Page 17 of The Merger

I pause in the doorway and take in the scene in front of me. Aurora wrapped up in my father’s arms, facing him. My father, dressed in a black dress shirt and dark jeans, gazing into her eyes. They whisper back and forth as if sharing secrets. A smile slips across my face as I watch them.

“Hi,” I say, giving them a little wave. “I hate to interrupt, but it feels creepy to stand here and gawk.”

Aurora steps back from Dad, her cheeks flushed. “I need to run upstairs and grab a pain patch. You two need a few minutes to catch up anyway.”

Dad takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly as he faces me. Once Aurora is gone, he gives me a tight smile.

“Hello, Carys,” he says, coming to me. “How have you been?”

He pulls me into a one-armed hug that’s awkward enough to make me wish he hadn’t bothered at all.

“Hey, Dad. I’m good.” I pull away. “How are you?”

“Good, good. Been working a lot and trying to get settled here in the new house. Aurora always has a list of honey-do projects for me.”

He turns toward the cupboard and retrieves a wineglass.

“You guys have this place looking great,” I say as he pours himself a drink. “The curb appeal is awesome. It’s so cozy and inviting, too.”

“That’s all Aurora’s doing. She’s got an eye for design.”

I nod because I don’t know what else to say.

“She’s a real go-getter,” he says. “She’s turning clients down left and right at The Luxe. There’s a waiting list.At a salon. Can you believe that?” He smiles brightly, shaking his head. “I’m so proud of that woman.”

“You should be. She’s pretty awesome.”

“I got lucky as hell with that one.” He takes a long drink, watching the doorway. “What about you? How’s your little endeavor working out?”

My little endeavor …

I lift my chin, my pride wounded. I’m glad he knows every detail about Aurora’s business. He should. She’s his wife. But I have doubts he even knows Plantcy’s name. And I’m more doubtful that he cares.

If we had an actual father-daughter relationship, I’d tell him the truth—that I’m in the growing pains of being a business owner. I’d admit that I jumped ship from the insurance company too soon. That I’m scared my dream of caring for plants might not come to fruition.

But how do I say that when he’s bragging about Aurora’s success?

“It’s going great. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who need in-home plant care.” I pause, and then my mouth keeps going. “I’m actually expanding at the moment.”

He looks at me as if I’m full of shit. “Expanding, huh? To what?”

“Corporations,” I say, my stomach squirming. “I had a meeting with the president of a major corporation this afternoon. Things are really looking up for me.”

Dad hums before taking another long drink. He looks bored as hell, and his eyes only light up when Aurora returns.

The realization that my fear was right—he doesn’t care whether I’m here or not—is crushing. My chest aches, and tears burn in my eyes. This is what happens when I give him access to me.

Every freaking time.

“Are we ready to eat?” Aurora asks.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Dad follows her to the oven, disregarding her question. “I’d feel a hell of a lot better about this if we got you checked out.”

“Kent, I’m fine.”

“Let’s turn the oven off and run to Urgent Care. Dinner can wait.”

“Kent …”