Page 15 of Forget

“Sorry, Sir,” he says carefully. “Chef let me know your dinner is ready. If you don’t need me to take her home, I’ll head out.”

“Aisling is home,” Dad says as if Hayes is dense.

“Ah, yes, Sir,” he agrees, heading out.

Dad snickers once the doors shut behind Hayes. “I can’t help fucking with him sometimes,” he mutters. “I don’t know what you like to eat, Aisling. I hope you enjoy dinner.”

“I’m not picky,” I remind him as I pull on my boots, standing.

“Regardless,” he says, moving to open the door for me, “what are your favorite foods?”

It’s easy to chat with him as we walk to the dining room. The chef made a pot roast with the best tasting vegetables that I’ve ever had.

“I think I found a new meal that I like,” I tell my father as I place my hand on my stomach with a smile.

“Our chef is incredibly talented. He also made you a chocolate cake for your birthday,” he whispers as if it’s a secret.

Giggling, I watch as the chef comes in carrying a cake with candles on it and a large grin on his face.

“I don’t get to spoil people very often,” Chef says. “Mr. Sullivan’s easy to please, as are his parents. Prepare yourself, Miss Aisling. I’m excited to be able to experiment again.”

“I think he’s been bored with me,” Dad teases. It’s so fun to see the different sides of him. One moment there’s a formalness to him, while in the next breath he’s more carefree. It shows the difference in how he presents himself to the world.

“Absolutely not,” Chef scoffs, placing the cake in front of me. “Happy birthday, Miss Aisling. I look forward to many more birthdays with you living here.”

Grinning, I blow out my candles happily.

After having a slice of cake, I find myself beginning to yawn.

“I think you’ve had a really busy day,” Dad says with a grin. “I’ll show you to your room.”

As we walk, he rubs the back of his neck as if worried he’s about to upset me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask as he walks me up a flight of stairs.

“I have a meeting that’s going to take me out of town for a few days, and I won’t be able to get out of it,” he grunts. “My parents are currently on a cruise, or I wouldn’t worry so much about leaving you.”

“I’ve been living alone for a long time,” I tell him. “I can cook, find my way around the house, and generally take care of myself.”

“I know,” he groans. “I really don’t want to leave. There are guards on the property, but they’ll stay outside. I usually release the staff while I’m gone, and while I could have them stay?—”

“For me? No,” I tell him, shaking my head. “I’m sure they work hard in a house this size, they don’t need to stay. I’m fine.”

I understand having commitments, and to be honest, I’m going to need some time to wrap my head around all of this. Unwinding in my room is exactly what the omega’s doctor recommends, if such a thing existed.

“Well,” he says slowly, “I’m still going to worry. My cell service will be spotty, but I’d like your phone number, please. There’s always more than enough food in the fridge, and I heard Chef mention that he’s currently prepping a few grab-and-go meals as well. Now, here is the bank card as well as my credit card for anything you need. This includes updating your bedroom. Seriously, it’s important to me.”

Standing outside of the room that’s meant to be mine, I sigh as I open the door. The sun went down while we ate and talked, and Dad turns on the light to illuminate the space.

“I’ll text myself from your phone, while you explore,” he prods. The fact that it’s large enough to need exploring makes me concerned, though I hand him my phone anyway.

“I’m attached to it,” I warn him with a small smile. “It still has all of Mom’s voice memos and texts on it. I didn’t want to lose them.”

“I’ll take care of it,” he promises. “I also won’t offer to buy you a new one, since I know the sentimental value.”

“Thank you,” I say with a nod, walking inside.

My mouth drops as I see that it is easily the size of my last apartment. There’s a sitting area, a television, a bed, and a connecting bathroom as well.

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