Page 20 of Force Play

The tears sting my eyes as they fall, my unanswered questions making them spill fast and hot.

“You couldn’t have loved harder—you already did that so well. Even before the diagnosis, you never held back.” Not like me.

All the ways I’ve been holding back flash like a slideshow in my mind. The testing. Staying in my job for as long as I did. Not moving out by Poppy sooner. Walking out of that house last year when everything felt a little too close to perfect. Leaving him behind.

“That last one is the one you’d give me the most shit about. And no, there’s no chance of us getting together when I move, so don’t even think about it. Smooth talk and pretty faces only lead to heartbreak; I learned that lesson the hard way. I won’t be fooled like that again.”

My dad comes into view as he closes out the loop. Swiping away the tears, I give her a private goodbye before he rejoins us.

“Did my girls get all caught up?” He tucks me under his arm and kisses the top of my head like he has since I was a little girl.

“We did.” Usually talking to her gives me clarity, but I’m more confused than ever. “Do you think we could head back soon? I’m starving and a little tired.”

“Yeah, sweet pea, let me say goodbye.” Just like every time, he kisses his pointer and middle fingers, placing them over her name before he tells he loves her and misses her.

Naughty Sliders and Taco Sluts

Poppy:

Hey Babe! How was the visit with Papa Moreno?

Does he miss me?

Indie:

Good. Of course he misses you.

You give him fewer headaches than me.

Poppy:

Only because he didn’t have to

keep me when I was being a shit.

Indie:

We both know I was the one that

was always being an asshole.

Mia:

Not you, you’re perfect.

Indie:

Thank you! I’m glad someone finally noticed.

Lilah:

I bet teenage Indie was a trip.

Indie:

You have no idea. I was very good

at “advocating” for myself.

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