Page 115 of Ice Darling
Exquisite.
I stand by that.
“Why are you so beautiful?” I breathe out, letting my annoyance through. “If you weren’t, this would be easier.”
My phone chirps loudly at that moment, and I jump out of my skin.
“Crap.” I grab my phone out of my pocket. Thankfully, Cordelia doesn’t stir despite the noisy ringtone. “Hello?”
“Mr. Renthrow,” a timid voice says, “It’s Mrs. Hershank, Vinnie’s mother.”
Vinnie’s the friend from school who invited Gordie over today.
I sit up straight.
“I don’t know if there’s anything wrong or…it’s just strange. Gordie’s under the table and she won’t come out…”
I scramble to my feet. “I’m on my way. Let her be until I get there.”
I end the call and look down at Cordelia.
She’s sleeping so peacefully that I feel guilty when I call out to her. “Cordelia.”
“Mm?” She sounds like she’s still half-asleep.
“Gordie’s having an episode.”
Cordelia’s eyes burst open, and she springs out of the couch with a speed that knocks me flat on my back.
“Let’s go.” She scrambles to the door, shoves on her work boots, and storms down the porch.
I push to my feet and hurry behind her.
“What happened?” she demands as I speed down the quiet street.
“I don’t know the details. I got a call saying Gordie was under the table.”
Cordelia’s lips press into a thin line.
“I know I shouldn’t have sent her to that playdate alone,” I murmur, my fingers tense on the wheel. “This is my fault.”
“It isnotyour fault.”
I shake my head. If I was a better dad, my daughter wouldn’t be suffering like this. If I was a better dad, Gordie would be okay.
“Hey,” Cordelia speaks firmly, “blaming yourself won’t make Gordie feel any better. Whatever she’s going through, it’s not because of you.”
I want to believe that.
With all my heart, I want to believe that I’m not the one to blame for my daughter’s pain.
But I’m the one who raised her.
And I know, deep in my chest, that all responsibility and all fault belong to me.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Cordelia
