Page 31 of Still His

“We haven’t really talked about it. Not past me being afraid of how people will view Dad.” She sucks in a breath. “He shut that down fast though. Said he doesn’t give a fuck what people think as long as he has me and we’re happy.”

She smiles at me, knowing how much I’ve always loved him. “I’m really glad he loves you the way you always feared he couldn’t or wouldn’t.”

My eyes mist up with tears as her words resonate with me. “Me too.” I smile back. “I’m just not really sure where that leaves us. Vancouver doesn’t feel like it’s where I’m meant to be anymore.”

She nods in understanding.

“Well, then you guys need to do what is best for you. Don’t bother thinking about everyone else because they don’t matter.”

“Do you think he’d willingly uproot his life though? I mean, his company is here.”

She gives me this sly smirk before responding.

“I’m pretty sure his kitty cat could make him do anything she wanted.” She winks at me and meows before I burst into a fit of laughter. “Seriously, girl. Do you have any idea how wrapped around your finger Simon Veron has always been?”

“Right.” I shake my head and she rolls her eyes at me.

“Bitch, the entire province is terrified of the man. Everyone except you. Why do you think that is?”

It’s my turn to shrug. “He raised me. I’m his daughter.” I shrug, like it’s kind of obvious.

“And therein lies the difference.” I look at her like she’s lost her mind. “Hear me out.” I nod. “You are the only person he’s let through his walls for a reason. It’s not just because he raised you either. As you got older and grew those delicious and sexy ass curves, there’s no way he didn’t notice.”

Oh yeah, if I hadn’t mentioned it yet, Darcy is a lesbian.

She’s also been unashamed to admit how attractive she thinks I am and that’s fine with me, but I have never had eyes for anyone other than Simon. He’s all I have ever seen.

“You think he noticed me as a kid?”

She makes a gagging sound.

“Get fucked woman. No! He started putting distance between you around seventeen, right?”

“Yeah, about there, I guess. But it’s because I was acting more…provocative. Not because he saw me differently,” I try and explain, and she shrugs.

“I could be wrong, but I think you should ask him, Catty.”

Maybe I should…

Simon

“How are things going with Catherine being back home?” my best friend Greg passes the question.

He’s sitting on the couch in my office because I called him here to talk, he just doesn’t know about what.

“Things are good,” I tell him with a smile.

We’ve been best friends half of our lives, but my being with Cat is something I’m sure never would have crossed his mind. I’m not really sure how he will react.

“You sure about that? I would have thought you’d be more enthused about getting her back.” His eyes narrow as they assess me.

“I’m happier than I’ve ever been, Greg. Promise.”

He watches me for a moment before nodding and sitting back into the couch again.

“If everything is so good, then why am I here?” I raise an eyebrow in question, and he just gives me his best look of boredom.

“Because I have some news.” He nods and motions for me to continue. “I sold my company this morning.” He blinks at me and I’m not sure whether or not the words have sunk in until he’s off the couch and in front of my desk.

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