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But instead of Adam’s name, Daddy’s was on the screen.
Elation gave way to dread, but a good daughter would answer the phone, and I did.
“I’m calling to give you fair warning,” he said.
“About what?”
“Your mother and I have a trip to Europe planned after next month, and…”
I didn’t have to be a genius to figure out what was coming next.
He continued apologetically. “I tried to tell her you might not be ready yet, but she’s hell bent on stopping in DC to meet you and Adam.”
The inevitable was coming my way.
It sounded like an epic battle of wills, but the outcome had been preordained. Daddy might be a force to be reckoned with, but denying Momma something she really wanted was not his strong suit.
“He might have to travel,” I ventured. “His schedule is always changing.” A little lie was worth a try. Committing to a meeting before talking to Adam seemed somehow underhanded.
Daddy laughed. “Good try, baby girl, but you know that won’t stop her.”
I did. Momma would camp out on my doorstep for a month, or grab me and fly off to wherever Adam was. It could be Antarctica, and that wouldn’t slow her down.
“I can’t guarantee Adam will agree,” I said.
Daddy ignored me. “I’ll be in touch with the details, and your mother’s not the only one looking forward to meeting the man impressive enough to catch your eye.” Daddy was back to his normal self, sprinkling in compliments.
If Adam weren’t a Cartwright, Daddy and he would get along great, but that was anifthat couldn’t be reversed.
“Tell him I’m looking forward to meeting him,” Daddy added.
“I will.”
After we hung up, I wasn’t quite sure how to broach this with Adam, but I knew I wanted it on my turf, so I sent another message.
ME: Dinner at my place tonight
At the train change, I still hadn’t gotten anything back from Adam so I tried again.
ME: You ok?
* * *
Adam
It was almosteight by the time I exited the field office and found my car. My phone stayed in my jacket until I was four blocks away, well out of sight.
Scrolling down the dozen messages from Kelly, I regretted not making an effort to answer earlier. I hadn’t been alone all day, not even in the bathroom. But I probably could have typed out a quick response in the privacy of one of the stalls. I sent a single reply before pulling back into traffic.
ME: Sorry I couldn’t answer. On the way now
When I opened the front door at her house, the aromas of tomato and herb washed over me.
“I’m in the kitchen,” Kelly called.
When I found her she was at the stove, facing away from me—the perfect picture of sex appeal. Her ass and legs were tightly wrapped in yoga pants, and she wore a top that hung off one shoulder. The distinct lack of a shoulder strap hinted at what would be poking through the fabric when she turned my way.
“Smells wonderful,” I said as I entered the kitchen.
