Page 64 of Hidden Desires

I nod. “Yeah, it’s your dad.”

She shrinks a little, pressing the phone to her chest. “I can’t. I can’t see him right now, Jack. I’ll lose it.”

“I’ll handle it,” I say in a low tone. “Stay here, okay?”

She nods, face drained, and disappears into the corner of the couch.

I open the door but step outside, pulling it tight behind me so Eliza doesn’t have to hear what’s coming. Gerald’s standing there, hands balled into fists, breath steaming in the cold. Up close, his rage is palpable, and in a way I don’t blame him. One of his oldest friends is fucking his beautiful, nubile daughter. Any man would be aggravated.

“Jack,” he says, voice low and vibrating.

“Evening, G.”

He shakes his head like he can’t believe I’m using the old nickname. “Don’t. Don’t pretend this is normal.”

“I’m not pretending anything,” I reply, calm. “Let’s talk out here. Eliza doesn’t need another round tonight.”

He glares, eyes red-rimmed. “Is she inside? I see her car.”

I nod.

He starts for the door, but I block him with one broad arm. “Let’s keep it civil, bud. We’re talking out here.”

He stops, but barely. “You’ve got some balls, motherfucker. After all I’ve done for you. After all we’ve—” He can’t finish the sentence, his voice snagged on years of friendship and barbecue and weekend fishing trips. “She’s my daughter. My only daughter, and you’re—” His face crumples in, like a soda can crushed from the top down.

“I know,” I say. “It’s not what you wanted.”

He barks a sharp, ugly laugh. “What I wanted? I wanted you to be my friend. I wanted you to look out for her like a goddamn uncle. Instead, you’re fucking my little girl! You’re—” His mouth works, searching for a word, but there’s nothing that covers the depth of his disgust.

“I love her, Gerald.”

He recoils. “You love her? She’s half your age, asshole. Do you think I’m stupid?”

“Eliza’s not a kid. She’s a grown woman. And she’s the most incredible person I’ve ever met. I didn’t plan it, but I won’t lie about my feelings, either.”

He gets close, so close I can smell the sweat and raw fury. “Did you groom her? Is that what this was all along? You always showed up whenever you had leave. You bought her that bike⁠—”

“I never touched her. Not until she came to me first. And she’s always been legal. I swear on my life.”

He’s not listening. “You could have any woman you want. But you had to go for my daughter?”

I don’t flinch. “I didn’t ‘go for’ anyone. We fell in love, Gerald. That’s it.”

He stares at me, chest heaving. “If you care about her, you’ll send her home. She’s not thinking straight.”

“Eliza’s thinking perfectly straight,” I say. “She’s made her choice.”

He’s about to explode, but then his voice breaks. “Nancy’s a mess. She hasn’t slept. She blames herself, you know? She thinks she drove Eliza to this with all her nagging about going back to school, life, and other random shit.”

I’m ready for anger, but not for the sudden collapse. “Tell Nancy it’s not her fault. Tell her Eliza is safe, and she’s happy. I swear I’ll never let anything happen to her.”

He shakes his head, eyes glossing over. “She was our little girl. You remember? She used to play in your backyard. She—” He stops, can’t say it. “Just let me talk to her. Please.”

I hesitate, then nod. “I’ll ask. But if she says no, you respect that.”

He’s silent, rage and heartbreak warping his face.

I go inside, find Eliza perched on the bottom stair, knees hugged to her chest. She looks up, cheeks streaked with tears.