Page 83 of Wicked Nasty

"I'm here for you, Del," I say softly. "Anytime you need to talk."

She gives me a watery smile, nodding in appreciation.

As we sit there, the atmosphere in the room shifts. It feels lighter somehow, as if a weight has been lifted off all our shoulders. For the first time in years, I feel like we're truly connecting as a family.

Dad clears his throat again, a hint of a smile on his face. "There's one more thing," he says. "I've decided to take some time off work. I want to be more present in all of your lives."

Mom's eyes widen in surprise. "Are you sure, honey? Your work has always been so important to you."

Dad nods firmly. "You're all more important. I've realized that I've been missing out on so much. I don't want to wake up one day and find that I've lost precious time with my family."

A wave of emotion washes over me. This is a side of Dad I've rarely seen - vulnerable, open, and willing to change. It's both jarring and comforting.

"That's... that's amazing, Dad," I manage to say, my voice thick with emotion.

Del nods in agreement, her eyes shining. "Yeah, it really is."

Mom stands up and embraces Dad, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm so proud of you," she whispers.

As I watch my parents, I feel a sense of hope blooming in my chest. For the first time in a long while, I feel like we're on the right path as a family. The road ahead won't be easy, but we'll face it together.

Just then, my phone buzzes with a text. It's from Becca.

Got the bag. Thank you so much! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

I smile at the text, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Becca's simple message reminds me of everything we've been through together, and how much stronger we've become because of it.

"Everything okay?" Mom asks, noticing my expression.

"Yeah," I reply, still smiling. "Just Becca. She got the bag I left for her."

Dad raises an eyebrow. "A bag? What was in it?"

I feel a slight blush creep up my cheeks. "Oh, just some of her favorite snacks and a little gift. I wanted to do something nice for her after... well, everything."

Del rolls her eyes playfully. "You two are sickeningly sweet, you know that?"

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. "Yeah, I know. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

Chapter twenty-three

Rebecca

Good For You

Aswerideinthe car on our way to school, I sit in the backseat next to Katya, a smile spreading across my face as I glance down at my new bracelet. It's a delicate tennis bracelet, adorned with sparkling diamonds and a mesmerizing blue butterfly charm, sitting proudly in the center. Danny really went all out with this gift.

Katya nudges my shoulder playfully. "He must really love you."

I grin back at her. "He does."

She chuckles. "Not thrilled he stole my butterfly nickname, though..."

We both laugh as we near the school. Katya sighs, leaning her head against mine.

"You'll have two bodyguards with you all day."

I roll my eyes, but can't help feeling grateful for their protection.

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