Chapter Fifteen
Anna
I stand at the top of the boat as it slowly moves through the water and pulls into the dock. Dad paces by the exit like he can't wait to get off this thing. That's how much he wants to get away from me. Mandy stands next to him, loaded up with their luggage. I feel bad that this was her first real introduction to me. I don't know her that well, considering this thing with Dad and she is still fairly new, but I do like her. The point of her coming on this trip was supposed to be for me to get to know her—at least, I’m sure that was Dad’s plan, and I feel like we never got to do that.
Maybe once all this over, I can reach out to her and we can do something. I missed out on so many things from not having a mother around that the idea of having someone to go shopping with or to the movies with sounds fun.
I glance down the other end of the boat where Nick is with his kids. I smile at the way they're laughing and joking. I feel bad for ignoring his texts, but I just needed time to think. And now that I’ve had time, I’m sure of what I want.
Kayla sits somewhere in the middle, engrossed in her phone, no doubt in another text marathon with her boyfriend. I shake my head, a wave of nausea hitting me, because I know I have to go downstairs eventually.
Sighing, I grab my bag and head downstairs. When I reach the bottom, I walk over to Kayla. Both Nick and Dad are frowning at me, but I pretend not to notice. I don't want to choose sides. At least, not in front of them. Not while they're in a position to still kill each other.
“How are you doing?” Kayla asks sympathetically, tucking her phone back into her bag.
She wraps her arms around me and gives me a hug. I frown, not sure what I'm feeling anymore, whether it’s anger, hurt, frustration or guilt. Or maybe all of the above.
“I'm sorry. I was supposed to be your distraction, but I didn’t do a very good job of saving you.” She winces. I laugh. “Come on, Kales. Not even you could’ve taken the fucked out of this situation.”
“True,” she agrees. She shakes her head. “Dan catching you and Nick in bed together wasn't exactly something I could work with.” She shudders. “That’s just plain awkward.”
“Thanks for reminding me,” I say with a groan.
Kayla rolls her eyes. “Your dad will get over it.”
“And if he doesn't?”
She shrugs. “If he doesn't, then so what?”
“I'm supposed to be okay with that?”
“Well, what’s the alternative? You can't make him be okay with it,” she says. “The other thing you need to consider is, apart from not letting your dad know right away, you and Nick haven't done anything wrong. He's a good guy. There are a lot worse you could’ve ended up with, like that creep who flashed you outside the library that time.”
I giggle, in spite of not feeling like laughing.
“Thanks, Kales. Thanks for coming on this thing with me, even if it was a train wreck. You’re a good friend.”
“I know I am,” Kayla says, smiling at me.
The boat jolts as it rocks against the dock and a bittersweet feeling washes over me. We’re finally home. Dad and Mandy don’t waste any time before they disappear down the jetty, without looking back. It's what I was expecting, but it still kind of hurts.
After I say goodbye to Kayla, I wander over to Nick.
“Hey,” he says, studying my face.
“Hey,” I say with a sigh. “I’m sorry for not answering your messages last night. I just needed to clear my head.”
“And did you?”
I nod. “I guess I'm getting a lift home with you. If you’ll have me,” I add. He wraps his arms around me.
“There is always room for you. Are you going home?”
“I think so,” I say. I haven’t really thought about it. “I'm not exactly sure if I’m welcome there, but I half expect him not to go home. He’ll probably go to Mandy's. At least until he calms down.”
“Well, you’re more than welcome to come and stay with me. Hell, you can move in, if you like. If you can put up these two rat bags.”
I glance at the kids, who are over by the railing, busily arguing over who gets to ride in the front on the way home. I wince because they’re going to hate me when they figure out it's me.
“They’ll only hate you for a day,” Nick says, reading my mind.
I laugh and follow him to the car, the kids right behind us. He takes my hand in his, and while I like it, I'm still not sure how much his kids know about us.
We’re almost at the car when Max has the realization that he won’t be sitting in the front. He frowns at me.
“I suppose you're sitting in the front,” he finally says.
“If that's okay with you,” I smile.
He studies me thoughtfully for a moment.
“Okay,” he agrees as if he’s doing me the favor of the century. I sigh with relief, feeling like I just passed his first test. “I’ll allow it. This time.”
The drive back home is mostly quiet, apart from the few awkward moments where Nick tries to spark conversation between the four of us. Things quickly change for the better though when Millie breaks the ice without even realizing it by asking me when I'm moving in.
“Do you want me to move in?” I ask, turning around to grin at her.
“Yes,” she groans. “I’m always outnumbered when it comes to ordering take-out. And I have to put up with these two doing what they want all the time. They never let me do anything.”
“So, you want me to even things up?” I laugh. Wait till she realizes I’m a bit of a tomboy. “It would be great, huh? We can give each other makeovers, watch girly movies, have sleepovers.” Millie cheers while Max groans loudly.
“Dad, why couldn’t you be in guys?” Max mutters.
Nick laughs. “Excuse me?”
“Yeah, come on, it would be great,” Max enthuses. “One of my friends at school has two dads, and he says it’s awesome.”
“Are you going to marry Anna?” Milly pipes up.
“Nick?” I say, keeping a straight face as I glance at him. “You can take that one.” I raise my eyebrows as his face goes red before I lose it and laugh.
“How about we see how we go?” Nick replies.
“I’ve seen you kissing Daddy before,” Milly announces, moving on to me. “On the couch. I was supposed to be asleep, but I wasn’t.” Mortified, I glance at Nick, who chuckles.
“Yeah? Well, I saw her undies on the bathroom floor once,” Max pipes up. “So, I knew what was happening.”
“Max,” Nick growls, scowling at his son through the rear vision mirror.
I sink a few inches lower in my seat, too scared to think too hard about whether or not I got them back, or if I should be searching under Max’s bed for them. I catch Nick’s eye, and he’s trying so hard not to laugh.
“What?” Max mutters. “I’m just saying I knew she was staying over, even when she crept out before we got up.” He shrugs innocently as Nick finally pulls into my driveway.
“I live next door. I could've walked the thirty seconds,” I say, biting my lip to hide my smile.
“Hey, I was trying to be nice,” he says, looking wounded.
“Are you going to kiss?” frowns Max. “Because that’s gross.”
“Then close your eyes,” retorts Nick. “Three, two, one…”
Milly giggles as Nick leans over and kisses me on the mouth. It’s only a brief peck, but enough to make Max voice his disapproval by gagging. Still laughing, I climb out. That had been a much more entertaining ride home than I was expecting.
“Bye, guys,” I say to the kids. I smile shyly at Nick. “I'll see you later?”
He winks at me. “I’ll call you.”
My heart pounds as I walk up the driveway. I don't expect Dad to be here and when I go inside, I'm relieved to find he's not. I’m not ready to have whatever conversation it is we need to have. I need time to prepare. Time to think about what I want to say and how I want to say it.
It’s mid-afternoon, but I’m exhausted, so I take a long hot shower and then curl up on my bed. I pull the covers up around my neck and close my eyes. I must've fallen asleep because the next thing I know, the vibration of my phone is waking me up. I open my eyes and fumble for it, picking it up to see a message from Nick.
Nick: Just checking in on you.
Me: I just woke up. Dad’s not here. Haven’t seen or heard from him. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
The phone rings. I see Nick’s name and press answer.
“Easier than texting,” he chuckles. “And I also wanted to do this in person.”
“Do what?” I ask curiously.
“Ask you out. Like on a real date. Dinner. The works. The kids are both fed and watching TV. Shirley is ready to come over and babysit them the moment you say yes.”
I hesitate. I want nothing more than to say yes, but it feels kind of wrong to see him while things are so fragile with Dad.
“It’ll take your mind off things,” he promises me.
“Okay,” I say. I smile because I am looking forward to this.
“Great. I’ll pick you up at six.”
Just before six, Nick knocks on my door. I glance at my reflection in the hallway mirror, hoping I’m not overdressed in my short black silk wrap dress and matching heels. I’m not sure why I feel so nervous. It’s not like it’s the first time we’ve been together. It’s our first time out in public, where people can see us and judge us. For me, that’s scary. I yank open the door, and Nick smiles at me, his eyes roaming down over my body. He shakes his head and breathes out.
“Holy shit, you look stunning,” he mumbles.
I smile shyly because he doesn't look half bad himself. He's obviously shaved, and I’m resisting the urge to lunge forward and run my fingers over his smooth, soft skin. His hair is loosely styled in a way that makes it look natural, and those blue eyes look even brighter than usual against his dark blue sweater. He puts his hand out, and I take it, a shiver racing through me when we touch.
“Shall we go?” he says with a grin. I nod, unable to hide my excitement.
He opens the car door for me, and I get in and watch him walk around to the driver’s side. He slides in and smirks at me, the soft scent of his aftershave wafting over to me. I shiver because he smells good.
“So, where are we going?” I ask. He shakes his head, a glint in his eye.
“You’ll find that out soon enough,” he says.
He’s right because five minutes later, we pull up outside the old theater. He stops the car and starts getting out. Confused, I frown at him and glance around. There are no restaurants in walking distance around here.
“What are we doing here?” I ask.
“Just go with it,” he says, his eyes sparkling.
Excitement ripples through me as I begin to piece things together I should’ve worked out weeks ago. His big special project; the article on the redevelopment of the theatre…Nick is the architect on the theatre redevelopment, I’m sure of it.
We walk up the steps in the direction of the entrance as my excitement continues to build. I raise my eyebrows when he pulls out a key and unlocks the door. I’m impressed that he can come and go as he pleases. He nods and motions for me to go inside.
“Why didn't you tell me you were redesigning this?” I grin as we walk through to the lobby.
“I tried. Many times,” he laughs. “But we always ended up getting distracted. Which I’m fine with because I wanted to wait until it was all official before I told you anyway.”
“That’s why you were fine with being distracted?” I tease, hiding my smile.
“That and you give really good head,” he murmurs, kissing me on the mouth. I laugh because I love it when he says romantic things like that.
“This project really means something to you, doesn't it?” I say, my heart aching.
Places like this must hold memories for everyone. First kisses, last kisses, the best moments, the worst moments… We’re surrounded by hundreds of years of good and bad memories that are about to be destroyed to make way for a new generation of memories.
He nods, a sadness clouding his eyes. “I used to come here a lot when I was younger with my grandmother, so yeah, it holds a lot of memories for me. It's kind of scary doing this, because if I don't do it right, if I don't do the original building justice, I kind of feel like I’m letting her down. Does that make any sense?” he asks.
I nod, completely getting it. “The one time I went somewhere with my Mom, it was to see a play in this theatre,” I murmured. “She came back from London to try and ‘be a mother’. It only lasted a week, but she took me here to see a musical rendition of Lady and the Tramp. Every time I walk past this place, I think of her.”
“Shit,” he murmurs. “You’ve just added a whole new level of pressure,” he jokes.
He stops suddenly and sits down on the floor, laying down, with his hands resting behind his head. I laugh and look at him like he’s crazy.
“What are you doing?” I say a with a giggle.
“Trust me,” he says. “This spot right here? The best view of the whole building.”
I roll my eyes. I’m sure it’s just a ploy to get me down on the floor, but I do it anyway. I lie back next to him and look up at the ceiling. I gasp. I have no words. My mind is blown.
“Holy shit,” I finally whisper. The number of times I've been here, I've never seen the way all the steel lines curve in to peak right at this point. The combination of the swirling steel and the glass stained roof is simply stunning. I just can’t stop staring at it. Everything comes together and unites right here. It’s just perfect.
“This is basically the center point for my whole design,” he murmurs, glancing excitedly at me. “The moment I saw this, I knew I had to make the roof the focal point. You want to see my model now?” he asks. He arches his eyebrow just enough to make me laugh.
He gets up and extends his hand, helping me to my feet before I can even say yes. I smile as we walk through the building and into an office, genuinely excited to see what he’s got.
“I set myself up here because I find it inspirational to be as close to what I'm designing as possible,” he explains. I nod, but all I can do is stare at his vision in the form of a tiny model, which is sitting on a table in the middle of the room.
“Holy fuck, Nick. This is amazing,” I murmur, walking around it.
My heart races, a chill moving down my spine. It is every bit as beautiful as the original building, but with that stunning glass and steel roof covering the entire roof. I especially love how he’s made the point where the roof peaks simply stunning from every angle. My mind is blown. This guy is living my dream. Hell, this guy is my dream.
“You like it?” he asks nervously.
“I love it,” I say. I glance at it more closely and laugh. “Is this wall staying?” I ask. It’s the wall where you first walk in, where people have carved their initials on it. He nods.
“I couldn’t get rid of the first date wall,” he murmurs, his eyes twinkling.
I laugh and wrap my arms around him. “I can’t believe how incredible you’ve made this,” I murmur, shaking my head in disbelief. “Every day, I’ll get to drive past this place and remind myself that you made this.”
“Well I’m not going to be up there slapping on the cement, so I’m hardly making it,” he mutters, embarrassed.
“You know what I mean,” I grin. “You just amaze me, Nick Jenson. Your talent amazes me. If I’m half as good as you are one day, I’ll be happy.”
He places his arms around me, my words hitting him deep. I sigh as he cradles my face and kisses me, his touch still managing to send shockwaves through my body.
“You’ll outshine me in every single way,” he assures me. “You’re twenty-two, yet you pick up things that people who have been doing this for years don’t even see. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with more passion for what they want to do than you.”
“Except maybe for you,” I tease.
He grins. “Yeah, except maybe for me.”
He reaches up and touches my cheek, running his fingers softly down over my neck. I sigh when his fingers rest on the dip in my shirt, circling between my breasts. My heart pounds. I stare at him, and he stares back, his eyes searching mine. I nod slowly, and he lifts me onto his waist and carries me out through the doorway. I laugh, no idea where he’s taking me, or how he can see when he’s too distracted with kissing my neck.
“Watch where you’re going,” I laugh, holding onto him tightly as he nearly sends me into a wall.
“I swear that wasn’t there before,” he grumbles.
We reach the main theatre, and I laugh as he sets me down on the stage.
“Ever wanted to fuck in front of an audience?” he growls, unbuckling his belt. I giggle and glance out at the empty theatre. My heart pounds, because even though there’s nobody there, it would take very little imagination to fill all those seats in my mind.
He crouches down between my legs and positions himself on top of me. I sigh as he kisses my neck, while his fingers stroke my thigh. He pushes up the skirt of my dress, his hands inching closer to my panties, while his erection rubs against me though his pants.
He rolls my panties down my thighs and over my legs, before flinging them over his shoulder. I laugh and then gasp as he buries his face between my legs. His tongue lashes at my clit while I gasp, my thighs clenching against his head. He growls, his eyes meeting mine as he spreads my legs further apart and slides his tongue inside me.
“I can’t decide whether to make you come on my tongue or on my dick,” he murmurs, raising an eyebrow. He sidles up my body, taking my dress with him until I’m completely exposed from the waist down.
“Why not both?” I grin.
He kisses me roughly. “Because once my cock is done with you, you won’t be able to move for a week,” he smirks.
I giggle and press my lips against his. “Was that what you put on your dating profile?” I tease.
The taste of my sweetness on his mouth stirs up desires I never expected. I ease him off me, then climb into his lap, lifting my dress over my head. He groans when he sees that I’m not wearing a bra.
“These are perfect,” he murmurs, placing his lips over my nipple. I gasp as his fingers kneed my breasts, his eyes on mine as he sucks that nipple stiff. I reach down and lower his zipper, freeing the button on his jeans. He bursts free like a jack in the box, which I find hysterical.
“Are you all right?” he asks, a smirk on his lips.
“You could scare young children with that thing,” I giggle.
He groans and cringes. “Are you trying to kill my erection?”
“Shit, I’m sorry,” I say, stifling a laugh. I’m confident I can get it back, though. I scoot onto the floor and lean down, taking him in my mouth. He leans back on his hands, a groan escaping his lips.
“Fuck,” he mutters, his breathing heavy.
He’s very quickly back to where he was, so I slide my mouth along his length one more time and then climb back into his lap.
“Tease,” he says, narrowing his eyes.
“Then how about you tease me back?” I grin.
My hands around his neck, I bite my lip and lower myself onto his cock. I must have looked nervous because he kisses my neck and tells me to relax. I nod and do my best to let go of all the tension I’m holding onto. I slide halfway down on him, gently rocking myself back and forth. Every thrust sends him a little bit deeper inside me until he’s completely immersed in my pussy.
He groans and grinds against me, one hand on the floor behind him, supporting us, and the other raking through my hair. He leans forward and kisses me, his lips soft and gentle against my mouth. My heart races as his cock drives inside me, the rhythm he’s moving to driving me crazy.
I arch my back and take him in, forgetting about his size. My body shivers as I begin to climax. I gasp, my body convulsing as my pussy contracts around his cock. He groans and jerks forward, his arm snaking around my waist as he thrusts me against him.
He kisses me roughly as he releases, while I dig my nails into his back, his skin clammy against my touch. Out of breath, I roll onto the floor, barely noticing how cold the wooden floor is against my skin. I turn to him, unable to wipe the grin off my face.
Best sex of my life. Not that it had much to compete with.
“So, how did you like the last show that will ever be played at the old Princess Theatre?” He grins.
I smirk and sit on the floor with my legs crossed after just having dressed again. The only thing missing were my panties that he was refusing to give back to me.
“I’d give it a ten for originality, and a ten for execution,” I finally answer.
He raises his eyebrows. “That's good. Anything less than a ten and I’d be telling you to ask for your money back.”
I lean forward and kiss him again, amazed at how perfect this night is turning out to be. The only thing missing is food.
“Didn’t you say you were taking me out to dinner?” I accuse.
His eyes widened. “Shit, how did I forget to feed you?” he murmurs. “My cock doesn’t count, right?” I burst into laughter.
“I’m not sure if your laughter is an insult or not, but I'll take it as a compliment,” he grins. He pulls out his phone, and I frown at him, confused.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“Ordering a pizza,” he shrugs like it's the most natural thing in the world to him.
I laugh. “Will they even bring it here?”
“Trust me. Up until last week, when I was distracted with you, I was here until nine or ten every night, just working on my design. I ordered a lot of pizza.”
“That's crazy,” I say, shaking my head.
“Yeah, you’re telling me. The pizza guy knows my name and my order.”
“What about your kids?” I ask. “Who looks after them when you work late?”
He smiles. “Shirley.”
“Shirley's been with you for a while, hasn't she?” he nods.
“Yeah. Just over ten years.”
“She must be important to you.”
“She’s like family,” he admits. “After Marley died, the kids missed some of that stability, and I found Shirley brought a bit of that back for them.”
“What about your parents?” I ask him.
“They died years ago, and Marley’s are gone, too.”
“Wow,” I mumble, my heart aching for him. “Poor kids.”
“Exactly,” he says. “Shirley was just another rock in their lives when everything felt like it was falling apart.”
“And yours, too, I bet,” I say softly.
He smiles. “Yes. Mine, too.”
We talk a little while longer, about everything from our pasts to our futures, to our favorite things, and everything in between—until Nick's phone rings to interrupt us. It’s our dinner, and while he goes outside to get it, I hang back on the stage and look around.
I could stay here all night.
It really is just the perfect place to think. When Nick walks back in, and I remember how hungry I am, I sit down, and we eat. It doesn't take us long to demolish the whole pizza.
“Maybe I should've ordered two,” he chuckles.
“Maybe you should have,” I agree.
“And you didn't even think to bring a bottle of wine,” I tease him. “Such an amateur.”
He grins. “I did say I’d been out of the dating scene for a while.”
“Excuses,” I say, narrowing my eyes.
“This has been great,” he says, reaching for my hand. “I've enjoyed tonight.”
“Me too,” I admit.
He glances at his phone and sighs. “I wish we didn't have to end this so soon, but I promised Shirley that I’d be back by nine. She has something on early in the morning.”
“That's okay. I'm kind of hoping that you’ll take me on more of these things,” I tease.
“Dates?” he asks. “I can assure you there will be plenty more,” he says. He leans in and kisses me. I sigh as his lips press against mine. “Are you ready to go?”
“Actually, do you mind if I hang around here for a little longer?” I ask him.
He frowns at me. “Sure, but how will you get home?”
I roll my eyes. “It’s not even nine, Nick. I can walk the five minutes, I’m sure.”
He smiles and kisses me, his eyes leveling on mine. “Okay. But text me when you get home, or I’ll worry about you.” He hands me the key and smiles at me. “I’ll get that back off you tomorrow.”
“You, uh, have something of mine, too,” I mumble, my cheeks heating.
He frowns, then smiles when he remembers what he has safety stashed in his pocket.
“Ah,” he murmurs, pulling them out. “I was hoping these would end up under my pillow tonight.”
“Creepy, much?” I say with a laugh. I lunge forward and snatch them from him, then put them on, threading them through my legs. I pull them up without revealing too much, while he watches, a smirk on his face.
As soon as I’m alone, I walk around the building, admiring it from every angle. Every step I take I see a new mark, another piece of history. I run my finger over the latest set of initials that someone has caved into the date wall in the lobby and smile. I know they’re new because of whose they are.
NJ + AM = 4EVA
He must have done that when he went to collect the pizza. My heart swells as I run my finger over his initials and smile. He is so damn sweet. Why couldn’t my father see that?
Sighing, I sit down on one of the old chaise armchairs in the lobby, a feeling of regret coming over me. I should’ve come here more often because now, I wasn’t going to have the chance.
This might be the last time I see this place in its original form.
I’m sure Nick will do amazing things, but it still makes me sad. I know it’s silly for me to be so invested in a place I’d been to maybe twice since the time with my mother, but I couldn’t help it. I guess in a way, it reminded me of how much time had passed without her in my life. Chances are, I’d never see her again.
My phone buzzes gently in my pocket. I fish it out and see a message from Nick.
Nick: Is everything okay?
Confused, I check the time. Shit. He left me close to two hours ago. Embarrassed, I text him back.
Me: Sorry, I guess I got distracted. I'm leaving now.
I place my phone back into my pocket and walk toward the exit, where I let myself outside and lock the door. I shiver, wishing I’d had the foresight to take a jacket with me. I walk down the steps and look around. There’s not a single other person in sight. I’m not usually someone who scares easily, but the darkness of the night, combined with the complete silence, and I’m jumpy. That, and I can't shake the feeling that someone is watching me.
It isn’t the first time I’d felt uneasy like that, either. Before, I’d put it down to me just freaking myself out. Tonight, though, I’m not convinced it’s that. I quicken my pace and turn the corner, my arms wrapped tightly around my waist. Out of nowhere, a hand covers my mouth.
I gasp and struggle, desperately trying to wrestle out of their grip but it’s too strong. My heart pounds as I’m dragged backwards. I see a brick wall I recognize. The alleyway behind the theatre. I feel sick. I try to fight, but I can’t break free. I try to scream, but my muffled cry is lost in the wind. I freeze as he slides his other hand over my dress and across my waist. Oh, God, no. Please, no. I squeeze my eyes closed and brace myself.
“I never realized you were such a slut until tonight,” a voice hisses in my ear, too low for me to recognize. “I’m disappointed in you, Anna.”
I know him? Or at least, he knows me. I struggle against him, a new wave of energy hitting me, but it’s no use. Then, I’m suddenly thrown onto the ground.
“Get the fuck away from her.”
Dad.
I crawl far enough away that I feel like I can turn my head. I look up, just long enough to see my father struggling with my attacker. Dad has him by the arms, which are twisted behind his back. I gasp and get to my feet, my heart racing. Nathan. Tears sting my eyes.
Thank God Dad was here.
“Anna, call the police,” Dad says calmly.
Nodding, I take out my phone. My hands shake so much I can barely hold it steady, but somehow, I manage to complete the call. Two other men race over to help Dad restrain my attacker. I stand just out of the alley as I wait for the police, shaking uncontrollably. They arrive minutes later. One talks to me while the other officer places Nathan in the back of the police car.
“Are you okay?” The officer asks. “Did he hurt you?”
I shake my head and then somehow find the strength to nod.
“I’m fine. He didn’t get a chance before my father…” I shudder, not wanting to think too hard about what could’ve happened. She nods and takes off her jacket, putting it around me. I accept it gratefully.
“I’ll call you an ambulance, just to check you over,” she says.
“No, please don’t,” I say, not wanting this to become a big deal. “I’m fine. Really. I’m just shaken up. Once I get home, I’ll be okay.”
“Okay, but we’ll need you to make a statement. It’s better if you can do that tonight. Can your dad take you in?”
“I’ll drive you.” Dad nods. I turn around, not realizing he had walked over to us.
“Thanks,” I mumble.
We walk in silence to his car. I get in, still shivering.
“You’re shaking,” Dad says.
He shrugs off his jacket and hands it to me. I take a deep breath, trying to hold back tears as I slip it over the officer’s jacket. The combination of the two extra layers begins to stem the cold.
“Did he hurt you?” he chokes out. I shook my head.
“No. You got there—” I close my eyes, not trusting myself to finish the sentence, but then I take a deep breath and force myself to. “He didn’t do anything other than scare the hell out of me.”
“Jesus, Anna.” He hits the steering wheel, making me jump. “I could’ve killed the guy,” he mutters. “I wanted to fucking end him. Just like that. I could’ve snapped his neck.”
I believe him, too. There was a reason he was banned from attending my little league games when I was ten. He lost the plot during one game and punched a referee so hard that he broke his nose. I’m pretty sure he got banned from playing soccer when I was younger, too.
He glances at me. “Do you know him?”
“I…I’ve seen him around,” I say honestly. “I think I might’ve seen him watching me.”
“And you never thought to tell me about it?” he growls, his eyes flash with anger, but I know it’s not directed at me for once.
I wince and decide not to tell him about the time he exposed himself to me. Mainly because I’m too embarrassed. I know I should have reported him then, at the very least. If I had, then maybe this wouldn’t have happened.
“I'm sorry. I didn't think it was important, and you haven't exactly been easy to talk to lately,” I mumble.
He sighs and glances at me. “This is about Nick now, isn't it?” he asks sharply. I don't answer because I’m not in the mood for another argument. Dad doesn't press me to answer him, and I’m thankful for that.
We arrive at the station and go inside, taking a seat in the waiting area. I’m fidgety and jumpy, but considering what almost happened, I think I’m in pretty good spirits. All I want to do is get home so I can go to sleep. I shift uncomfortably in my chair, feeling restless. I’m about to stand up and go for a walk when a lady officer calls my name. I stand up and follow her. Dad gets up, too, but I shake my head.
“I need do this by myself,” I say. He shrugs like he doesn't care, but I can tell that it hurts him that I don’t want him in there.
I'm led into a room where they ask me to tell them exactly what happened. It's a brief summary because thankfully not much did happen, but I make sure to tell them everything.
“There was another incident three months ago,” I add softly.
She glances at me, nodding for me to continue.
“I was leaving the library to walk home late one afternoon when he jumped out from behind the side of the building.” I pause, frowning as I remember. “His, uh, his zipper wasn't up, and when I glanced down, I saw his penis poking out through his pants. He kept smiling at me.” I flush, embarrassed that I dismissed it so quickly as nothing. I never thought it would escalate to this.
“Is that all that happened?” she asks.
I nod. “I looked away and quickly left. He never bothered me again. I caught him watching me sometimes, like, when I was studying in the library a couple of weeks ago, but he never physically bothered me. I thought he was harmless,” I mumble.
I shudder, all those times he was watching me…God knows what he's been fantasizing about. I’m just relieved that my father was there to stop him before anything actually happened.
She tells me that I’m free to go. I thank her and walk back out into the waiting area. I’m surprised to see Dad is still sitting there because I’d half expected to be catching a cab home after what we’d been through over the last few days.
“You waited,” I said, pointing out the obvious.
“After what happened to you? Of course, I did,” he mutters. He seems angry that I’d suggest he wouldn’t. In hindsight, it was a pretty stupid thing to think. As if he’d leave me there to get home alone after what happened. “Come on. I'll take you home.”
I follow him out to his car and get in, clicking my seatbelt into the lock. It’s nearly eleven, and while I’m exhausted, I don’t think I’ll be sleeping for a while. I just keep thinking…what if Dad hadn’t turned up when he did? How far would Nathan have gone? I shudder, pushing it out of my mind. I’m okay, and that’s the main thing. I’ll drive myself crazy if I focus on the what ifs and the maybes.
I turn to Dad, a question burning in my mind.
“How did you know I was there?” I ask, frowning. Dad furrows his brow, his grip on the wheel tightening.
“I saw you go in there with Nick,” he mutters.
“At six?” I ask. He nods, color creeping into his cheeks.
“It’s irrational, but I wanted to make sure you were okay, so I waited until you left. I saw him leave, but not you. Then, when you finally did come out, it was dark, and I wanted to make sure you got home okay.”
“Why?” I ask softly. My heart races. I can’t believe he would sit there for that long to wait for me.
“Because you’re my daughter,” he finally growls. “I’ll always worry about you, Anna.” He stares at the road for a long time before facing me. “When you were little, I’d sometimes sit out the front of school and just wait for you, because I was afraid something would happen to you.”
“Really?” I whisper. This was the first I’d heard of this.
He nods. “I don’t know if it’s a single parent thing…I don’t know if Nick feels the same about his kids…” He stops. I glance out the window to avoid where I know this conversation is heading.
Neither of us say anything after that.
We pull into the driveway and Dad parks the car in the garage. I get out and walk up to the front door. I glance over at Nick’s window, then meet Dad’s gaze. I frown and look away, embarrassed that he caught me mid-thought.
He sighs and unlocks the door, then stalks inside and down to his room, slamming the door shut behind him. The sound echoes through me, making me jump. I quickly go inside, too, then lock the doors. Five minutes later, I’m checking again that I locked them. I know I’m just anxious over what happened, but every tiny noise has me jumping.
I wish Nick was here. Then I remember he doesn’t know.
Fuck.
It’s been at least another two hours since I told him I was leaving the theatre. I glance down the hallway to check that Dad’s door is still closed, then I pull out my phone. There’s a heap of missed calls and messages from Nick.
“I was getting worried about you,” he chuckles when he finally answers my call. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just got home.” I pause and rub my head, knowing he’s going to overreact when I tell him. “Please don’t freak out, but I just got back from the police station.”
“What happened?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“I…when I was leaving the theatre, I was attacked. I’m fine,” I quickly add. “I promise you, I’m okay. I just wanted you to know.”
“Holy shit, what happened? Never mind, I’m coming over.”
“Nick, wait.” But he’s gone before I can tell him not to come.
I get up and walk over to the door. He’s there when I open it. Part of me is terrified of what Dad will do if he sees him here, and the other part of me is touched that he cares so much. He wraps his arms around me and kisses me.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asks. He glances back at his house, and I guess it’s because the kids are in bed. I walk outside so we can sit on the chairs on the porch. I sit down, but he stands, facing me. “What happened?”
“I was walking home. I hadn’t gotten far when someone grabbed me from behind. He covered my mouth so I couldn’t scream and dragged me into the ally,” I say. My heart pounds, retelling the story. I shiver because, in my mind, it’s like it’s happening all over again. “I was so scared. Then out of nowhere, Dad took him down.”
“Your dad was there?” says Nick, sounding surprised.
I nod. “He saw us go into the theatre together, and he waited to make sure I was okay.”
Nick shakes his head, his eyes full of anger. “I’m so sorry,” he mutters. “I never should’ve let you walk home. I shouldn’t have left without you.”
My eyes widen. “No. You’re not doing that. I will not let you blame yourself because some creep who has been watching me for weeks decided to attack me,” I say. “I asked you to leave, Nick. I wanted to walk home. Do you really think I would’ve taken no for an answer?” I raise my eyebrows at him. He laughs and sits next to me, wrapping his arms around me.
“No,” he admits. He frowns suddenly. “Back up, he’s been watching you?”
The front door swings open.
“Anna, are you okay—?” Dad stops when he sees Nick.
I cringe. Here we go again.