Page 51 of Flawless Lyric

“Novalee, how could you…”

“Dad, I only did it that one time when Mom was showering, and her phone buzzed. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t work-related or something important.” Oh god, if he buys this lame excuse, he’s dumber than I gave him credit for.

“You could have easily told Mom she had a message. There was absolutely no reason for you to scroll through her phone. Now I’m sure if you did it to her, then most likely you’ve read my messages as well.”

“I know you won’t believe me, but I never read yours, Dad. Just Mom’s. And she’s been avoiding my question.” Jeff’s eyes bounce back and forth between us, like he’s waiting, too.

“Earlier today, I thought my daughter needed me here so we could spend some quality time together. Then I ran into you at the restaurant, Jeff. And after all these years, we finally agreed on something. Novalee was in desperate need of an intervention.” Novalee’s eyes widen, wondering where this is going.

“Lyric, words can’t be erased after they’ve been spoken.” You don’t say, asshole.

“Oh, Jeff. I should know that better than anyone since I was married to you for twenty years.” It’s said sarcastically but he doesn’t even flinch. “I always thought that verbal abuse was irreparable, until a kind, gentle man made me realize that I’m worthy. It’s just like the old saying about sticks and stones…Words will never hurt me ever again.”

I’m too fired up to have a conversation with either one of them about my relationship with Micah. And after what Novalee did, she doesn’t deserve my truth.

“Jeff, you’re in charge of Novalee’s intervention. I’m going downstairs to have a drink and I’d appreciate it if the both of you were gone when I returned.”

“Lyric, you can’t be serious. We decided to do this together.”

“Mom, stay here with us so we can work all of this out.”

A flash of déjà vu grabs me by the throat and won’t let go. They’re so used to me putting out the fires and making everything better that they can’t stand on their own two feet. That’s not love, that’s laziness.

And I’m so done.

“You’re both adults, it’s time for you to figure it out for yourselves. And when you do, then maybe we can talk.” Grabbing my purse, I open the door and never look back.

I have a little more pep in my step when I walk into the bar. The night didn’t go as well as I’d hoped but that’s not on me. It’s all Novalee. Yes, it’s partly my fault that she acts this way. She’s so used to getting her own way, and I’ve no idea why I thought she’d change once she went to college. I guess it’s hard for a leopard to change its spots. Maybe in time she’ll realize what she did was wrong, and apologize.

“What can I get you, beautiful?” Well, damn, the bartender just made my night.

“A cold glass of prosecco would be wonderful.”

“What are you celebrating?” He leans in, waiting. The dimple in his chin on full display.

“My freedom.”

It’s about damn time. Don’t you think?

“Awesome. The drink’s on me.”

22

MICAH

It’s beena few days since I was in Cali, and I’ve regretted leaving without telling Lyric I was even there. By the looks of it, she had enough on her plate to deal with without me adding fuel to the fire. Once she comes home, we’ll have a sit down and I’ll fill her in on what happened. As much as I know or suspect, that is. I’m no PI so it’s just a hunch, but I have a few ideas on how Novalee could have pulled it off.

Now I’m just catching up on a few things around the house. Laundry being one of them since I have plenty of time and I don’t want to bother my cleaning lady. She has more than enough to do already. It makes no sense to ask her to do something when I’m more than capable. I have plenty of time on my hands.

As I’m walking by the kitchen counter, my phone begins to vibrate. I stop to pick it up and I smile when I notice a text from Lyric. She must have read my mind since I was going to send her one before leaving this afternoon.

Lyric:Good news. I left early and just landed at the airport. I’m waiting for an Uber and I’m wondering if you’re not busy if I could come over?

Is she kidding?

Fast HandsI’ll be waiting, Beauty. I’ve missed you so damn much.

Lyric:Missed you too, Fast Hands.

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