Page 51 of Forbidden Hearts
That gets him. He takes a sip and mutters, “Daughters and their guilt.”
“Yes, because you don’t dish it out. I’m doing the dance-a-thon again for you.”
“You’re young and win every year. Plus, it helps both the police department and Addison.”
It’s the only reason I agreed to do it this year. Run to Me is doing a lot of great things, so if I can help Addison out by spending twenty-four hours dancing with someone, then I will.
Sure, I win every year.
Sure, I’m sort of a badass when it comes to this competition, and while there might be a war between Connor Arrowood and me because he tried to sabotage me last year, that doesn’t mean I’ll lose my medal.
I just need to find a partner.
“I’m happy to, once again, be crowned as queen.”
“It’s a four-dollar medal made from the scrap metal of a cruiser.”
“Doesn’t matter, it’s for winners only.”
Dad sighs dramatically. “You’re so much like your mother some days.”
“Since you loved her so much, I take that as a compliment.”
“It was, just don’t be like her and fall for a small-town man. You have bigger dreams than this town, kid.”
I’m trying my best not to do just that, but I keep that to myself.
“I don’t plan to stay here.”
“Good, but maybe don’t date anyone because no one is good enough for you.”
He’s so wrong there. It’s me who is a damn mess and shouldn’t be allowed near anyone, but my father never sees my faults. When he goes to open his mouth, I finish it for him. “Especially a cop. I know. You are aware that you’re a cop and a really good man, right?”
“Yes, which is why I want to prevent you from making the same mistake your mother made when she settled.”
My mother never once felt as though she settled, but it’s cute he thinks that.
“Fine, I promise. Now, I’m going to my room where I plan to veg.”
My father kisses my temple. “You’re a good girl, Birdie.”
I’m something. I head into my room, get in my comfy sports bra and shorts, climb into bed, and pop onFriends. One episode later, the doorbell rings, and then my father is yelling for me. “Phoebe, someone is here to see you.”
I sigh, pull on my sweatshirt, and head out to see who this mystery guest could be. Since Olivia is camping with Rowan, and I have the next two days off, I really have no idea who it could be.
When I get to the front door, my eyes go wide because Melinda, a friend from high school who I haven’t seen since the day we graduated, is standing there.
“Melinda, hi.”
“Hey, Phoebe! I heard you were home, and I wanted to stop by.”
Melinda was a friend, but like, not really a friend. She was always nice to me, but I got this vibe about her that always caused me to pull back. I think it had to do with her not being able to have more than one friend at a time, and when she moved on from one to the next, she didn’t do it amicably. It was uncomfortable to watch.
“It’s been a really long time. How are you?”
“I’m good. I just moved back to Sugarloaf about a month ago. My ex-husband got the condo, and I got shipped back here.”
“I didn’t know you got married.” Because I really didn’t care . . .
