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“Pops.” I put my hand on his. “I know what love feels like. I love you. I love my life here in Florida. I have money. No stress. Hell, I used to have adoring fans who wrote me creepy letters about loving me. I’ve felt love, believe me.”
Pops stood up and headed back to the porch. “Not the same and you know it.” And then he was outside, back to his no-gravity chair and staring out at the grass.
I’d have to pull out the big guns tonight. Not only would we look through every photo album on his bookshelf, I’d show him the new Ford truck design they’d released for next year. The interior features list alone would perk him up. I kept threatening to buy him one and he kept telling me to get one for myself and he’d just ride shotgun. Which was fine by me. I’d take my father anywhere. He just had to say the word.
Because contrary to what he thought, I’d experienced true love.
The love of a father and a son.
And it was good enough for me.
Me: Boat club again tomorrow?
Kenna: Sorry, no. I have plans.
Me: Buying that Ferrari after all, huh?
Kenna: Nah. I’m thinking I’d like a truck with a gator head…
Me: Next thing I know you’ll be wearing a Florida Man shirt.
Kenna: I think Salt Life might be more applicable.
Chapter Eleven
Kenna
“Oh my God, Ashley is the worst manager in the history of bad managers,” Liz moaned the second I answered my phone.
I couldn’t help the satisfied bubble of laughter. That was probably the first time I’d heard Ashley’s name and didn’t shiver in revulsion. Maybe it was the physical distance, or maybe it was simply embracing the fact that the life I’d led in San Francisco was gone, but it felt good to let all that drama go.
“Well, good morning to you too, bestie. You’re at work early.”
Liz groaned in my ear. “The new boss is a task master. I need you to come back and threaten to genital everyone. That was the highlight of my professional life.”
I winced, wandering around the living room, trying to find where I’d left my flip-flops. I swore the plants ate things at night if you left anything within their greedy grasp. When I found them, I slid my feet in and gave myself a once-over in the mirror hanging on the far wall. At least my hair looked good. I’d put some anti-frizz cream in it that Char had given me, blow-drying it into submission but letting it retain a slight wave, something I never did in San Francisco. Once Char picked me up and we went shopping, maybe my clothing style would improve too.
“Sorry to disappoint, Lizzie, but I’m busy becoming a boating mogul. I don’t have time for genitaling geriatric bosses right now.”
When she replied, her voice was so loud I had to pull the phone from my ear. Like this was a believable work phone call. My girl needed acting lessons. “I just need to approve the mockup and we’ll be moving forward.”
I snorted, heading for the kitchen for the coffee maker and the last of the creamer. I’d have to beg Char to stop by the grocery store before she dropped me off at home. And I really needed to think about buying a used car. Not a Ferrari or a truck with a gator head.
“How do you not vomit every day working there?” I replied. Look at me. Just a week away from the office and I was already a new woman.
Liz’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I need to come see you now that I know you’ll be gone a full year. I’m due a vacation and I’ve heard Florida is nice right now.”
“You heard wrong.” I took my first sip of coffee and gave myself a moment. I’d found at least a two-year supply of Italian coffee beans in the pantry. God bless Aunt Maeve and her expensive coffee tastes. “It’s hotter than Satan’s asshole out here.”
Liz choked. “Jeez, Kenna. Your descriptions are a little too descriptive these days.”
I smiled, taking my coffee and heading to the glass slider in back. The view of the sun sparkling off the surface of the water was spectacular in the morning. The swim I’d taken out there last night would be the first of many, I’d decided. Even the damn plants were growing on me—no pun intended.
“I certainly won’t stop you from visiting though. I’ve got four extra bedrooms you can stay in.”
“And a hot neighbor.” Liz managed to add a healthy dose of flirtation to her voice even as she maintained the whisper.
My face went hot, remembering him in just a towel. “Yeah, he’s nice too, but I don’t think he’s as excited about the boat club as I am.”
