Page 71 of Dangerous Encore
5
Bella
Idrownmy thoughtsintea.
Andcooking.
Idowant to fix a proper feast. My mom always did, every year, no matter how many hours she'd worked the weekbefore.
Joel helps me prepare the turkey, slide it into the oven, and set atimer.
He gives me room to obsess over mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and bakedrolls.
I focus until there's a knock onthedoor.
It's steady. Strong. Dad'sknock.
"I'll get it." Joel pushes himself off the couch. He runs a hand through his wavy hair and shakeshishead.
He's upset aboutthistoo.
Because it's not what hewants?
Becauseitis?
Because I'm lockinghimout?
I don't know. It could be anything. Everything. It could be that Dad isoutside.
Joel pulls the door open. "Vincent." He struggles with Dad's name, like he's reminding himself to call himVincentand notMr. Chase. "It's great to see you. How was yourflight?"
Dad shakes Joel's hand. "The same as it usually is." His eyes move around the apartment. Slowly, they settle on me. "Bella, sweetheart, you don't have to cook all that foodforme."
"I know." I set down my mixing bowl and spoon and wipe my hands on my apron. "I wanted to. Like Momalwaysdid."
His smile is as sad as anything. It's been ten years since Mom died. Dad never moved on. Not even toflings.
Well, as far asIknow.
I don't really want thedetails.
"No suitcase?" I force myself to move away from the kitchen. I have to greet my father. And I have to find something to say besidesI might be pregnant and I still don't know how I feelaboutthat.
"I stopped by the hotel." He looks around the room, assessing it as a potential placetostay.
"You could have stayed here." I take another step toward him. Okay, our place is too small to be comfortable for a guest used to the finer things. Even if the finer things are Manhattansized.
"It's fine, sweetie. I have a pool." Hesmiles.
I smile too. Dad at the pool—it's absurd. I move close enough to hug himhello.
My exhale is heavy. My shoulders relax. Dad can be difficult, bossy, and demanding, but he always knows what to do. And helovesme.
I'm gladhe'shere.
Even if the timing is far fromideal.
"You need any help in the kitchen?"heasks.
