Page 15 of My Anchor (Trio Series 1)

“Can I ask you how your mom died?” Lee asks me. We are sitting at his desk eating lunch, the office is empty except for us, Mondays are slow days I guess.

“Car wreck.” Is all I tell him.

“Back to two-word answers I see.” He says taking a bite of his sandwich. I grabbed a couple of subs and came over to surprise him after my classes were canceled for the rest of the day. That’s when he text me and said that he was all alone in the office. So I thought I would try out the whole girlfriend thing and bring lunch.

“She just, she was coming back from some craft thing and fell asleep at the wheel. She didn't kill anyone, just herself.” I haven't talked about her dying since it happened.

“Craft thing?” Lee asks.

“Yeah, she always went to these things that had different exhibits of other people’s crafts. I usually went with her but that time I didn't feel good and stayed home. That is probably why my dad blamed me for her death because I wasn't there to keep her awake.” It wasn't my fault I know but really when something happens like that a person can’t help but blame themselves a little. It’s just human nature.

“Your dad is a real piece of shit isn't he?” That’s an understatement.

“Yeah I moved out the day I turned eighteen, went to live with Cris and Brinn.” Best day of my life.

“Who’s Brinn?”

“Oh, I thought I told you about her, she is Cris’s mom. My surrogate mom, helped me through a lot after mom died. She is a mother to all three of us actually, I remember Shane and I going there after school and not going home until we thought or parents were sleeping.” Or passed out in my case.

“I'm glad you have them, so when do I get to meet these girls of yours? I have to admit I first thought that you lived with a couple of guys.” I laugh at that, everyone thinks that.

“Nope, just two amazing girls that are pissed off at me half the time and drive me crazy the other half.” We both chuckle a little. “But in all honesty, I really wouldn't be where I am today without them, friendship is everything. We accept each other even if we don't agree or approve of what the other does. There is no judging, just, a sisterhood of a sort I guess.” I say the last bit quietly and stare out the window. We are downtown, on a one-way street. Spacing out I start counting the cars as they go by. I'm shutting down I can feel it, I have said way too much today and now I need to leave.

“You’re getting awful deep over there,” Lee says pulling me from my counting.

“I should go. I will talk to you later okay?” I am up and out the door before he can say a word. Walking down the street to the car I see my meter time is just about up, good thing I left when I did. I slide into the leather seat of Shana’s Audi and buckle up before reversing on the street to leave.

Getting home I see a sleek car in the parking lot I haven't seen before, it’s black with tinted windows, very secret service looking. Or Mafia if you want to go that way, but the thought of Mafia in Missoula Montana just makes me laugh.

When I get inside I'm greeted by Shana and her dad. Bruce Cloud, I believe his name is. I have only seen his picture whenever we stalk him online.

“Linnie hey, you remember my dad don't you?” Shana says before I can even get the car keys hung up on the hook by the door. She sounds slightly uncomfortable, don't blame her at all I think the only communication these to have had is a few emails and phone calls. Oh and gifts every birthday, Christmas, Easter, well every holiday really. At least he cares enough to send gifts I suppose.

“Um yes, I guess. Hi, Mr. Cloud.”

“Call me Bruce please.” Looks like I was right with the name. “I was just telling Shana that I am happy to provide the place to live. Easier to focus on your studies if you don't have to worry about expenses.” He sounds genuine but really if something is too good to be true…

“Is there a reason why you are here Bruce? I just find it a little odd that you would just show up after all this time and try to play doting father.”

“Linn.” I get scolded by Shana. Crap me and my blunt mouth.

“It’s fine Shana, I can respect where she is coming from,” Bruce tells her giving a reassuring look. “It is strange, but there are reasons why I haven't been around legal reasons. But my time is up now and I can have more contact with my daughter. Sounds absurd, but I have just explained it to Shana. I'm sure she will fill you in after I leave.” He looks at his watch, the damn thing probably costs as much as a new car. “I do have to get going, I have a conference call in a half hour.” He walks over to Shana and pauses for a moment wondering whether a hug would be appropriate. Shana decides for the both of them and wraps her arms around him. I almost choke out some tears, almost.

“Call me later sweetheart, I will be in town for the rest of the week if you want to get together. Completely up to you.” Shana has tears in her eyes when she pulls away. If he is really legit on wanting to be around more I am so happy for her.

“I will… Dad.” He walks toward the door and says a quick goodbye. I catch just a hint of moisture in his eyes also.

“Okay what just happened?” I ask as soon as the door is shut.

“My mom is a fucking bitch, that is what just happened!” She shouts.

“Whoa, what do you mean by that?” I am so confused I really have no idea what is going on.

“She kept him from seeing me, all these years. I mean I knew a little bit about it but god I can’t believe this.” We did know that her mom basically ‘won’ her in the divorce and took her to live with her grandma who really was the one to raise her.

“What else did she do, I would think that was bad enough.”

“He wanted me, Linn, wanted to raise me, but my mom was vindictive enough to take that away.” She walks over to the sofa and flops down hard, sighing. “Apparently, in their prenup it stated that she was to have at least one child, me. When they split she decided he didn't get to keep me since he wanted a child bad enough to put it in an agreement.” Crazy bitch.

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