Page 13 of After the Vows

“Did anyone make fun of you?”

“I’m probably the talk of the summer camp.”

I wipe the tears from her eyes. “We’ll deal with those kids later. First, I need to know if you’re prepared.”

“Prepared?” She squeaks.

“Did your dad talk to you about your period? Do you have supplies?”

Her cheeks darken and she glances away. “No.”

“What about your mom?”

She scowls. “Mom left us. She sends me presents for my birthday, but otherwise…”

Bitch. How can anyone abandon their daughter? Daughters need love and affection, not presents.

“Let’s call your dad.”

I grab my phone but she slaps it out of my hand.

“I can’t talk about this stuff with my dad.”

“Why not?”

I didn’t have a dad. I mean I must have had a dad. Otherwise, I wouldn’t exist. But I never met him. And my mother never had boyfriends who tried to be a dad to me. Creepy boyfriends, on the other hand? Those she had tons of.

“It’s embarrassing. He’s a boy.”

I kneel in front of her. “Here’s the deal, kiddo. I’m your neighbor, not your guardian. I can’t take you shopping for what you need without your dad’s permission.”

Her nose wrinkles. “Oh.”

“I’m going to ring my friend Weston now. He’s a police officer who works with your dad.” Thank goodness for the lack of privacy in this town. I don’t have Lucas’s phone number butI know he’s working with Weston who happens to be my best friend’s brother.

“I won’t tell him why I need to speak to your dad, though. That’s private.”

She nods. “Okay.”

“Hey, Weston,” I greet when he picks up.

“What’s up, wild child?”

I’m thirty and no longer a child but explaining myself to my best friend’s brother who witnessed my teenage rebellion years is a waste of time.

“Can I speak to your partner, Lucas?”

“I heard you struck out with him.”

“What?” Did Lucas tell Weston what happened with the raincoat incident? What a jerk!

Weston bursts into laughter. “I was guessing but you just confirmed it.”

“Whatever. I need to speak to Lucas about his daughter.”

“Shit. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong per se. But we need to do some essential shopping Lucas hasn’t prepared her for.”

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