Page 48 of Highest Bidder
“Fine. But call if you need me.” I stand and walk toward him to kiss his cheek.
I leave with my purse, but I can’t seem to focus enough to findsomewhere to go. I’m nothing like her. I used to think I was born with my unruly hair only to piss her off. Growing up, she was always trying to tame it, but once I was old enough to do it myself, she started her passive-aggressive remarks to shame me. Despite her comments, I never stopped wearing my hair as natural as possible. It was one way I could control how I looked.
After aimlessly wandering down different halls, I finally find the cafeteria. My stomach lets out a monstrous growl. It’s after 1 p.m. People in blue scrubs buzz around on lunch break. Exhausted, somber families gather around small portions of food. Most are not alone, and it makes me wish I had someone here with me. I bet Myles is done with his lane by now. I miss him. Yes, he puts on this rough exterior, but I’ve come to know the man beneath that. That man is kind, caring, considerate, thoughtful, giving, and I don’t want to even think about his body. My hormones might get carried away.
Hunter:
Hey there. I’m thinking about you.
Myles:
All naughty things, I hope.
I laugh. Of course that’s his response.
Hunter:
Can’t wait to come home.
Myles:
Me too. I have a saddle withyour name on it.
The days goby in a blur, and we are able to get Dad home and comfortable. Mom insists on hiring a nurse to help twenty-four-seven because she doesn’t want to do anything herself, but she’s covering her true intentions by saying it’s because she wants him to get the best care he needs. He’s allowed to do short walks each day. So I take that on as my duty. We start on small walks around the house, then we venture down to the mailbox. Now he’s able to go around the farm, which has made him the most excited. He misses his animals and wants to be around them as much as possible.
Before I know it, a week has passed. Dad is doing so much better. He’s able to go on a decent walk now and doesn’t take as many naps throughout the day. I know he wants to get back to work, but the doctor said he needs to take off at least a month. He isn’t happy about it, but it’s important for him to get stronger before returning to work.
Each day, I make it a point to call or text Myles. We haven’t talked as much as I was hoping, but when we do talk, it’s the highlight of my day. I cannot wait to get back to see him. He promised to pick me up at the airport. I’m thankful to have him in my corner right now. I’ve also talked with Jess each day, but those talks are filled with giving her all the details about me and Myles. She’s obsessed. She wants to know everything, and I love having someone to talk to about him. I haven’t been able to tell my parents about him, because I know my mom would only give me a harder time. My dad would be happy that I’ve found someone, but my mother isn’t over my breakup with Steve. I’m going to miss my dad when I leave, and I wish I could talk to him about Myles in person. I know he would love him. They could probably talk for hours about the auction world.
“You’re doing great, Dad.” I look over at him as we take our daily lap around the farm. His complexion is less pale, and the dark circles under his eyes are gone. He even has a little pep tohis step. I know he wants to check the training progress on a few of his horses.
“I know. You can stop hovering now. I love having you here, but sweetie, I’m okay.” He looks at me with sincerity.
I know he’s physically okay, but it’s been a tough week. It was extremely scary seeing him vulnerable in the hospital bed, connected to so many wires. I will never forget seeing him look helpless in the hospital bed, and I never want to see it again. He looked so fragile that I was afraid to touch him. He needs to get as healthy as possible before I leave.
“I know you’re okay, Dad.” I take a breath. “It was hard seeing you like that, but I’m glad you’re doing better. I want you to keep doing the things you need to get strong. No stress for you.” I level him with a stare. He laughs, but he knows I’m serious.
“Okay, but I need one favor, sweetie.” He looks down with a little uncertainty in his eyes.
It piques my curiosity because he rarely asks me for anything.
“Of course. Anything for you.” We stop walking to face each other.
“Go with your mother to the gala tomorrow.”
I shake my head, ready to tell him absolutely not, but he holds his hand up stopping me.
“Just hear me out. This is selfish of me, but I don’t think I’m ready to be around the club members right now. I want to relax a little longer before diving back into her world.”
I cannot believe this is even a topic of conversation. There’s no bone in my body that wants to go anywhere close to that gala. I also can’t believe that he feels pressure to go. He’s doing better, and I will do anything to make sure he doesn’t risk his progress.
“You definitely shouldn’t go. There is no question about that at all, Dad. You need your rest. Mom will have to go by herself. She’ll be fine.” He’s crazy if he thinks I’m going to a gala with her. We’d be at each other’s throats.
“I know it will be hard for you, especially considering howdifficult your relationship is, but she hates going alone. Let me break it down for you like this.” He hesitates and gives a strained face. It’s like he’s physically pained by the words that are about to come out of his mouth. “If you don’t go for me, then I will have to go.”
My blood boils. I don't like when people force me into situations. Mom always tried to back me into a corner in some way or another to go to these functions. It was one of the main sources of contention between us. Now I feel like my dad is, and it doesn’t sit right with me.
I finally look him in the eye after giving myself a few moments to calm down. “Fine. I’ll see you at the house,” I say, turning and walking away. He knows what he’s asking of me is wrong. He knows he gives her anything she wants, and now it feels like he’s stabbed me in the back.
