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I scoff. Dad could do nothing but sing her praises the entire time Natasha and I were together. After we broke up, he tried for months for me to get back together with her, claiming, “You have the same values and goals.”
“Why don’t you come by for dinner tomorrow night and we can figure this whole mess out. Unless there’s something else you aren’t telling me?”
He’s fishing. He already knows I moved out of my apartment which means he already knows I’ve moved, but he doesn’t know where. At least he’s not certain.
“I’m busy tomorrow night.” I have plans with my mom so it’s not even a lie.
“I’m sure your mother is gleeful that you came crawling back to Ridgeview.” And there it is. The fatal blow.
“How long have you known?” I ask, completely defeated. Of course he found me. I was a fool to think I could just move and get away from him and his tyranny.
“Did you honestly think I wouldn’t figure it out? I mean, Ridgeview? Seriously, Mark? That town is nothing but a dead end.”
I don’t have the energy to defend myself right now, not that it would work.
“It’s been a long day, so if you’re done with the inquest then I’m going to hang up.” Before he can respond, I hit the end button.
I try to go back to that feeling I had tonight when I was with Millie, but the looming presence of my father overshadows any and all happy feelings.
Chapter 21
Millie
Tonight was perfect. Well, if you omit the part where my brother showed up, then it was perfect. I know I should have just been honest about our date when Ben showed up, but I really didn’t want to deal with his dramatics. Not tonight.
No one was home when Mark dropped me off, so after changing into my pajamas and failing to find anything to watch, I decided to pull out my laptop to start looking at Pinterest for ideas on how to fix up Mark’s place. Nearly two hours in and I may or may not have also looked up city plans to get an idea of the floor plan since I still have only been on the front porch. According to Google, the townhomes in that neighborhood are 2-3 bedrooms, depending on if it was a single or double story, 1-2 bathrooms, and then a living and dining area off of a kitchen.
Millie: Single or double story?
Mark: What?
Millie: I’m looking up ideas for your place.
Millie: Single or double?
Mark: Double
Millie: Bathrooms?
Mark: Yes.
Millie: How many?
Mark: 2
Millie: Bedroom?
Mark: Amelia Jacobson, are you thinking about my bedroom? Or just trying to picture it?
My face heats.
Millie: NO!
Millie: I MEANT to put an s on that!
Mark: Millie, calm down. I knew what you meant. I’m just messing with you.
Millie: You’re such a jerk!
