the talk throughout the VIP home.
Also proved a valid point about my lack of trust in people. Many of those who had been gossiping and spreading whatever lies Rick had been saying were now bashing him and praising my resilience.
Laughable.
Tonight I didn't give a hoot about any of it, letting myself be free from worry as I was surrounded by Keru, Westley, and Gabriel. Clara was sadly working, but she kept checking in regularly, and all the food and drinks had been on the house.
We were getting pampered tonight, and it felt good.
An added bonus was getting to talk to my dad before we headed out.
* * *
"Hey, first place," he greeted, sounding completely sober.
"Dad!" I answered the phone and sat on my bed. "Let me put you on facetime!"
He chuckled and waited for me to change the preferences, something that took me far too long to figure out before it worked.
"Looks like you're figuring that phone out, huh?"
"It's a learning curve." I giggled and gave him a loving smile. "Thanks again for it. Helps a lot to keep in touch with the guys if split up for an odd reason."
"Glad it's making life easier. Was long overdue," he admitted. "Have you checked in with your grandparents?"
"To be honest, not yet." I nervously smiled. "Not because I'm mad or anything."
"Then?"
"I figured now that I'm not there, it'll give them a chance to continue doing their hobbies or even go on vacation, you know?"
"You're too generous," he complimented with a tired smile.
"You look exhausted."
"Work was annoying," he admitted. "The boys treating you right?"
"Yup!" I nodded before the thought came to my mind.
Might as well tell him.
"About the guys, Dad. Uh..."
"You and Westley are dating," he casually answered, leaving me in a stunned state. He followed up with, "He already told me."
"When?"
"A few weeks ago? He skipped one of his usual nap times to come and see me."
"He came to see you personally?"
"All three of them did."
"Wait? Three of them?" Now I was more confused as to why they would go visit Dad. "I'm only dating Westley."
"I'm aware, but the news was going around that you were dating all three of them."
My eyes went wide, my heart beginning to race from fear that Rick's loud mouth had even reached my dad.
"Oh no."
"What's the big deal?" he questioned.
"Isn't that going to ruin your reputation?"
"Are you dating all three of them?"
"Not yet," I replied. "I mean no! I'm dating one! Westley only! Gabriel and Keru aren't even into me."
"Hmmm," Dad hummed and gave me a smug smile. "You sure?"
"Dad," I whined. "I'm positive! 150% positive!"
"Good to be young."
"Why do I have a feeling you're insulting me?" I inquired.
"I'm not." He smiled. "I'm merely saying you're naive."
"Dad!"
"Okay, okay," he reasoned. "If you're only dating Westley, that's fine. What I'm trying to get at is that you shouldn't be worried about what people say. If they want to talk about you dating one or three guys, let them. Focus on what makes you happy."
"Are you saying if I was actually dating all three of them, you wouldn't care?"
"It wouldn't bother me." He shrugged. "As long as they make you happy, why should it matter?"
I stared at the screen before questioning him.
"Are you still sober?"
"My heart hurts at your accusation." He put a hang to his chest while feigning a hurt expression.
"It just seems odd that you're okay with your only daughter dating three guys. Actually, let me correct that. Currently dating one guy, but with the idea of dating three guys."
"The more the merrier," he chimed in.
"That sounds horrible," I commented but grinned. "Thanks for being supportive, Dad."
"I'm your father. It's my responsibility to support you in any way I can." His smile was priceless, one that made my own lips curl up in a gleaming grin.
"Congrats on your score, lovely. I'm sure you're going to do amazing the remainder of the semester."
"It feels nice to even last a semester here, Dad. Nice to finally belong somewhere."
"You'll enjoy it more once you get into the magic part."
"Something to look forward to," I agreed.
There was a knock on the door. "Alice, we're ready."
"Coming!" I called out. "Dad, I gotta go. We're going out to celebrate."
"Have fun. Drink a glass or two for me."
"You can go drink your own bottle," I teased.
"I actually haven't drunk anything alcoholic for a couple of days."
"Wait seriously?" I gasped at his confession.
"I'm trying."
"Dad." My voice was low with a bit of worry. "Are you dealing with a mid-life crisis?"
"No." He chuckled and