When Dusk Comes by J.J. Arias

Author:J.J. Arias [Arias, J.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2019-01-26T23:00:00+00:00

“How ya feelin’, kiddo?” Pete asked, bringing Erin a mug of hot chamomile tea brimming with honey and lemon.

“Better,” she lied, and sat up on the couch to take the mug. Pete squeezed in next to her.

“Erin, if you’re upset because of Gail, I completely understand. I’m not trying to replace your mom—”

“Dad, I know that,” Erin cut him off. “I’m thrilled that you found Gail. She seems like a nice lady. I promise.” Erin made direct eye contact to convey the truth of her sentiment. “There isn’t anything to replace.” The words sounded far harsher than she intended, and Pete flinched at their bluntness. “I mean, all I want is for you to be happy. She seems like a lovely woman and you’ve been alone too long,” she added, trying to salvage her statement.

“Then what is it?” He couldn’t hide the confusion in his eyes. “Is it a girl?” Pete kept his voice low as if afraid Erin might shatter under the weight of his words. “I know you’ve got something going with that boss-not-boss of yours.” Pete ran his thumb over Erin’s arm to soothe her.

Erin wanted to tell him about her broken heart, about how her relationship was with Lucía before it all went to hell. She wanted to tell him that she finally felt safe for the first time in her life. That she felt stable, and like she could be herself. That she had met her equal.

The words tangled in her throat and tears poured out instead. She let her upper body fall toward her dad, wishing she could curl up in his lap like when she was little. He had always been two strong arms to hold her and protect her from the world. He couldn’t do anything about her current situation. She didn’t even know what she’s mourning. The death of a future she hadn’t realized she’d been picturing with Lucía?

“You don’t always have to carry everything alone, kiddo.” Pete’s voice trembled as he rocked her. “Please let me help.”

The tears subsided and left Erin exhausted. Between her head injury and the pain killers she could hardly stay awake more than a few hours at a time, and that was without a sobbing session. After a while her breathing grew heavy and her body lax. Pete held his daughter against his chest and kept his arms wrapped tightly around her.

“I’m so sorry,” Pete whispered despite Erin’s snoring.

* * *

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