Breathe Me - C.R. Jane Page 0,23
to give myself a quick once over. The excitement bubbling inside me is real and stamped on my forehead.
“This is what most girls my age do all the time, so don’t freak out now, Val. You got this.”
I grab my backpack and think of other things I’ll need for this outing. I hope the boys have sunscreen, because I sure as hell don’t. I never needed it in the past, but I guess Dad is right. I have to start listing everything I’ll need since my life is about to be filled with new San Antonio experiences. I go down the hall and grab one of my dad's gym towels from the linen closet. It’s not a beach towel, but it should work for today. I run downstairs to the kitchen and grab two bottles of water and two green apples just in case I get hungry.
When I finally reach the living room, Logan, Quaid, and Carter are all sitting on my couch, my dad looking down at them with his arms crossed over his imposing chest.
“All set?” Dad asks with a concerned look in his eyes, taking in my flushed expression when I enter the room.
“Sure am,” I reply chirpily as all three boys jump to their feet, just as eager to get this show on the road as I am.
“Do you have your phone with you?”
I nod, pulling it out from my jean shorts pocket so Dad can see for himself.
“Good. I already asked the boys for directions on where the river is so if you need me, I can be there in five minutes flat.”
“Okay,” I reply, shifting from one foot to the other, ready to start this adventure.
“On second thought, it’s better if I drive you.”
“Dad. I’ll be fine.”
“Boys, just give me a minute alone with my daughter,” he orders, rushing each one outside the room.
“Dad! What the hell?”
“Just listen to me, kiddo. I love you more than life itself, and I’m happy you’re making friends, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry about you. It’s my job to keep you safe.”
“I know that, Dad, but they’re only taking me out for a swim, not a crack den,” I tease mockingly, gaining a chuckle out of him like I knew my sassy comeback would.
Still laughing, he bridges the gap between us and places his hands on my shoulders, love and affection swimming around his golden eyes.
“I know I promised you could try new things, and I have every intention of making good on that promise, but I’m still your dad. I’ll always worry about you, kiddo. I want you to have fun this morning, but know that if anything feels off, if you aren’t comfortable in any way or feel lightheaded, just call me and I’ll be there.”
I pat his hand and give him a gentle squeeze. A sliver of guilt makes its way into my heart that I even thought about my mother earlier. I truly don’t need her at all. Not when I have him. He lives and breathes for me. I might have been handed a crappy deal in the mom department, but I struck gold with my dad. There is no one like him, and I’m the luckiest girl in the world to call him my father.
“Dad, you worry too much. That’s not a good trait to have, considering your age. You don’t want premature wrinkles, do you? No woman likes to date a guy who looks like a prune. It’s bad enough you have that filthy habit of smoking.”
“First, I am not old. I’m barely even forty, and we all know that forty is the new thirty. And second, I haven’t smoked inside the house once since we moved.”
“No, but you have been going to the backyard more often than not.”
“Just like admiring the view.” He laughs shamelessly.
“Don’t even try to deny it. I know you well enough, old man. And trust me, if women don’t like wrinkly old dudes, they hate kissing a guy that tastes like an ashtray.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear you, kiddo. However, before you start setting me up on dates, let me just make sure my main girl is looked after,” he replies with a chuckle, the golden mirth in his eyes even more pronounced.
“I’ll be fine, Dad. Promise. Now can I go?” I ask impatiently, wondering what the boys must be thinking, being stuck in the foyer while Dad and I have our heart to heart.
“Come on then. Let’s not keep your friends waiting,” he