Page 54 of Worship Him

I nod, sinking into the armchair. "Like a rock. She's got your sleeping genes, Dad."

Mom chuckles. "Thank goodness for that. You were a nightmare as a baby."

"Hey now," I protest weakly, but there's no heat behind it.

Realizing the time, I head to the kitchen, my parents trailing behind me. They’re hungrier than they expected to be.

"How about some sandwiches?" I suggest, pulling out bread and various fillings from the fridge.

Mom nods approvingly. "Sounds perfect, honey. Need any help?"

"I've got it, Mom. You two just relax."

As I assemble the sandwiches, Dad leans against the counter, eyeing the sleek espresso machine on the marble countertop.

"That's quite the setup you've got there, Destiny. Your clothing line must be doing well."

I can't help but smile, a surge of pride warming my chest. "It's been a wild ride, but yeah, we're growing faster than I ever imagined."

"Tell us more about it," Mom urges, her eyes sparkling with interest.

I slide the plates across the kitchen island, joining them as we dig into our lunch. "Well, we just landed a deal with a major department store chain. Our fall collection will be in stores nationwide next month."

Dad whistles, impressed. "That's incredible, sweetheart. You've come so far in such a short time."

"It hasn't been easy," I admit, thinking of the countless late nights and stress-filled days. "But seeing my designs out there, knowing people are wearing them... it makes it all worth it."

Mom reaches out, squeezing my hand. "We're so proud of you, honey. You've built something amazing."

As we finish our sandwiches, the conversation drifts to lighter topics. We move to the living room, settling into the plush couches. The afternoon sun streams through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room.

"So," Dad says, leaning back in his seat, "any exciting plans for the future? New designs in the works?"

I nod, excitement bubbling up despite my exhaustion. "Actually, I've been sketching out ideas for a children's line. Nothing concrete yet, but..."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Mom exclaims. "I bet Avery's been quite the inspiration."

"She has," I agree, glancing towards the nursery. "It's opened up a whole new world of possibilities."

As they launch into another round of stories from my childhood, my mind wanders. The weight of my phone in my pocket seems to grow heavier with each passing minute. Adam's missed calls loom over me like a storm cloud, impossible to ignore.

I should call him back. I know I should. But what would I say? How do I even begin to explain?

"Destiny?" Dad's concerned voice cuts through my thoughts. "You okay, honey? You seem a million miles away."

I force a smile and fake a yawn. "Yeah, just tired. It's been a long day."

He leans forward, his expression serious. "Is there something you're not telling us, sweetheart? You know you can talk to us about anything, right?"

The concern in their eyes nearly breaks me. I want to spill everything – the night with Adam, the confusion, the fear. But I can't. Not yet. Not when I haven't even figured it out myself.

"I know, Dad," I say, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "I'm just... adjusting. To everything. But I promise, I'm okay."

They exchange a look, and I can tell they don't quite believe me. But they don't push, and for that, I'm grateful.

As the conversation shifts to lighter topics, I try to focus on the present moment. On the warmth of my parents' love, the peace of having Avery sleeping soundly nearby. But in the back of my mind, I know I can't avoid reality forever. Sooner or later, I'll have to face Adam and the mess we've made.

For now, though, I let myself be enveloped in this bubble of family comfort, pushing thoughts of tomorrow to the edges of my mind.

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