Page 10 of Thorned Vengeance

The drive to their house is short, and Dad tugs me into his arms as soon as I open the car door. “How ya doing, honey?”

“I’m good.” I stand on my toes and kiss his cheek. “What’s for dinner?”

“Your mom made your favorite.”

“Pot roast and potatoes?”

“And peach cobbler.”

“Let’s go, old man. I’m starving.”

Dad tucks my hand into his elbow and leads me into his house. When we enter the kitchen, Mom’s whipping the mashed potatoes. I close my eyes and let the savory aroma invade my senses.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Mom greets.

“Hey, Mom.” I walk around the island and grab her around the waist. “Need any help?”

“Set the table?”

“Sure. Drinks?”

“I made sweet tea.”

“You’re the best.”

Mom winks. “I know.”

Ten minutes later, she passes the pot roast around the dinner table, and we all dig in.

Dad lasts a whole two minutes before he starts his interrogation. “So, whatcha been up to?”

I roll my eyes. “Working. I just finished a website for a bookstore out west. I’ve got a few more projects to finish up.” I take a deep breath, knowing what I say next isn’t going to bode well. “I’m heading to Georgia after dinner for a week.” My body tenses as I wait. I don’t have to wait long.

Dad’s fork stops halfway to his mouth, and his lips set in a firm line. “You’re going to Georgia?”

“Yep,” I say, popping the ‘p’.

“What’s in Georgia?” Mom asks.

I smirk. “Atlanta.”

“Funny,” Dad deadpans and drops his fork. “When are you gonna stop?—”

“Stop what?”

“Damn it, Delaney!” Dad shouts. “When are you gonna stop running away from the pain? You’re not the only one who lost Daphne.”

“Nate, enough!” Mom slams her hands on the table.

“I’m not running,” I mutter. “Me and Daph were always going to travel. This is me, honoring her memory.”

“We know, honey.” Mom narrows her eyes at Dad. “We worry about you. You’re all we have left, and we don’t want to lose you too.”

Dad clears his throat. “I’m sorry, De.”

“It’s okay.”

“You still have your pepper spray?” he asks.

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