“Oh, I don’t think it’s any of my business.”
“I can’t find Nia, and I’m scared.”
“Why are you scared?”
“Because I’m afraid that someone will hurt her if I’m not there.”
Her heart softened until she remembered what he’d done. “I’m sure she’s fine.” She pressed her lips together to prevent herself from saying anything else.
“If you talk to her, tell her that her daddy is really worried and wants his little girl home where she belongs.”
She fought to keep from asking about the woman. “I’ll tell her if she calls.”
“Thank you.” Travis turned and walked out.
Kaleb pulled her into his arms and set his chin on the top of her head. “Are you lying to me?”
She thought back to what was said and then shook her head. “No, daddy. I promise.”
“If I find out you’ve lied, you are going to be in such trouble. You know I don’t like to be lied to.”
“I know,” she whispered against his shirt and blinked back her tears.
“Remember what I told you when we first got together?”
She nodded. “You said you didn’t want someone who deceived and lied as your little?”
“Do you want to change your story?”
“Nooo,” she stuttered.
He sighed. “All right. Go get dinner. I have work to do.”
She pulled away and walked toward the kitchen. Her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest. Her daddy somehow knew she was lying, and he was already distancing himself from her.
She didn’t know what to do. Aleena loved her daddy more than anything, but she loved Nia too, and at that moment, her friend really needed her. Something her daddy never did. It seemed no matter what, it was her daddy who took care of her. She was never the one taking care of him.
“God, I’m pathetic,” Aleena said. She walked into the kitchen. She looked down at both plates of fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
“Betsy, is it okay if I take this upstairs?”
“Where’s Mr. Spencer?”
“He’s working.”
“Go ahead. I’ll put his plate in the warmer.”
****
Nia held her breath when she heard footsteps come into the room.
“Nia,” Aleena whispered.
Nia exhaled and crawled out from under the bed.
Aleena rushed to her and set the tray on the floor.
“You take the fork, and I’ll use the spoon. We have to hurry. I know daddy will check on me eventually.”