So what if I came back from my break ten minutes late? I stock shelves faster than all those other jerkoffs anyway.
But the Assistant Store Manager didn't agree. An hour later, I'd been unceremoniously canned from my summer job – the same one Daddy had pulled strings to get me only three weeks ago.
Whoever got me in at the grocery store had done him a big favor in a small town where even minimum wage jobs for teens are scarce. And now, of course, it was a favor that hadn't amounted to anything.
Daddy's eyes narrowed on me, hard and dark, as soon as he stepped in through the door. I lifted my legs onto the sofa, preemptively holding myself in a protective ball.
I didn't want to fight with him. I never did. But I was ready to defend myself if he gave me any shit.
I knew he had something to say, but he didn't break from routine. Daddy never did, and it's one of the reasons I loved him.
He constantly preached discipline as a virtue, ever since he came into my life. Unlike most hypocrites, he actually lived by his words.
I flinched lightly, listening to his belt clatter onto the table next to the door.
Down to his familiar dark trousers and uniform shirt with its gold flecked emblems, he walked into the living room, stopping behind the coffee table.
Crossing his arms, I watched his biceps bulge. Before me, Daddy looked like an angry giant, ready to wave his hand and open the ceiling to let in God's thunder and lightning.
“Rachel,” he said simply. “Rachel Thomas. What am I gonna do with you?”
“You heard,” I answered, pursing my lips.
“Yeah. I've all but accepted that you've lost your only chance at a summer job.” He reached up and scratched his chin, filling the room with a sound like sandpaper as his fingernails dug into his short stubble.
“Look, I'm not reminding you that you're eighteen again. We both know that. I'm not going to punish you, or drag your tail back to Wallstone's to plead and apologize. Let's get the obvious out of the way – you're a grown woman, and I expect better.”
“I know, Daddy. It's all I try to do, but you don't believe me! If it wasn't for that little asshole at the store I wouldn't have –“
“Enough.” He raised a big hand, taking the dangerous tone of a cop about to act on his full legal powers. “No excuses. No punishments this time. I've got nothing else planned until we figure out what to do with you in the Fall.”#p#分页标题#e#
“I don't want to do anything,” I whined. “I don't wanna go to that community college or work in retail!”
I braced myself, expecting him to bring up all the opportunities I supposedly had in front of me. Every time I mouthed off about hitting a dead end since finishing High School last month, Daddy counted my future on one hand.
Volunteer, he said, or go work on my Uncle's farm. If that was too much, I could join a church group – as if! – or find out about interning at the police station.
I don't want any of that crap, Daddy. Go ahead, call me an immature little girl. I don't care!
I just want to ride my bike and hang out with Becky and all the rest. Maybe look for hot guys at the mall, or flirt ourselves into a joint or two.
Don't you understand? You're only young once!
I have the rest of my life to wreck with jobs and book clubs...
“I know. And I'm not going to make you do anything, Rachel. There's just one thing I'm asking.” He paused, waiting for me to meet his eyes. “Ride with me tomorrow.”
“What?” I almost bit my tongue, totally confused by his request.
“Take a ride in my squad car. The city's force is a little light handed, so I'm being loaned to patrol the outskirts along with some other guys tomorrow. Come on, you've been begging me to go there for awhile.”
“Yeah, but not like that!” I saw his brow wrinkle at my high pitched protest. I couldn't tell if it was mostly anger or disgust.
God, I sound like a total bitch right now. Maybe if I throw him a bone, he'll leave me alone for a couple weeks. It's not as if he's hurling down the brimstone I expected...
I softened my expression, reaching deep inside for calm.
At eighteen, managing crazy hormones is a tough job all to itself. I had to fight for my sanity, suck it up, and pretend to be a grown woman.
“Okay. I'll do it,” I said. “But I want to do more than stare at stinky hobos and watch you write parking tickets!”
Daddy threw his head back and laughed. Deep, rich chuckles poured from his mouth, a sound that was beautiful and jarring all at once, vibrating through my skin like thunder.
“We'll hang out a little, sure. I just want your company. You can chill out the rest of the evening, Rachel, but I want you ready early in the morning. Fair?” He raised one eyebrow.