Page 57 of What Happens In Vegas
‘My mom did, she didn’t like all of Daddy’s traveling. So . . . poof. Gonzo. She was there when Douggot in trouble, they got him help, but as soon as he was clean, she left. Birthday and Christmas cards, that’s it. Doug didn’t think about me when he chased his addiction, and he didn’t think about me when he decided he had to move to get away from bad habits and triggers. He left too. He calls sometimes. Mostly, it was just me and Daddy.’
Quinn felt a surge of anger at her family for abandoningher, for choosing their own interests over Bonni. He could almost understand why her brother had done it, but her mother? Then:
‘You have your dad. He’s been there for you.’
‘Yes, and no.’ Her voice was low and pained.
‘How’s that? It can’t be both.’
Shenodded with exaggeration. ‘Yes, it can.’ She shifted and looked into his eyes. The expression in them was new, sadness mixed with pain .. . and anger. She poked her finger hard at her chest. ‘Iknow. You can’t tell me I don’t know. Because I do.’
‘I’m confused, babe, explain it to me.’
‘My dad. He’s here, but he’s not here.’ She waved her hand. ‘Nothere, but, oh, I don’t know.’ She drew in a ragged breath. ‘He’s in Virginia. Locked up, in a place . . . his mind.’
Quinn began to feel Bonni’s despair as she grappled for words.He remained silent, letting her find her way. He sensed this was a big deal, telling him about her father, and he wanted to let her say it at her own pace.
‘H-he, doesn’t know me anymore. He’s forgotten me and our life. Everything. And he was everything to me. He taught me self-defense and how to shoot a gun, but he also took me shopping for a prom dress. Friday nights, we’d watch old Westernsand eat popcorn and he’d tell me that a true hero does things because the cause is just, not for money or fame. And he doesn’t rememberanyof it.’
Things were starting to click into place, and all Quinn could do was hold her. His heart surged. ‘Bonni—’
She put her hand up. ‘Stop, I wasn’t finished . . . not finished.’ Her eyes filled with tears and her chin wobbled. Quinn’s heart broke forher and he tightened his embrace, hoping his presence would give her the comfort she needed.
‘I’m sorry, Bonni. So sorry.’
A big fat tear dripped down her check. Quinn swiped it away, having to swallow back his own emotion and the rawness of hers. Never before had he been so ripped open. Seeing her like this moved him to his core.
‘Oh, Quinn. I miss him so much! It’s so horrible to see whohe is now. He’s no man, just a shell, with my dad lost insidewith that terrible, terrible disease, and I’ll never get him back. Never!’ She buried her face into his chest and her tears soaked his shirt.
‘Tell me, Bonni, I’m here for you.’
Bonni pushed up, pulling back from him a little, with cheeks stained with tears and a serious tone in her voice. ‘But are you really, Quinn? Or will you leavetoo, gone off to the next poker game? Or will you go away little by little, like Daddy did?’
This was the perfect moment to tell her that he wanted to move to Canada, that he was ready to work for Bryant Enterprises and stop gambling, but the words just wouldn’t come. ‘I’m here now.’
‘I was there too. But I was afraid. So I left.’ She plucked at the button on his shirt.
‘Left where, darling?’
‘Left Virginia and went to Toronto. I couldn’t bear to see him fade away and so I left!’ She looked up at him, her hair mussed, eyes rimmed red and lips swollen. Never had he thought she looked more beautiful and vulnerable, and all he wanted to do was keep her safe, happy and protected.
‘Your job took you there, didn’t it?’
‘Yes, but I didn’t have to go.’ She sniffled. ‘I ran away from himwhen he needed me most, Quinn! I lost those last precious, lucid days with him, that I can never get back, because I wasn’t strong enough!’
‘Baby, calm down. Shh, it’s okay.’
She shook her head and he placed his hands on either side of her face, looking deep into her eyes, stilling her frantic emotions. ‘Your father raised you to be an amazing woman, and I’m sure all he wanted was for you tobe happy and live your life. You went to Canada to catch bad guys and make the world a better place. I’m sure he is so proud of you.’
Bonnisucked in rapid breaths and slowly calmed down. ‘You really think so? I visit him sometimes and tell him about cases I’ve worked on, and I swear, sometimes it feels like he hears me.’
‘The next time you visit, I’ll go with you. I’ll take you, and I’ll bethere for you.’ It hadn’t been a conscious decision to say those words, but Quinn found that he meant them.
‘You would do that with me?’
‘Yes, I would go with you.’ It was a promise Quinn knew he had to keep, because, if he didn’t, then he’d be just as bad as the rest of the people who had left her over the years.
She searched his face and smiled a little, before turning away. ‘I’m thirsty,and I need to use the restroom,’ Bonni murmured.
