Page 24 of Quake

Flicking on the light, I make my way around the room, setting up the dog cot along with their toys and bowls. “I’ll go get you some water, and I’ll be right back, okay, boys?”

They look at me like I hung the moon, and my heart stutters to a stop.How come these sweet little creatures can love me unconditionally, but the man I wasted six years of my life with can’t even respect me enough to break up when he decides he doesn’t love me anymore?

“God, this is so fucked up.” I groan, hanging my head.

Once the dogs are situated, I take a seat on the faded blue futon, slumping back and fishing my phone from my pocket to dial my dad. It rings several times before he answers. “Hey, my little bird, to what do I owe the pleasure of a call from my girl on a work night?”His soft baritone lulls through the phone, a chuckle reverberating on the other end of the line.

“Hey, Daddy-O, I have a favor to ask, and I promise I’ll pay you back,” I start.

“Ask me anything, and it’s yours. You don’t need to pay me back, Lark. Please stop with this self-sufficient crap. Iknowyou’re independent and can do everything without me, but you don’t have to. I’m more than happy to help, and you already work so damn hard to make your dreams a reality,” he assures me.

“Thanks, Dad.” My voice comes out small and strained.

“You’re starting to worry me. Please just tell me what’s going on,” he pleads.

I blow out a breath through my nose, my shoulders slumping. “I caught Tyler cheating on me, so I need to find a new apartment.”

He lets out a string of cuss words on the other end of the line, and he sucks in a deep breath. “When you’re ready to talk about it, I’ll be here. And if you decide to burn that shitty-ass apartment down with him inside, I’ll help cover that up, too, but in the meantime, I’ll find you a place to live soon. Don’t worry, little bird. We can work it out next week. When do you get out?”

I rub at the ache in my chest, closing my eyes as I lie flat on the futon. “I get out at six tomorrow morning. One of the vets called out, so I’m here all night.”

“Okay,” he mutters, taking a moment to mull that over. “I’ll drop by that shithead’s apartment, clear out the place, and get the dogs. You can spend the week with me if that’s okay? If you’d rather be closer to the clinic, I can try to find you a hotel room or an Airbnb.”

“I’ve got the dogs with me already, but I’d really appreciate it if you could grab my stuff. It’s kind of all over the place, but I’m sure you’ll know what’s mine,” I say, doing my best to keep my voice even. “And I’d love to stay with you. Thanks, Dad,” I tell him truthfully.

“I’m glad the boys are safe with you. I’ll text you when it’s done. I love you.”

“I love you too, Dad, and thank you again.” A weight lifts off my shoulders when he doesn’t pry for more information. My dad is the best and always has been. He’s also never been a huge fan of Tyler’s, so while I’m sure he doesn’t want me to feel hurt, he’s probably ecstatic.

“Anything you need, you’ve just got to ask. Have a good night at work. Try to get a few naps in, please. If it’s not safe for you to drive in the morning, let me know, and I’ll come pick you up.”

“Of course. Thanks and goodnight, Dad.”

“Night, little bird,” he says before I hang up the call, switching to my group message.

I don’t want to talk about it right now because I have to get back to work, but I went home for a nap in between shifts and found Tyler humping some woman he’s apparently been seeing for two years.

Kira

Oh Jesus Christ, let me know if I need to burn that man’s shit down!!!!

Kira’s from Tennessee. She’d absolutelydo it.

Madison

Same here.

Jade

You know, when I was in the military, they taught us how to dispose of a body… I could employ that skill here, just this once.

I love you guys, but that’s not necessary. My dad is already going to take care of it.

Kira

Oof, Daddy Hughes for the win!

That will never stop being weird…

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