Page 23 of Fourteen Years

“Mom’s still finishing getting ready.” She led me into the living room where Lexi was sitting with a movie paused. She smiled at me hesitantly. Crouching down in front of her, I handed her a small bundle of wildflowers I’d bought at the flower shop in town.

“Here you go, beautiful. Thanks for letting me take your mom out.” I grinned at her.

She smiled more openly and her eyes lit up at the bouquet.

“Thanks, Trevor!” she exclaimed.

“You’re welcome. I want you to know, both of you, that I’m not stepping in to replace anyone. That’s never going to be my intention. I loved your dad too. He was like a brother to me.” my voice grew tight, as I stared into Lexi’s eyes, willing her to believe me.

She nodded, red hair falling into her face, but not before I saw some tears in her eyes.

I sighed and stood, turning and presenting another small wildflower bouquet to my oldest.

“Dad!” she exclaimed, rolling her eyes. But she took it and smiled all the same.

“Almost out of solitary confinement?” I asked her, crossing my arms, fumbling with the much larger bouquet I’d bought their mother.

“Just a few more days.” Lacey returned, smiling up at me.

“Your mother was too easy on you. She talked me down from a month long grounding, you know.” I said, staring at her.

“I know.” her voice was meek, and she looked at her bare feet.

“We just love you, Lacey. We want the best for you. Don’t screw it up like I did. You know I’ve been there. You know what it did.”

She nodded, still avoiding eye contact.

“You’re not still texting that Jackson kid anymore are you-”

“Trevor!”

I spun around, staring at Monica as she came down the stairs. All conversation with my oldest was forgotten at that moment. Wearing sandal flats and a flowy, summer dress, Monica looked stunning. She’d put on some light make-up and left her brown hair down around her shoulders. Her eyes were sparkling behind her glasses.

“Damn, you look hot.” I blurted out.

“EW!” Both girls exclaimed behind us as Monica threw her head back and laughed.

I blushed.Fucking blushedfor God’s sakes. Thrusting the huge bouquet of wildflowers out toward Monica, I just smirked at her.

“These are beautiful. Thank you, Trev.” she said softly. Her eyes took in the scene, seeing the girls’ smaller bouquets.

“What do you say we go in the kitchen and I get some vases for our flowers?” she said, “You all can put them in your rooms.”

Both girls followed her and I followed them, enjoying watching them together, their unity.

The usual spats took place, Lexi wanting the purple vase that her older sister did. I watched my oldest’s face turn red. Her anger far surpassed what the situation called for. I was worried about her. She reminded me so much of myself at that age. If it hadn’t been for Monica, I’d have gone off the deep end far sooner than I had.

“Lacey,” I said, softly, but sternly, As I cut off what was sure to be some scathing remark.

She sighed heavily.

“Fine, take the purple vase.” she plopped her own bouquet in a blue one and stalked up the stairs to her bedroom, slamming the door.

Monica cringed as I watched her and shook her head, meeting my eyes.

The doorbell rang again and Lexi went to answer it, carrying her flowers.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into her. She’s acting out so much more lately.” she said.

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