lake shakes her head and gives me a rueful smile. “This is your home. Your father will be thrilled you’re here. You just caught me off guard. I thought you were Gavin and Vivi. I’m sorry.”

I nearly choke on my own spit as my heart sinks to my feet. “Gavin and who?”

She smiles. “Oh, Vivi. I’m so happy for him. Sure, it all happened so fast, but the way he just moved her right in without blinking is so sweet. And from what Daniel has told us, it’s like she’s been part of his life since day one. It’s crazy, right?”

I nod, that fake smile souring. “Yeah. Crazy. And they’re coming here?” I ask, hoping the dread pressing down on me isn’t obvious.

I’m going to die. Gavin met someone, and he’s already moved her into his apartment? And she’s coming here?

Now?

Holy shit.

Holy fucking shit.

Maybe I should have called.

“Yup. I’m so excited to meet her. I’ve only seen pictures, but she’s absolutely gorgeous. And the way he holds her?” She presses a hand to her chest and all but melts. What the hell? “Sounds like he’ll barely let anyone come near her. We’ll have to stop that tonight, right? I want my time with her.”

Yeah, you can take whoever this Vivi is, and I’ll take my time ringing Gavin’s neck. Sure, it’s been four months since I last spoke to him, but what the hell? It has only been four months since I last spoke to him, and he’s already moved on?

And what’s with Lake’s obsession with this chick? What’s so great about her?

God, if she sings too, I’m going to scream.

“Right,” I say slowly, fighting the urge to turn and head straight back to Paris.

“Millie!” My father jogs down the stairs wearing a bright smile.

He’s got me wrapped in his arms a heartbeat later, and for a moment, I forget everything else and just sink against him. Before all the drama of these past two years, I was a daddy’s girl. He was my favorite person in the world.

God, I missed him.

I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze, hoping the pressure will ease the ache in my chest. “Hi, Daddy.”

“What are you doing here?” He grasps my shoulders and holds me at arm’s length, beaming as he gives me a once-over. “Did you just fly in? I would have picked you up. Your brother didn’t say anything.” He takes my carry-on from me and hefts it over his shoulder, then guides me into the living room, eyeing my two suitcases as he does. “How long are you home for?”

“Um.” I look from him to Lake, who’s followed us into the room, and back again.

She steps up beside him, giving me a genuine smile, and he wraps an arm around her waist. In the past, that would have bothered me. But she’s part of his family. She’s having his baby. My brother or sister. Which means she’s officially my family too.

“I—um. I’m back for good.”

My dad frowns and drops his arm from Lake’s waist. “Why?”

With an awkward laugh, I lower my gaze to the floor and will myself not to get teary at that reaction. “Thanks, Dad. Tell me how you really feel.”

He steps close so we’re toe to toe and stands silently until I look up at him. “I’m happy you’re home. I’m just hoping it’s because you’re running toward something and not away from something. When I saw you in Paris?—”

Lake clears her throat and rests a hand on his back. “I’ll give you guys some privacy. I have to get things ready for dinner anyway.” She smiles and squeezes my arm as she passes. “I’m really glad you’re home.”

I swallow down my emotions as we watch her leave. When she’s out of earshot, he clears his throat and starts again, this time in a lower voice. “Last time we spoke, you seemed lost.”

I nod. “I was running then. I’m not anymore. I know what I want, and I think this is where I’ll find it.”

He pulls me in for another hug and presses his cheek to the crown of my head like he did when I was a little girl. “If there’s anything I can do to help?—”

“I know, Dad.”I release him and step back.

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