Page 65 of Changing Lanes

“Let’s get you in your car.” Turning my back on Ava, I open Torrie’s door. “I’ll be right behind you. Don’t worry.” I kiss her again and close her door.

“Where the fuck is she going? She will never be a mother to our child.” She has lost her damn mind.

“Ava, calm down. I will date whomever I please. I’m a good father, I give you anything you need. I told you ten years ago, it’s her. Always will be.” Climbing into my truck, I hurry to the light where Torrie sits, waiting for it to change.

I follow her home, pleased she lives in a gated community. Flashing my lights at her as I pass, I take a shortcut home. Hoping to make it before Andi goes to bed. I pull my truck over by the barn to get a jacket I left in there a few months ago, it should hide my pants.

I slip in the back door, hoping to get to my room before they see me. I feel like a teenager; sneaking around is for the birds. I don’t want Andi to see me like this, it’s irresponsible. Torrie and I have so much shit to work out.

“Dad? Is that you?” my beautiful girl yells from the other room.

“Yeah, baby. Give Dad just a minute, I’ll be right in there.” Hightailing it to my room, I change quickly and join them in the living room.

“Good evening, ladies. What are you two doing?” Bending down, I kiss Andi on the top of the head.

“We just finished with a round of Trouble. Looks like you found some of your own.” Mom winks at me. I search her eyes because I’m puzzled.

“Well, I made sure to get home in time to tuck you in. So, run brush your teeth, and I’ll be right there.” Jumping up, she hurries to the bathroom.

“Please tell me you’ve been with Torrie,” Mom says smiling brightly.

“I have. How did you know?” I’m gobsmacked.

“You have a hickey.” She burst into laughter when I leap from the chair to look in the mirror. Shit, so I do.

“Mom.” I practically sigh. “She loves me. I gave her the check back.” One of happiest moments.

“You did?” she asks with baited breath. “She does?”

“I did, she took it with her. She does, she loves me. Ava saw us saying goodbye to each other.” Watching her in the mirror, I try to hide this bruise from my daughter with my shirt.

“I’m so happy you gave her the check. Even better that she loves you. Ava already called.” Her face falls at the thought.

“We have a lot to figure out, including Ava and Torrie’s father.” Glancing over my shoulder, I widen my eyes.

“Wonderful. I’ll not be accountable for what I do to him if he tries to hurt you again.” She kisses me on her way to the kitchen.

“Me either. I’m gonna go tuck Andi in,” I say as I head toward Andi’s room.

“Hey, Andi Pandi.” She’s already giggling by the time I sit on her bed. “What’s so funny?” I tickle her belly, making her laugh louder. “Shhhh, Gamma will tell us to cut it out.” I tickle her feet.

“Okay, Dad. Okay.” She keeps laughing even after I’ve stopped.

“Can we talk a minute?” I ask, snuggling next to her and holding her in my arms.

“Of course we can. We can talk about anything, I want you to know that.” She uses my words on me.

“Yes, we can. I’m happy to hear you remember it.” I hug her to me.

“What are we talking about?” Peering up at me, she looks like an angel.

“My friend, Torrie.” Watching her face for any signs of dislike, she smiles.

“I like her.” She smiles wider.

“I do too. You know we’re good friends.” She turns in to face me.

“I remember. She’s pretty, and she’s nice to me.” She nods in agreement.

“I was wondering how you would feel if I started dating her? Bringing her places with us. Maybe dinner one night with Gamma.” She twirls my hair around her finger, contemplating my words.

“Ava doesn’t like her too much.” She looks at me when she says it.

“I know, baby, but I like Torrie.” I touch her on the nose and then tweak it. She giggles.

“You smell like her.” I kiss her head.

“It’s because I hugged her.” Hugging her tight.

“Dad, if Torrie makes you happy, then I say we ask her to come over. I’m okay with it if you want to date her. I know you’re worried, but you don’t have to be.” She hugs me tighter. I lay with her until she falls fast asleep.