Page 254 of Wild Card
“Love you, but stop hovering.”
She sighs and I hold my breath to see what comes next. She’s either gearing up to argue, or she’s giving in.
“Fine, but I expect you to come by soon.”
“Deal.”
“You may want to give Sterling a call.”
“It won’t be a surprise if I call.”
She pauses again. “Okay, Willow. See you soon.”
It’s been a while since Dad and I spent any time alone together. For so long, it was easy to blame the strain on Rylee and Stacy. Then I met Talon, and he consumed most of my time.
My heart pings at the thought of my baby. In twenty-something years, will he or she make time for me? Or will they get so wrapped up in their life, they can’t fit me in.
The thought pains me and I decide, from this day forward, I’ll make more time for my parents.
When I pull into the parking garage, Dad’s truck is in his reserved spot.
Odd, but a pleasant surprise.
Suddenly, I’m starved.
The high-rise development is in the heart of Nashville. Maybe we’ll go out to eat.
I’m mentally going through restaurants in walking distance when I step off the elevator and let myself into his place.
Thoughts of spicy noodles, succulent seared chicken, and vegetables have my stomach growling.
“Dad? I dropped by to surprise you and saw your truck. Let’s walk down to that Thai place for a late lunch. My treat for—” The words die on my lips and a shrill, pitchy, roaring scream reverberates around the room.
I clamp my eyes closed, wincing when I stumble into a wall. My bad ankle twists, but the pain scarcely registers as I try to block out the scene.
Which can’t be unseen.
My dad and mom going at it—on the kitchen counter.
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God… this can’t be happening.
Not again.
“Willow!” Mom cries in a state of horror.
I feel my way out of the kitchen, balancing on the wall until it opens into the living room.
A couple more steps… I shuffle until I can faceplant into the sofa and scrub my eyes.
No, no, no…
My dad shirtless, Mom naked, her legs wrapped around his waist, his hips moving…
“Oh my God!” I shriek into the leather. “Why me?”
Get up and get out of here,my subconscious demands.Pretend this never happened.
Only I can’t move.
