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“How did you know?” I grinned.
“I took a wild guess.” He winked. “Promise me something, Zoey.” His tone grew serious.
“Of course, anything, Carter.”
“Promise me that if you start to feel like you’re suffocating or feel the need to run at some point, you’ll talk to me about it.”
“Carter, I won’t feel that way.”
“But you might because you still need to work on your issues with your parents.”
“I hate that you’re worrying about that.” I pressed my lips against his. “I love you, and if that should happen, which it won’t, I promise to talk to you about it.”
He pulled me into him and pressed his lips against the top of my head.
“That’s all I’m asking.”
As Carter was making breakfast the following morning, my phone rang from an unknown number.
“Hello?” I answered and put it on speaker as I picked up my coffee cup.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
My heart began to race. “Dad?”
“It’s been a while. How are you?”
“It’s been two years. That classifies it longer than a while. I’m fine.” I looked at Carter as his brow arched.
“Good. I’m happy to hear that. I went to Sacramento to visit you and discovered not only did your grandmother pass away, but you also moved to Los Angeles.”
“Cara told you?” I asked.
“Yeah, sweetheart. She did. I kind of forced it out of her, so don’t be mad at her. Where are you in Los Angeles? I’d like to see you.”
I swallowed hard. “You know what, Dad? Now isn’t a good time. I’m really busy trying to get my business up and running.”
“Listen, I know you’re upset with me for not reaching out sooner.”
“Yeah, Dad. Two years is a long time not to talk to your kid. But I’m doing really good.” I stared at Carter. “Really good, Dad.”
“I’m happy for you, Zoey, but I’d still like to see you.”
“And you will someday. But now isn’t a good time. Bye, Dad.” I ended the call and took in a deep breath.
“Are you okay?” Carter walked over and wrapped his arms around me.
“I’m fine. You’re burning the eggs.”
“Oh shit.” He ran over to the stove, took the pan from it, and threw it in the sink. “Well, I guess I fucked that up.” He smiled.
“You’re a dork.” I laughed. “Sit down and let me make pineapple crisp with fresh pineapple. It won’t take long.
“Um, you can’t,” he said.
“Why?” I furrowed my brows.
“I ate all the pineapple.”
