He smirks. "Yeah, and I'm doing it. Not everyone gets to lay around by the pool relaxing. Some of us have to work for a living."
I sit up, pulling the back of the lounger up so I can sit reclined. "I do work for a living; in case you've forgotten."
Manny snorts, turning off the vacuum and reaching for the net. "You work for a living? I was under the impression you worked for shopping trips at the mall."
Asshole.
My cell rings, saving me from any snarkier conversation with Manny. It's my dad. I finally smile for the first that morning.
"Dad, hi!" I glance at Manny, but he's already moved on, skimming for bugs.
"Hey, kiddo!" Dad's calming voice comes over the cell, and it's like a warm hug. I really miss him.
"So, what's up?" I get up and walk around the patio. I have this problem sitting still while I'm on the phone. I have to pace. "Where are you now? I thought you were in China!" Dad specializes in designing fancy hotels and resorts. His latest job took him to Shanghai for two months.
"Hmm, I was, but I just got back, and I'm missing my daughter!" Dad makes a sipping sound; he must be having coffee.
I smile, I can just picture him and Steve sitting at the breakfast bar in their townhouse, eating croissants with fresh fruit, espresso, and orange juice.
"I miss you too." I wander over to the hot tub, checking the temp. "When can I see you?"
"Well, how's this afternoon?"
"Today? Really?"
"Yep. Steve and I have something for you. An early graduation present. Will you be around, say oneish?"
"Um, yeah." I glance through the patio door at Mom and Ethan, who are cooing at each other over their toast. "I should probably let Mom know, though."
I can practically hear Dad rolling his eyes over the phone.
"Oh yes, by all means, let your mother know. We don't want to keep anything from her."
I giggle. Mom and Dad sort of get along, but there's always this underlying tension between them. Which is funny, because they've both moved on. I just don't think either of them has forgiven the other for cheating.
"Okay, I'll tell her. I can't wait to see you!"
"Can't wait to see you either, kiddo!" says Dad. "Love you!"
"Love you too." I hang up and wonder just what my present is. I hope it's a car!
◆◆◆
Mom is not happy when she finds out Dad is coming over.
"That's wonderful." She stomps around the kitchen in her short summer dress and gives me a sour look. "The one day Ethan and I can finally relax with no work obligations, and now I have to entertain your father...and Steve, I'm assuming."
I've changed into some whitewashed jeans and a light pink tank with a high front that covers my scar. Dad usually takes me out to lunch when he comes, so I want to be ready to go out.
"You don't even have to be here," I tell her. "I thought you and Ethan were going sailing."
Mom gives me her 'are you daft?' look. "I'm not having that man over here without being home."
I'm not sure if by 'that man' she means Dad or Steve.
Ethan walks over and hugs Mom from behind.
"Not a problem. We can take an evening sail instead."
I scowl at him slightly. Why is he always so damn agreeable? I don't think I've ever seen Ethan in a bad mood. It's kind of creepy actually.
Mom pouts and stands at the counter, rolling her eyes to the ceiling. "Whatever. It doesn't matter." Which means it really does matter.
I hear a car pull up and run to the family room to look out the window.
"They're here!" Not waiting for Mom and Ethan, I run outside and see two cars. Dad's Subaru, which Steve is driving and an adorable white Toyota Yaris.
Dad and Steve jump out of their respective cars at the same time. Dad grabs me in a huge bear hug, and I bury my face into his chest and want to cry. My daddy. The one person who can always make everything feel alright.
Dad pulls back and lifts my face up, concerned.
"Hey, kiddo...what's up? Why the teary eyes?"
I manage a smile and can't explain it to him. I'm crying because I love him so much and because I never get to see him. And because I want to be a little girl again without all these big girl problems.
"Nothing, I'm just glad to see you." I sniffle, and Dad laughs, hugging me again.
"Well, you look beautiful, as always. Doesn't Taryn look gorgeous, Steven?" Dad turns to his partner, and Steve grabs me now, for a gentle hug of his own.
"Obviously!" Steve smiles down at me and steps back.
Dad and Steve aren't married yet, but they plan to be. They're a cute couple, both very handsome. My dad is the cuter of the two, in my opinion, with brown hair the same color as mine, and a neatly trimmed short beard. Steve doesn't have much hair on his head, and what he does have is greying, as is his own short beard. I love them both.
I nod at the Yaris. "Ummm, nice car."
Dad's blue eyes twinkle at me. "It is, isn't it? Happy early graduation, baby."
My mouth drops, and I look from Dad to Steve and then back again. "Are you serious? Is it really mine?"
Steve holds up the keys. "It's really yours."
I squeal and jump up and down and then grab first Dad, then Steve into a massive hug.
"I can't believe it! It's so cute!"
Dad laughs and then looks over my shoulder, his smile fading.
"Hello, Marissa, Ethan."
I turn to see that Mom and Ethan have come outside.
"Dad and Steve bought me a car!" I tell them, bouncing on my heels.
Mom crosses her arms, her eyes flashing at my father. "Seriously? My God, Martin!"
Dad frowns. "What's the problem?
