Page 57 of Stick Side
Melody shrugged. It would have been nice if her dad had been able to offer her some sort of guarantee where Ben was concerned, but she knew he couldn’t tell the future any more than she could.
“Can I give you some additional fatherly advice?” he ventured.
“Please,” Melody assented, eager for any insight he might be able to offer. Maybe it would help her to cut through some of the jumble her thoughts had become.
“I wouldn’t want you to miss out on an opportunity to be with someone who obviously cares about you just because the surrounding circumstances aren’t perfect,” he observed. “I just wouldn’t want to see you going into a relationship like this blind.”
“Expect the best, but plan for the worst?” Melody asked, parroting one of his favorite idioms.
He smiled. “That’s my smart girl,” he praised in the loving tone he reserved just for her.
Melody felt awash with affection for her father. She appreciated the way he was looking out for her without trying to make her decisions for her. But all she said was, “Thanks, Daddy.” She knew she didn’t need to say more for him to understand.
Her dad’s face was thoughtful as he looked at her. “Based on the expression on your face, I assume you’re going to see him again?”
Melody felt a gentle warmth infuse her cheeks. “If he asks me, yes,” she answered, punctuating her answer with a nod.
“Oh, he’ll ask all right,” her father predicted. “Of that, I have no doubt.”
Melody sure hoped so. Despite the challenges, she was too interested in Ben to not explore what might be possible between them.
“You just be sure to let me know if Logan isn’t treating you proper,” her dad instructed before taking another sip of his coffee. “I have no problem manufacturing reasons why he might need to do extra wind sprints—or worse—if he doesn’t behave like the stand-up gentleman you deserve.” He was joking, but Melody could also hear the resolute promise in his words.
“Thanks, Daddy,” she repeated as she resumed filling her plate, adding a generous glob of whipped cream and a small mountain of mixed berries on top of her waffle. “It’s always nice to know I have you in my corner.”
“Anything for you, honey,” he assured.
Chapter 26
From the texts of Ben & Melody
Ben:Good morning, beautiful. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch, but the publicity photos for the new activewear line I was telling you about took more time than usual yesterday. I was out of the house before 5 am and didn’t get home until close to midnight.
Melody:Good morning. That does sound like an awfully long day. I hope it went well?
Ben:The actual photo shoot went well, yes. Thank you. The rest? Less so.
Melody:What do you mean?
Ben:At the organizer’s request, I put my cellphone in a locked drawer at the start of the day and left it there throughout the shoot. Unfortunately, bonehead here forgot to collect the phone after we wrapped up. I was only just able to get it, which is why I’ve been incommunicado for the past 24 hours.
Melody:. . .
Ben:I know it’s standard practice to wait at least 24 hours after a date to get in touch, but it wasn’t my intention to do that to you since I think that practice is dumb. Any rule book that leaves people hanging should be tossed out the window. In my opinion.
Melody:I’m glad.
Ben:Did I make you worry?
Melody:Honestly? Your lack of communication did throw me, yes.
Ben:I can’t wait to see you again. I’m sorry if I left you questioning that.
Melody:I’m looking forward to seeing you, too. *blushing emoji
Ben:I’m glad we’re on the same page.
Melody:Me, too. <3
