Page 187 of Smooth Sailing

I did not.

While adding a thin veneer of armor to my face, including foundation, concealer, powder, blush, highlighter, single-toned eyeshadow and mascara, I figured it out.

So once I spritzed and deodorized, I hit the closet and put on my rosy-pink T-shirt dress with the wide V-neck. It hit right below the knee, had kickass pockets, and a wide same-color satin ribbon belt that elevated it, gave it shape and made it feminine.

I felt good in it, comfy and together.

So it was perfect.

I went back to the bathroom to fashion a messy bun in my hair with some tendrils falling around my face.

I headed back to the closet to put in the diamond earrings Dad bought me for high school graduation, and in my other piercings, some little bars with baby diamonds along the line that the girls gave me for my birthday a couple of years before. I added the diamond drop necklace Dad gave me for my sweet sixteen for the final touch on my moral jewelry support.

I walked out barefoot to find Dad in my kitchen with Hugger, both of them sipping coffee.

Dad looked unhappy.

Hugger’s eyes did a top to toe and he smirked.

Proof I called it right with the outfit.

Glad I put some panties on.

A knock came at the door.

“That’ll be Pete,” Hugger said, put his mug down and moved to the door.

I moved to Dad.

“I like your man,” Dad said.

This surprised the heck out of me, but I loved that he did.

“Are you missing a tee time to be here?” I asked.

“The course isn’t going anywhere.”

That meant yes.

I moved again, right into his arms.

“Harlan told me what’s already happened,” Dad said into my hair.

“Yeah, it wasn’t good.”

“If you don’t want to do this, I can go down and send her away,” Dad offered.

I tipped my head back. “She’s here. Face to face is probably better.”

“I don’t want this for you, Buttercup,” he murmured.

“Well, it is what is it is. And I have to say, with all the garbage that’s been going on, I’m glad for the chance to just get it done.”

Dad nodded, then turned us both, keeping an arm around me, because Hugger was back with Big Petey.

“Nolan, this is Pete Waite, brother of mine, friend to Diana,” Hugger introduced.

Big Petey came forward, shook Dad’s hand then looked at me.

---