Page 46 of Corrupt Obsession

“Boy problems?” he echoed.

“She said her and Tucker are done.”

“Dad!” she exclaimed and swatted his arm.

“What? I’m spreading the good news. We’ve all been worried, especially Jesse. He didn’t tell us about Tucker’s background, but I didn’t need him to. All you had to do was look at the kid to know he was bad news.”

“I get it!” she said loudly. “It’s over.”

He looked up at the ceiling and murmured, “Thank you, Jesus.”

She was considering kicking him when Lynne appeared, tying the sash of her robe over her nightgown.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, we’re just thanking God for answering prayer,” Dad said.

Before she could make a retort, Lynne clasped her face, just as Jesse had.

“How are you feeling, honey? Do you need to stay home from school?”

“No, I’m back to normal. I’m just hungry.”

“I’m on it, Mom,” Jesse called out.

Mom patted her cheek before she gave Dad a kiss and made her way to the kitchen. She gave Jesse a hug before she grabbed a cup of coffee and settled at the table.

“Do you have a scripture for us, Isaac?” Lynne asked.

“I opened my Bible to this.” Dad bent over the page and tapped a passage. “Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build...”

Lynne nodded as Dad read the passage that described the ever-changing seasons of life.

“There’s a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace,” Dad finished and cocked his head to the side as he contemplated the highlighted passage. “I’ve had my fair share of worries and internal battles lately. I’m always trying to control every outcome and prepare for what I think will happen.”

Violet was caught off guard when Dad suddenly grinned at her.

“But there’s no need to worry. God heard my prayers and answered them. What isn’t meant to be, God won’t allow.”

Her mouth dropped. “Dad!”

“Did I miss something?” Lynne asked with raised brows.

“Vi broke up with her wannabe rock star,” Dad shared with unashamed delight.

“Oh, honey, is that why you weren’t feeling well yesterday?” Lynne asked with great sympathy as she reached across the table to pat her hand.

Jesse plopped a plate of pancakes in front of her and Mom. “Better eat them while they’re hot.”

She was puttingthe finishing touches on her makeup when Jesse double knocked on the bathroom door. Before she could say he could come in, he did so, startling her.

“You sure you want to go to school?” he asked. “You don’t have to if you’d rather stay home and rest.”

She lifted her chin. “I’m fine.”

He held her gaze. “You don’t have to pretend with me. I know I hurt you yesterday.” His eyes moved over her face as he reached out and gently stroked her side. “In more ways than one. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

She swallowed hard, eyes watering slightly at his tenderness. “I really am okay.”

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