Oh no-oh no-oh no. I’d pleaded with dad to look into Mr. Baxter’s situation after the first time Cody told me about him. Now that I think of it, it was a bit much to ask, but at the time, I was just that little girl who always ran to daddy for help. It didn’t even enter my head that asking my dad to add someone to the billion-dollar program he was working on out of the blue might be a bit over the top, but the fact that he’d gone ahead and done it anyway just shows how and why I rely on him the way I do and always will.
“I think I like him, dad.” I squeezed my eyes shut and scrunched up my shoulders as if waiting for a blow. But when dad’s voice crept down to a whisper, I knew I was safe.
“Don’t tell your mother, or she’d have you home in less than a day. So, tell me all about him.”
The smile that broke out across my face almost split it in two, and a feeling of warmth permeated my chest and radiated throughout my body. I excitedly told him all about Cody and our short time together so far.
“Star quarterback, huh.”
“Is something wrong, daddy?” I couldn’t tell from his tone what he was thinking.
“Nope, remember what I told you before you left home? I want you to have the full college experience. Now I don’t mean I want you to go wild and end up on one of those videos, but I’m happy that my little girl is finally spreading her wings a little.”
“What about the other thing? What should I do?”
“Trust your instincts, Pumpkin. If someone’s already trying to meddle in your relationship, then you have to decide if you want to deal with something like that going forward because it very well might not be the last time. I trust you to know what to do; you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, always have.”
“You really do, dad?”
“Of course I do; you’re my daughter, aren’t you? And look what you did. Not there even a month, and already you’re trying to save a life; what more could this dad want? Now you know to call me if anything happens. Oh, by the way, I opened an account for you; you should be getting the card in the mail any day now.”
“But mom opened one….”
“No, baby, you’re eighteen now, and you’ve always been responsible with money. I don’t see why you can’t have an account of your own. Let her keep putting whatever she wants to in there and do with it as you please. You’d only be getting five grand a month to start, but I’m sure you won’t be foolish with it. Next year that will go up, of course, but for now, it should be enough for you to play with. This way, no one will be going through your purchases with a fine-tooth comb; it’s your money to do with as you please.”
“Thanks, Dad, you’re the best.”
“And don’t I know it. Look, sweetheart, don’t take things too hard with your mom; you know she’s only this way because we wanted you so much.”
“I know, dad. I love mom no matter what, and you too, of course.”
“Good to know I’m an afterthought.” He grinned, and my heart felt lighter, warmer.
“Dad, you know that’s not what I mean.”
“I know, Pumpkin, I’m just pulling your leg. Now go get some sleep. Clear your mind, and everything will fall into place. And listen to your instincts.”
“Okay, thanks, dad. I love you.”
“I love you too, Pumpkin; goodnight, oh, and say hi to Jess for me. That girl has been off and running since she got there.”
He said it with a chuckle before hanging up, so I knew there were no hard feelings. Some people who had gone above and beyond for a complete stranger may have thought the person owed them something in return, but that was one thing I never had to worry about when it came to my parents.
Mom, too, is very giving, especially when it comes to Jess, but Jess had refused to let them give her any money after they took care of her tuition. Dad had come up with a sneaky way to give it to her anyway, by setting up a stipend under one of his umbrella companies. She has no idea, and if she did, she’d probably be upset, but dad didn’t want either of us having to work or do anything except concentrate on our studies.
As soon as I had the thought, my mind went to Cody. He’s someone else who doesn’t like handouts, but all I want to do is give. He, like Jess, seem so selfless. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to him, the fact that he has some of the same attributes as my best friend. The way he cares about his mom and dad is so heartwarming; it’s hard not to look at the big beautiful hunk without stars in my eyes.