“Have a good day, Henley.” The way she said my name in her Texan accent with the rasp of her tone, let’s just say today might have started out miserable as fuck, but the only thing bothering me now is the way my cock responded to Henley’s voice.
CHAPTER 7
HENLEY
“Dad, I don’t need seat heaters or a steering wheel heater, let alone leather seats that cool you with air conditioning. I’m barely going to be driving unless it’s to the store or home.” All day, that’s how long we’ve been looking at cars. Clearly, Dad thinks this is fun, while I’d rather gouge my eyeballs out than talk about anything with four wheels ever again.
“Henley, daughter of mine, you need something dependable. What if we’re out on a run? You can’t be stranded somewhere.” He does make a valid point.
“Okay, but maybe not all the bells and whistles? I mean, as long as it has automatic headlights and a backup camera, that’s all I need, honestly.” I shrug my shoulders. The sales guy’s commission is slowly dwindling with every word I say.
“Fine, but not a tin can car either. An SUV. It does snow sometimes here, plus the rain. That’s all I need, you fishtailing on the highway, getting stuck under a semi, trapped inside.” Okay, I don’t know who’s worse in the guilt department, him or Mom.
“Alright, a small SUV, not that big thing Mom drives around.” I hold my hand out, knowing that if I can get Dad to shake on it, he won’t go back on a pact.
“Deal,” he responds. “What about a 4Runner? They aren’t big, but you can still pick up whatever you need to, tote your family around. Toyota is a safe and reliable company, too.”
“Maybe. It depends on the price and interest rate. Which is why I wanted a used car, Dad.” My hands are planted on my hips. I put the stupid wig on my head today, not wanting to have someone show their pity for me or ask questions, and it’s hot. So, freaking hot I’m about ready to rip it off, really giving people something to talk about. For the most part, I don’t wear it, preferring the head scarves instead.
“Let’s go ask the eager beaver, then, huh?” Dad rocks his body into mine, making me move slightly but not enough to knock me off my feet.
“Is he ever. It’s almost as if he’s giddy with excitement. Do me a favor and get me a good deal? That white one is calling my name, but the sticker price is through the roof,” I whisper. Any other day, I’d be a strong independent woman; not today, though. At least not when I have the man in my life who’s rock solid, never lets me fail, and always has my back no matter what it takes.
“Will do. You know your mother and I put money aside for both you and Jackson.” He puts his hand up to keep me from responding. “I get that you don’t want our money, and that’s fine. It’s just a suggestion. Your brother probably won’t touch it either. We’ll hold it for later. But if you need it now to get back on your feet, we’ve got no problem with that either.”
“Dad…” I get one word out. I’m floundering in my own thoughts knowing what he’s saying without saying the words. Jackson and Sailor are expecting their first child. With him not accepting the money, they’ll put it away for what will one day be their grandchildren, something I’ll never be able to give to them. All my life, I wanted to one day find what my parents have, a child or two along the way. It makes me hate my body even more. I know adoptions can happen, but not being able to experience what it’s like to carry a tiny human in your body, it’s enough to make you feel like a failure.
“I know, honey, I know.” He pulls me close, half hugging me, half just holding me until I regain my composure. All I want to do is break down and cry. I’ve done that enough. Clearly, the medication I’m on isn’t working. When I told Massimo that I was trying to get my life together, I wasn’t lying. There’s no way I could even think about talking to a man in my mental state. Not to mention the fact that my body is going through so many ups and downs, I’d be a nightmare for anyone right about now.
“No need for crying over this. I’ve done that enough for six months. The name of the game is living, so I guess if the 4Runner is out of my price range even if it’s still a good deal but I can’t cover all of it, I suppose I’ll let you and Mom help me out,” I admit, albeit painfully.