Page 46 of Final Temptation
My mom would always be a stranger to me. But I was devastated for my dad. He’d never really moved on to my knowledge. He didn’t have a serious girlfriend that he brought home, and I obviously didn’t have a stepmom. If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say my mom scarred him, leaving him with serious trust issues.
The right words hadn’t come to me yet, so I got up from where I sat across from him, took a couple steps closer, bent down, and held my dad in an embrace that I missed having in my life for the last few months.
“Dad, I’m so sorry she did that to you.” I ran through the scenario in my head, putting myself in his shoes. If the person I was in love with and had a family with left me forsomeone in my life that I was the closest with, the feeling would be gut-wrenching. I’m not sure I’d be able to come back from it.
He’s even stronger than I ever thought he was.
“I had no idea.” With the shock still evident on my face, I pulled out of his arms, sitting back in the empty chair.
“It was a long time ago, honey. I’m over it as much as I can be. But when your mom left, this bar was all I had, besides you,” he admitted.
“Ugh. I feel so torn.” My head fell back, looking up at the ceiling, and I counted every lump of the popcorn texture.
“Tell me what’s been going on with you, how’s school?” My lips lifted into a small grin. He was finally asking about school—aboutme.
“I’m torn between wanting to chase my dream, a feeling I’ve had for a while now…and everything you just told me about Mom. I don’t want to let you down.” My eyes began to well with tears. “I don’t want you to be disappointed in me for chasing my dreams.” I sniffled.
“Honey, that’s impossible. You’ve always been such a good kid. I could never be disappointed in you. I’m sorry if I projected my own feelings about this place onto you. I guess I always assumed you’d take over, but that was my fault for trying to choose your path.”
“That’s really good to hear.” I snagged a tissue off his desk and wiped my nose. “I think I took it all a lot harder than I should have. I’ve just been so excited to start something new, that when I felt like you didn’t approve, it crushed me.”
“So, what’s the plan then? What are your goals when you get done with school?” His face softened, the sincerelook making me feel safe enough to spill each thought running through my head for months.
“I want to get into event planning. Weddings, bachelorette parties, birthdays, gender reveals, I mean, really, I’m open to any type of big event or special occasion. As long as it helps take the stress away from those celebrating and puts a smile on their face.” I waited to gauge his reaction, hoping my plan for my future didn’t sound outrageous or ridiculous.
“Sophie, I think that’s an amazing idea. I could see you doing really well. You’ve always been so personable.” His smile was genuine, and I finally felt the tension of my dad’s disapproval wash away.
“Thanks, Dad.” I took a deep breath before asking, “So, uh, I do have a roommate, but eventually, my savings will run out between school and rent. Would I be able to take on a few shifts here and there? Maybe during school breaks and whatnot, if I need to?”
“You’re always welcome here, Soph. Who knows what the future will bring for this place or your new aspirations. But we will take it day by day for now. Just don’t go that long without talking to me again, you hear me?” We both let out a chuckle.
I don’t know if I’ll really come back for a shift or not, I just want to leave the door open.
“Yeah. I’m really sorry about that. I love you, Dad.”
We both stood, and he wrapped me in his arms one more time before whispering, “I love you too, kiddo,” and laying a gentle kiss on the top of my head.
Slowly, I headed for the door to see my way out. But one thought lingered in my mind from earlier, so before I unlatched the door, I asked, “Hey, Dad?” He looked up, one eyebrow arched up. “Was mom ever on drugs like you’d toldme all those years ago? Or did she just leave and never come back?”
“I heard through the grapevine when I was looking for her and my brother. They were traveling through Europe, partying and doing things she’d never done around me. Did she continue down that path? I have no idea.” He shrugged.
“Thank you for opening up to me today, Dad. You know, if you ever want to…date, I’d be okay with it.” By the way he laughed, I think he was caught off guard, not expecting me to mention anything about his dating life.
“I appreciate your approval, even though I don’t need it. Now get out of here and be safe on your trip tomorrow. Text me when you land.”
I closed the door behind me, a grin on my face from ear to ear, and the weight of my dad’s approval meant more to me than he would ever know.
The best partabout going to Las Vegas in July? Pool season. In Sin City, pool parties were all the rage, with the best DJs, gorgeous girls, and handsome men everywhere. It was like being transported into a different world, especially when you were born and raised in a small mountain town.
In the deep heat of the summer, the pool was absolutely necessary.
The moment the plane touched down, the heat building inside was evident. I could already sense the relief my body would feel dipping into the cool water with a cold drink in my hand.
Before any of that could happen, though, we needed to check into our hotel.
The local Uber driver dropped us off on the front drive, our overpacked luggage surrounding us. You’d think we were here to stay based on how we packed.
“Stay here, I’ll go check us in,” I told the group.
