“What’s wrong? Do you need money?”
She sighs and tips her head back. “No, I’m self-sufficient, remember. I don’t need your money.”
“You don’t need to be like that.”
“Actually, I do. Please watch the video I just sent you in your texts.”
“Why?”
“Just do as I ask for once.”
We wait and I can hear that she was videoing the entire interaction through the phone.
There’s a long silence.
“Are you okay?” her father asks and I wrap an arm around her waist.
She’s not shaking. She’s remarkably still and her back is straight. “I want you to fire him.”
“Charlie? You know I can’t do—”
Looking up at me, she smiles. “It’s me or him, Dad.”
“Muffin—”
“And don’t call me that. My name is Delia.”
“What has gotten into you?”
“I think it’s what’s gotten out of me. I’ve been living by other’s rules and under their opinions of me. And now I know that my opinion is the one that matters and I choose happiness over trying to fit your mold. But I won’t put up with anyone’s bullshit anymore.”
I lean down and kiss her cheek.
That’s my girl.
Her father clears his throat as Charlie starts to come around. He shuffles to his feet. “Charlie, are you there?”
“Mr. Billingsley, I don’t know what Delia’s told you—”
“Shut up. You’re fired. I’ll have security send you your property in your office. You get no severance and if you ever think of even talking to my daughter again, I’ll have lawyers on our ass so fast, you’ll spin in circles until all your money is gone.”
“I think you need to know—”
“No. Leave Charlie. Your opinion is no longer needed or wanted.” Delia steps toward him and Charlie backs up. I step with her, but just behind to have her back. Her beautiful backside that I will have in my life forever.
“You Billingsley’s are all the same.”
Her father chuckles. “We’re definitely a different mold. But I think it’s a good one.”
Charlie flips us two birds and Delia laughs. “Fuck you, Delia.”
“Never. I happen to know your secrets, too, Charlie.” She holds up two fingers that are awfully close together.
I can’t help but chuckle.
He limps down the block to his car.
She turns and the smile on her face tells me that the cloud over her has broken and the sunshine is rolling in. “Thank you.”