Page 19 of No Way Forward

Chapter 9

“I don’t know.” Novette studied herself in the mirror. “Sometimes I feel more like his slave than his daughter. I used to think I was his world when I was a kid. Maybe he was mine. Now I’m not so sure he even likes me, let alone love.”

Azalie sat at the vanity while the older sour-faced maid tweaked her curls into place, and a new younger one Novette liked right away when she met her, helped Novette get ready.

“What does it matter? You’re all grown up. Who needs his love if he gives you money?”

“Azalie, really? You would freak if you thought Ms. Sheila didn’t love you, or for that matter Beau. Wouldn’t it hurt? It’s not about what they can give you. It’s about their love.”

“If you say love makes the world go round, I’m going to kill you.” The maid pulled a curl too hard, and Azalie smacked her hand. “Ouch, you idiot! That hurt.”

“Azalie.”

In an instant, Azalie schooled her features so that the angry frown was replaced with a reticent smile. “Ugh, you see how nervous I am about this party? You know important people will be there.”

“You’re always in your element at parties. Don’t even pretend.”

Azalie held up a finger. “At the club. Different atmosphere.”

“That’s funny because before I left you weren’t even old enough to drink.”

“But my boyfriend got me in easy.” She pursed bright red lips. “What was his name? Oh, who cares.”

Novette laughed. “You’re nuts. Are you on the prow tonight?”

“Well, I may find someone to tease. He has to be really hot so Zaid can bite his tongue for leaving me. It’s just a matter of time. He’ll be back.”

“Are you really that into him?”

“He’s my baby’s daddy. I want us to be a family.”

Novette studied her friend. She looked sincere and definitely not delusional. Years ago, Novette had confided in her friend about her own attraction to Zaid. Azalie never paused in her pursuit of the man, even with Novette’s confession. Novette knew what Azalie was like with men. She had a weakness she didn’t know how to deny, and Novette had been willing to overlook it.

Maybe that’s my weakness. I don’t like facing the truth.

The truth about Azalie—Novette would be a fool not to notice her character. Azalie was so self-centered. What she desired was what she focused on. Everyone and everything came second. Because Azalie was her only friend for years, Novette embraced every part of her Azalie. Now though, Novette was losing patience with Azalie’s mess.

Someone knocked on the door, and Novette’s dad stuck his head in without waiting for an answer. It was a good thing she and Azalie were dressed.

“I’d like to speak to my daughter alone,” her dad announced. “Everyone leave us.”

The two maids attending them and Azalie left the room. Novette sat at her vanity, amazed at her appearance. It had been so long since she wore clothing that wasn’t used or worn out.

Her hair had been permed, cut, and styled. The navy high low dress with the deep V neckline, made a little more modest by a lace overlay, turned out to be an excellent choice. She looked elegant, like one of the privileged. The thought annoyed her, although she had never resented her father’s money or position. He worked very long hours, so he earned his money. She didn’t resent success or money so much as the man’s morality.

Her dad moved up behind her and rested hands on her shoulders. He gave them a gentle squeeze and watched her reflection in the mirror. “Novette, I’m hard on you, but you know that I care about you, don’t you?”

His voice held a rare gentle quality that her heart responded to right away. “Yes, Daddy, of course.” Her assertion wasn’t exactly true. She questioned his feelings every time he tried to rule her.

“You must realize that with my experience, I know what’s best for you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whether you’re right or wrong, what’s best for me is something I decide. Not you.”

“I can’t allow you to go astray.”

“Sure you can. Because I’m not your slave.”

“Don’t use such an ugly word!”

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