Page 6 of Serenity
“You do realize that ‘fine’ is usually code for ‘you should know what’s bothering me and you’re going to be in big trouble if you can’t figure it out yourself,’right?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. Not with Faith. She’s complicated and has her fair share of issues. But she doesn’t usually play games like that. If she was pissed at me about something, I’dknowit.”
He didn’t look too convinced I was right, but he didn’t argue with me. “Then what do you thinkitis?”
I heaved a deep sigh as I considered my answer. “She seems…almostscared.”
“Montgomery men do whatever it takes to make sure our women have nothing to be afraid of.” He rose from his chair and stared down at me. “So figure it out and fix whateveritis.”
“If only it was that easy,” I muttered, tapping my fingers against my desk. I’d been trying to figure out what was bothering her for the past week withoutmuchluck.
“Nothing worth havingcomeseasy.”
It was one of his favorite sayings. One I’d heard at least a thousand times growing up, but it didn’t do me much good at the moment. “You got any better advice for me than that, Dad? Because I could use it rightaboutnow.”
“Yup.” He nodded. “Go big orgohome.”
I started to roll my eyes because he’d just tossed out another one of his favorite sayings that shouldn’t have helped, but then an idea hit me. One that might make Faith feel at least a little more in control of her life. “You know what? You’reright.”
His eyes widened in surprise. “Iam?”
“Youare.”
He beamed a smile at me. “It’s been a while since you’ve admitted that to me. At least since before you hit yourteens.”
“It’s not my fault Mom’s the one who’s always right,” I razzed him, feeling energized as I jumped out of my chair and grabbed my wallet and keys from the corner of my desk. “And since I’m already done with all my work for tomorrow, I’m going to cut out of here on time tonight instead of staying late likeusual.”
“I should give you a hard time after that crack,” he muttered. “But I’ll cut you some slack since you’re worried about Faith and tell you nobody’s going to judge you for leaving on time every once in a while. From what I’ve seen myself and heard from the team you’ve been working with, you’ve already proven that you more than deserveyourjob.”
It felt damn good to hear my dad say that since I’d been busting my ass to show everyone that I hadn’t just been given my position because I was a Montgomery. That I’d earned it. “Thanks,Dad.”
He slapped me on the back as I walked past him. I was full of determination to do as good a job as Faith’s boyfriend as I was at work. When I got to my SUV and pulled out of the parking lot, I calledFaith.
“Hey, you working late againtonight?”
“Nope, I’m on my way home to you as wespeak.”
“Oh.”
That wasn’t an excited ‘oh’ like it should have been. Instead, it sounded more like she knew she was supposed to be happy I was coming home early, but it wouldn’t have bothered her at all if I was working late. If I hadn’t already decided that her time was just about up to spill on her own, then that one little syllable would’vedoneit.
“Meet me in the driveway in about tenminutes?”
“Are we going out?” She didn’t sound the least bit excited by the possibility, but I wasn’t going to let thatdeterme.
“Yup. Be ready when I get there or else we’re going to be late for the appointmentImade.”
“Appointment? Forwhere?”
“You’re just going to have to waitandsee.”
“You and your surprises,” she laughed, finally sounding moreinterested.
“My tough girl loves ‘em, and it makes me happy to give her what shewants.”
“Dillon.” It sounded like she sucked in a shaky breath before she continued. “You’re so goodtome.”
“Of course I am, baby. Iloveyou.”
