Page 153 of Retribution

“Dad, come on. We need to go!” I sweep up my bag and walk towards his office.

I don’t bother knocking and push it open, seeing he’s on the phone.

“…it isn’t the best time, I’ve been swamped with finding an attorney for the Presley v Scott case…”

I roll my eyes and throw myself in the chair in front of his desk, waiting for him to finish up.

He narrows his eyes at me as he turns his back, looking out of the window and continuing his conversation.

Pulling out my phone, I scroll through Instagram for a while. A text notification comes through whilst my phone is unlocked and my heart swoons when I see who it’s from.

(Landon): Lo, I thought we could meet on Friday, figure out what we’re going to do for this ass science project. BTW, your most recent insta post sucks. Love, L x

I let a small giggle escape my lips at the text from my best friend, earning a scowl from my dad.

Immediately, I respond that I’ll be there on Friday, not caring if I already have plans.

“Right, come on, Lo.” Dad lets out a sigh.

I huff and put my phone into my pocket, standing up and following after him.

We climb into the car and I kick my feet up on the dash, folding my arms across my chest.

“You’re going to have to talk to me some day, Willow.”

He backs out of the driveway and I reach forward to turn up the volume of the music, not wanting to engage in small talk.

Of course, he turns it back down.

“Look, you know it’s only because I care about you. I just don’t want you throwing your career away over some silly crush.” He begins.

I scoff, “Crush? He’s not my crush! He’s my best friend!”

“Yeah, yeah. We’ve all seen the way you go googly-eyed around him. He’s a good kid. But, so are you. We just want what’s best for you.” He states.

Rubbing my hands over my face, I let out a groan and try to turn away from him as best as I can.

As much as I appreciate his effort, I’m not talking about boys, with my dad.

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with your grades and classes, we’re all happy. Right?” He continues.

“DAD!” I whip my head around to him, my eyes wide.

He lets out a dry chuckle and shakes his head at me, focusing his attention back on the road.

“It’s just because we love you.” He murmurs, barely loud enough for me to hear.

My body folds in on itself and my shoulders slump, my guard dropping.

“I love you all too, dad.” I sigh, dropping my head to the side and looking out of the window at the trees whizzing by.

“Don’t forget, we’re having thanksgiving dinner early this year, on Friday.”

Closing my eyes, I let out a bated breath, unsure how I’m going to escape out of this one.

* * *

Friday

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