Page 56 of The Problem with Players

“Why are you waking up on the floor?”

He pushed himself up to a standing position and stretched his arms to get the knots out of his body. “I must’ve fallen asleep sitting next to your room.”

“But why were you sitting next to my room?”

“I wanted to know that you were okay. I wanted to stay next to the room until you stopped crying, in case you needed me to come in. I must’ve fallen asleep here.”

I grimaced even though my tired heart wanted me to smile. “That’s stupid.”

“I’m stupid.”

And sweet.

So, so very sweet.

“Can I cook you breakfast?” he asked.

“I don’t want your old eggs.”

He grinned. Ugh. That smile. “I ordered some groceries last night. I figured you might be hungry since you didn’t eat dinner.”

My stomach rumbled as if it knew exactly what he was asking. “Sure. Okay.”

I moved into his living room and curled into a ball as he walked into the kitchen. I peered over at him, confused about what to say or do as he cooked breakfast for me. So I figured it was a good time to check my text messages.

Which wasn’t the best idea.

Forty-three new messages from Willow, Yara, Tatiana, and my father.

Daddy’s texts were very sweet.

Dad

Just checking in, baby girl. I hear Nathan’s looking after you. Always liked that boy. Call me when you’re ready.

Dad

I love you, Avery.

Dad

I love you so much, baby girl. If you need me, call me. Day or night.

Dad

I love you.

Leave it to Daddy to make my eyes almost tear up from his love. I knew he told me he loved me repeatedly because he knew how much my heart was hurting, and he knew how hard it was to say those same words to myself. Sometimes those three words made things a little easier to digest. Sometimes those three words from Daddy were the only thing that made me able to get up each morning and keep going after this thing called life.

A father’s love was just as important as a mother’s. I was lucky I still had Daddy around to give me his love.

Tatiana’s messages were packed with love and a bit of revenge.

Tatiana

I love you, Ave. Let me know if you want Wesley to go missing. I’ve listened to enough murder mystery podcasts to know how to get away with murder.

Tatiana

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