Page 65 of Only You

“What’s up?” She unlocked the door, and we stepped inside.

“Did you tell Lucy she could swim alone in the ocean?”

“No.” Her brows furrowed. “I told her that I would go in with her.”

“She told me that you told her it was fine and you’d watch her from the shore.”

“She lied to you. I would never tell her that. I know she’s not allowed to go in alone,” she said.

“She also said that she had to sleep with you one night because she was scared after watching that horror movie you let her watch.”

“I already told you, Alex, that she told me you let her watch scary movies all the time.”

“She also said you told her she should have lied to me.”

Hannah’s eyes steadily narrowed. “And what did I tell her to lie about?” She cocked her head.

“You told her she never should have told me she was watching that movie.”

“No! That is not how it happened. I picked up the remote to turn it off and told her you said I had to. She got all mad and shouted ‘no’ at me. That’s when I said she shouldn’t have told you. But I didn’t mean it in that way. I meant it sarcastically because she was angry. I asked her why she lied to me about it, and she shrugged and screamed at me to leave her alone.”

I sighed, running my hand down my face.

“And you’re welcome!” she spoke in an irritated tone.

“Welcome for what?”

“Lucy started her period while she was in my care. I took her to the store, explained pads and tampons to her, and bought her some. She doesn’t want you to know, and I promised I wouldn’t tell you, so don’t mention it.”

“She started her period?”

“Yep. Again, you’re welcome.”

“Thank you for helping her with that.”

“Whatever, Alex. Are we done here? I have things to do.”

“Why do you have an attitude with me?”

“Because you come here and grill me about your daughter's lies. That child has been nothing but mean to me since the day we met. I didn’t have to help out after Mara got called away, but I did. So, instead of being grateful, you come in here and accuse me of shit I didn’t even say or do.”

“I’m not accusing you, Hannah. I was asking.”

“No, Alex.” I wiggled my finger. “You were using an accusatory tone.”

“I’m going to go now before one of us says something we regret,” I said.

“Yeah. You should leave.”

I turned, opened the door, and left. Walking over to the table by the pool, I grabbed my scotch and took it inside. I was angry. I knew my daughter, and she probably lied about Hannah, knowing I’d confront her and that Hannah would defend herself.

The following morning, Lucy and I climbed into the car. Hannah’s car was already gone, which I thought was strange this early in the morning.

“Did you hear that Adalyn is pregnant?” Lucy asked.

“No. I didn’t,” I spoke with surprise. “Is she really?”

“Yeah. She and Colin announced it at the engagement party. Too bad you weren’t there, Dad. Annie made the best desserts.”