Page 17 of Wrong Number, Right Silver Fox
"Mom!" I warn.
She comes around the car and takes me into her arms. There's safety there and tons of love. She's always been my biggest supporter, and I'm sure once she's gotten past Jack's age, she'll be on my side.
"Let's go in, sweetheart. Brunch is ready for us."
We walk in hand in hand in front of Jack, and I keep glancing back to see if he's okay with everything. He nods at me, and it makes me relax. We go through the house and into the backyard. I see my dad there and immediately run to him and give him the biggest hug.
Yes, I'm a daddy's girl. His opinion is important to me, and now I can't think of why this was a good idea in the first place. Oh, right. Jack loves me and I feel… It's all so complicated. I feel protected in my father's arms and almost don't want to let go.
He pulls me back so he can check me out.
"Beautiful as always. Tell me what's this surprise you've got for us?"
I give him a bright smile and start to introduce Jack.
"Daddy, this is my boyfriend…"
"Jack!"
"Hello, Michael."
"Did you just say, boyfriend?"
"Yes, Daddy…"
It all happens too fast, I can't really believe my eyes. I've never seen my father move that quickly to do anything. One minute he's by my side, the next he's punching Jack in the nose. Jack is thrown back and puts his hand on his nose.
"Michael, fuck, I think you broke my nose."
"Don't worry, lots more things will be broken when I get through with you."
I run to get in between them before my father starts beating on Jack again.
"Daddy, no! I care about him and he cares about me."
"Emily, he's old enough to be your father. He went to school with me. I will not have it."
"Could you at least not hit him again?"
"It's okay, Emily," Jack assures.
"Don't talk to her. Don't even look at her, Jack. You're a dirty old man, and you don't deserve my daughter."
"Daddy, please. At least calm down."
"Sweet Pea, this man is taking advantage of you, and you don't realize it yet."
"It's not like that, Daddy."
"Get him out of my sight."
Jack puts his hands on my shoulders and leans in to whisper something to me. It's just words of encouragement, which are much needed right now. But this infuriates my father further.
"You need to leave my house, Jack."
"Not until we've talked this through, Michael. Your daughter is very important to me, and your anger is hurting her right now."
"You don't know what my relationship with my daughter is like. You've never had children of your own, so you could never understand."
