Page 21 of Flawless Lyric

We’re so hungry that we eat in comfortable silence. Both of us savoring every bite and just enjoying being around each other. Her popping in like this was the best surprise. I hope she does it often. I could get used to her sitting in my kitchen and joining me for a meal. It sure beats both of us having to eat alone.

“I’m stuffed, but it was worth every bite. It was too good to leave even just a morsel.” I agree.

“Me too. Here, let me take your plate.” I grab both dishes and rinse them under hot water. Leaving them in the sink, I grab her hand to follow me.

“Where are we going?” Her feet slap across the tile floor as she follows behind.

“In case you didn’t know, Italians like to eat dessert after a meal. Followed by a cup of coffee or espresso and a digestive. Sambuco or limoncello are my favorites. Tonight, Beauty, I choose you for my dessert.”

* * *

LYRIC

After the amazingnight I had, it was very difficult to leave. Do I feel guilty? Not at all. It was my decision to go to him and that’s what he was waiting for. I can honestly say I have no regrets. We’re two consenting adults who like each other’s company. And the sex is mind-blowing. I have no idea how long this is going to last, but I’m going to enjoy every second.

Sneaking into my bedroom at two in the morning is a first for me. And, truthfully, I have no one to answer to anymore so it doesn’t matter. Those days are over forever.

Since I showered at Micah’s just to save some time, I brush my teeth and slip into my pajamas. Once I’m in bed for the night, I smile knowing I’ll be seeing him at work today. He mentioned he was having lunch with Ruth. At first I was skeptical, but he assured me it had nothing to do with us seeing each other. If we continue our relationship, I know eventually the truth will come out and then I’ll face the consequences when that happens. Who knows? If things don’t work out between us, she might never know. Wishful thinking on my part.

Closing my eyes, I will my body to relax and wonder if people really do count sheep to fall asleep. I highly doubt it. Personally, I visualize my bare feet walking along the beach. The sand feels so soft and warm. Until I get to the water’s edge and place the beach chair in the shallow water, ready to soak up the afternoon sun while being lulled by the crashing waves hitting the shoreline. Releasing all of the tension that’s been building up over time. With the distant sound of seagulls foraging for fresh fish.

I’m pulled out of my thoughts when I hear a loud beeping noise. I wipe the sleep from my eyes and realize it’s my alarm. I must have found some sleep after all. With a groan, I shut it off and I’m thankful I fell asleep as fast as I did. Now I’m in desperate need of some strong coffee and a hot shower. Best I start with the caffeine so I can wake up fully.

I’m surprised when I walk into the kitchen and Novalee’s there. The scent of coffee is wafting through the air. “Morning, you’re up early.”

“Yeah, I wanted to talk to you before you went to work. And I made a pot of coffee so help yourself.” Oh, this is not good. My daughter never gets up early, so it must be very important.

Grabbing the biggest mug I can find, I pour myself a cup. Then I sit down directly across from her so I can study her demeanor. “What’s on your mind, Novalee?”

Taking a sip, I brace myself for anything. Whether it be about her driving to school or her finding out about Micah and me. That literally makes me sick to my stomach.

“You’ll be happy to know that Gracie’s parents are totally against us driving to Cali.” I breathe a sigh of relief until she continues. “So I guess I’ll be driving there all alone.” I need to check my words because I want to tell her, “Over my dead body.” Instead, I decide to try the reverse psychology approach.

“Is there anyone else you know who’s driving to Stanford? Maybe they’d like to travel with someone, too. Share expenses and all.” She already knows I’m totally against this drive but if I can sympathize with her, I’m hoping she’ll toss the idea out the window.

“There are a few guys I know, but they’re all jocks. I wouldn’t want to take a road trip with any of them. I’m fine going by myself.” Well, I’m not.

“I know you’re more than capable but what if you get a flat tire? Or the car breaks down and needs to be towed? You can’t call us to help you if you’re hundreds of miles away.”

This gets her thinking, so I run with it. “I have an idea. I could ask Ruth for some time off and we could drive there together. Then I’ll fly home after.” The second she rolls her eyes, I know.

“I’ll get roadside assistance or add that to my insurance. I’ll figure it out. I just wanted to let you know, is all.”

“Did you let your father know you’re going alone?” It’s my last hope.

“Not yet, but I don’t see why he’d have a problem with that.” If he doesn’t, he’s got a few screws loose. I’m in big trouble, aren’t I?

“Well, I don’t like the thought of you traveling alone but as you’ve pointed out, you’re eighteen. It’s just that I’ve seen a lot in the news about sex trafficking recently, and I’ve been reading a ton of books about it. It’s a scary thought to consider, but you know what you’re doing, right?” I know I struck a chord when her eyes widen in shock. Bingo. “Okay, sweetie I need to get ready for work.”

I’m hoping this scares the bejesus out of her or at least makes her mull it over again. If Jeff tells her it’s okay then as much as I hate it, I’ll need to confront him. A divorce does not mean we can’t get along and co-parent. Whether she’s eighteen or eighty. She’s ours until we take our last breath.

Once I’ve showered and dressed, I head back into the kitchen and pop in a pod. Today’s a good day to take a travel mug full of caffeine. Who am I kidding? Every day is a good day for coffee.

Novalee’s car isn’t in the garage when I walk in so I’m assuming she went to her dad’s or back to Gracie’s. Maybe her best friend can talk some sense into her because God knows I’ve tried. She might be a legal adult, but we still pay her bills, so I’ll use that as our last resort. Before you go judging, just know, I trust my daughter. It’s the other idiots on the road and in society that I do not.

I get to the office with plenty of time to spare so I decide to start my day. In truth, I’m not sure if Ruth will come in after her lunch with Micah or before. When I talked to him, he said he was going to meet her here. It gives me something to look forward to.

I go through my regular morning routine, and it flies by quite fast. Since the majority of our clients do everything online, it’s very rare for someone to pop in unless Ruth asks them to meet her here. That usually only happens if a showing is far away, and they travel together.

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