“I’m here for you.” She leans back. “No matter what. I’m the girl you call to help you bury the body, remember that.”
Julie has always had my back, and I’ve had hers. I should’ve gone to her, but I thought keeping my mistake from her was the right thing.
She leaves, and Daddy stands there looking at me. “You’re doing the right thing.”
I start to cry again, hating that I failed people, and my father gathers me in his arms. It doesn’t matter how old I am, he’s the man I can always count on. I soak his shirt, crying over the mistakes I’ve made.
“I’m so sorry if I disappointed you, Daddy.”
He rubs my back as I fall apart.
“Never. You could never disappoint me.”
I cry harder, thanking God that I have him in my life. When the tears ebb, he pushes my hair back and stares into my eyes. “I raised you to be a strong, independent woman who cares for others. You’ve devoted your entire life to make things better and you take care of everyone else. I can’t pretend to understand what it’s like to watch people die around you all the time. You’re doing the right thing. It won’t be easy, but you’ll get through it.”
I nod. “I’m going to lose my job,” I choke on the words. “I won’t have money, a place to live, and I don’t know if I’ll lose my license. I’m probably going to need to move back home, but I won’t be able to help financially.”
“Is that what you’re worried about?” he asks.
“Dad, I’ve been sending Everton a lot of money each month,” I confess.
He nods. “I know, but I’ve come into a bit of money myself. You don’t need to worry about taking care of me.”
“What do you mean, a bit of money?”
He smiles impishly and we sit at the table, where my father tells me something that leaves me completely stunned.
Chapter 29
Isit on the cold, dirty floor outside Westin’s apartment. I spent twenty minutes debating whether or not I should go in. I have a key, but then I thought better of it. Westin and I are over, and I promised myself from this point forward, I’m going to remember who I was before I lost my damn mind. Respect and honesty are at my core, and I’m not going to breach that trust.
It’s been over an hour now, but I couldn’t exactly call him. So, I wait.
And wait.
I think about all the things we’ve shared. The first time he brought me back to his apartment, and how we laughed despite the days we had. Westin was able to transport me to a place outside my past without me even knowing it.
“What are you doing here?” his deep voice fills the hallway while he stands in front of me.
I stand, and my nerves go crazy. I’m not sure if it’s a mistake that I came here, but I wanted to talk to him about my plan, and also find out what the hell is going on regarding my father.
“I came to talk to you.”
He sighs. “I don’t have anything to say.”
“I know,” I say quickly. “I don’t blame you, but I’d like it if you could just listen. I’d appreciate it. Just a few minutes, Wes, that’s all I’m asking for.”
My heart races as he stares me down. I plead with my eyes and then I see the answer I was hoping for in his. He’s going to give me a chance—reluctantly, but it’s something.
Westin unlocks the door and holds it open for me. It’s only been a few days since I’ve seen him, but he looks different. His eyes are tired and his facial hair has grown out more. I try not to focus on how good it is to see him and how much it’s killing me to stay away, but I need to focus.
“So?” Westin pushes.
“Right. Sorry.” I release a deep breath. “My father said that you came by, and...”
“I didn’t turn you in,” he says quickly. “If you’re here to beg, save it, I haven’t and I’m not sure if I can. I guess that’s the funny thing about loving someone. It doesn’t go away that easily.”
Well, that’s unexpected. I wasn’t sure if he would. Honestly, I don’t know why he didn’t, but that’s neither here nor there. “I’m planning to confess everything,” I tell him.