Page 118 of Until I Have You

Maybe he didn’t.I can’t tell.I’m too upside down to think straight.“I didn’t call to make small talk, Dad, I just needed an answer.”

“That’s fine, we don’t have to make small talk, but you’re my daughter, I need to know–”

“I’m fine.I’m great.I’m happy.”And I’m confused, lost, scared.

My dad isn’t the place to go for that comfort right now, though.“I’m happy with my choice.”

I hear the minute movement of my father’s tongue in his mouth.“I’m happy you’re happy.That’s all I want for you, Abigail.”

“You know that’s not true.”

I am surprised when my father doesn’t rage against my assessment of him.Instead, he says, “You are always welcome here, you know.We’d love to see you at a dinner or–”

“Is Theo welcome?”

His silence is all I need to know the answer.

“Then I’m not welcome.”

“For God’s sake, Abigail–”

I hang up the phone, clenching my fist around it.

I haven’t moved from this spot on the street corner.So, I force myself to drag my feet across the street and continue on to get my brain moving again.

Did Theo send in my resume?It’s possible.And if he sent in my resume, did he know about Professor Ridley’s investigation?Did he have anything to do with it?Washethe person who told them what happened?No, that’s far-fetched.That’s crazy talk.

But then I think back on the way he received the news yesterday.There was no disbelief.Only excitement.

That’s not evidence.No.

He’s the only person I’ve told about my experience with Professor Ridley.He’d have the money for a donation.And he knows enough about the project in Ireland to be able to write a blurb about it on a resume.

“You’re going to get it.I know you will.”

That’s what he said.So confident.

“I know you will.”

The puzzle pieces have hazy edges, but I’m not confident they don’t connect.

Did Theo have something to do with this?Was he pulling the strings behind the scenes?And if he did, why does that make me so angry?

Please, don’t let him be just another man trying to pull me around like a puppet.Please, god.

It’s one thing if it’s my dad.One thing if it’s a disgusting professor.Buthim.The man I am an inch away from telling I love him.

If it turns out he’s just like all the rest, I don’t think I’ll ever let another man near me again.

23

THEO

Abigail delvesher spoon into the mango pannacotta, her chin leans on her other hand.She looks like she should be painted right now.

The dress I bought her fits perfectly.Black with swirling lines of white, tiny straps showing off her shoulders and collarbone.

There’s only one problem.

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