Against All Odds - Angel's Story: Against All Odds (Destiny Series Book 4) (25 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Angel

My mum’s end of year concert goes off without a hitch. I’m so proud of how successful she is. We’re all proud of her. She’s definitely in her element when she’s teaching at the dance studio she owns. Everybody loves her, but that’s not surprising, she’s an easy person to love.

I danced at her studio up until I was about fifteen. I loved it, but wasn’t as passionate about it as she is. I’ve always preferred running. My mum was fine when I told her I didn’t want to do it anymore. She’s always been very understanding; never forcing us to do anything we didn’t want to.

My dad lets her sleep in Sunday morning. She’s always pretty worn out afterwards. She works her arse off in the weeks leading up to the concert. “Do you want one of our special omelettes?” I ask him as we sit at the breakfast bar drinking our coffee.

“I’d love one,” he says, his face lighting up.

We talk about school while I cut up all the ingredients for our breakfast. It doesn’t take long for the subject to move to Chase. “So, tell me a bit about this guy of yours?” he asks.

“He’s wonderful, Daddy.” I can feel the smile on my face grow as I say it. He clears his throat and kind of shuffles around on his stool. I think this conversation is making him uncomfortable, but he asked, so I’m going to tell him.

“How did you meet?”

“I met him at Uni. We’re in the same class. He’s so smart; tops the class in everything. He’s going to make a great lawyer.”

“Hmmm,” is all he says, but I think he’s impressed. “What’s his family like?”

“Pops…I mean, his dad is wonderful. I haven’t met his mother. I don’t think his life was great when he lived with her. As far as I know, they’re no longer in contact.”

“I see.”

“I’ve met his extended family though. They’re great.” I’m not going to tell him they’re bikies. He’ll freak at that part.

“What’s his father do for living?”

“He builds custom cars and motorbikes. You should see some of his cars. You’d love them.”

“Interesting.”

“If you gave Chase half a chance, Dad, I’m sure you’d like him. He’s not only a good person, he’s good to me. He treats me well and is always making sure I’m cared for and looked after.” Of course I’m not going to mention how he treated me after the first time we had sex. That would crucify any chance he may have.

The questions stop there. I guess he’s heard enough. I finish making the omelette and grab two forks before joining him at the breakfast bar. I put the plate in between us, passing one of the forks to him. Memories of the first time Chase and I shared an omelette enter my mind.

“What are you smiling at?” Dad asks.

“Nothing. Just happy to be home with you.” Of course I’m happy to be here, even though I miss Chase like crazy, but that’s not the reason I was smiling.

“You know we’ve never really discussed what office you’ll be working at when you finish school this year.”

“I know.”

“Well, it’s going to have to be the Sydney one. I’m going to sell the office in Melbourne.”

“What? Why?”

“A few reasons. Jim’s already semi-retired. He wants to retire permanently at the end of this year. I’m getting too old to handle both on my own. I’m thinking of retiring, too, in the next few years. Once you get on your feet, of course. Then I’ll give control over to you.”

“You’re not old, Daddy.”

“I’ll be fifty-six in January. Your mum and I want to travel while we’re still young enough to enjoy it.”

“Are you sure you’re not doing this just to force me back to Sydney?”

“Not at all.” He squirms in his seat, so I think that’s part of the reason. That’s going to be another hurdle Chase and I are going to have to get past. I’m not sure if he would want to move here, away from Pops. He’s the only family he has. Sometimes it feels like the odds are really stacked against us.

“Why don’t you run upstairs and get dressed? I thought we could take a trip out on the boat this morning, like old times. Your mum has invited your Aunt Jacinta and Uncle Mason over for lunch today. Your grandparents are going to call over later, as well. They want to say goodbye before you fly out.”

I’m sure he’s trying to change the subject, but I let it be for now. We’ve only just got over our last disagreement. I don’t want to start another one. “Okay, that sounds nice.” I stand and grab the plate.

“Leave that. I’ll fix it up. I’ll go upstairs and let your mum know what we’re doing and meet you out on the dock in about twenty minutes.”

“Okay, Daddy,” I say as I lean over and kiss his cheek.

“That’s my girl.”

“Is CJ coming?”

“No, just the two of us. He didn’t come home last night,” he chuckles. Of course he didn’t. My brother is a man whore. I hate the way my father finds that amusing. Such double-standards. If I hadn’t come home last night, I’m sure there’d already be a search party out looking for me.

I run upstairs to my room. I want to call Chase before I go. I probably won’t get reception while we’re out on the water.

After washing my face, brushing my teeth and throwing my hair up in a ponytail, I quickly get dressed.

“Is it 4:00 p.m. yet?” he asks when he answers the phone.

“Nope, only 8:00 a.m., but hopefully the day will go fast,” I laugh.

“Not fast enough. I want to see you now.”

“Me too,” I confess. “I can’t talk for long, dad’s taking me out on the boat this morning.”

“You have a boat?” he asks.

“Yep.”

“Of course you do. It’s probably the size of a cruise ship.”

“No, it’s not that big,” I laugh. “What are your plans today?”

“Well, I’m going for a run soon. I was thinking of getting a haircut later.”

“Oh no. I love your hair.”

“Just a trim.”

“That’s okay then. I need something to grip onto when your face is between my legs,” I admit shamelessly.

“Jesus. Enough with the teasing, sweet-cheeks. I’m already hanging by a thread here.”

“I’m sorry. I promise to make it up to you when I get home.”

“You better believe you will. We have two whole days to make up for.”

“Sounds sexy and hot,” I tell him. “I better get down to the dock. Daddy will be waiting for me. I’ll see you at 4:00 p.m.”

“Okay. Have fun on the boat. I’ll see you then.”

“Chase,” I say before he hangs up. “I love you. I can’t wait to see you this afternoon.”

“I love you too, sweet-cheeks. Bye beautiful.”

“Bye.”

••••

I have a great time on the water with my dad. I think he loves the ocean just as much as I do. We get back in time to help mum get everything organised before our guests arrive. I’m looking forward to seeing my Aunt Jacinta and Uncle Mason. I haven’t seen them since I moved to Melbourne. I’ve missed them.

Technically they aren’t related to us by blood, but they’re just like family. I love them, and their boys. We did everything together when I was growing up. Jacinta and my mum were friends before I was even born.

I will confess, I had a tiny crush on Mason when I was a teenager. He’s pretty damn hot. I’ve never told anyone that before. It was just a stupid teenage thing. Growing up, he always called me ‘squirt’, which I absolutely hated.

When the doorbell rings, I wipe my hands on the towel. “I’ll get it,” I tell mum, leaving her in the kitchen to finish making the salad.

“Awww, there’s my beautiful girl,” my Aunt says when I open the door. “Still as pretty as ever.” She pulls me into her arms and hugs me tight. “I’ve missed you, sweetie.”

“I’ve missed you too,” I tell her. When she lets go, Mason pulls me into a headlock.

“I’ve missed you too, squirt,” he says as he kisses my forehead. I playfully elbow him in the stomach.

“I’m not a squirt. I wish you’d stop calling me that.”

“Even though you’re all grown, you’ll always be my little squirt,” he says as he drapes his arm around my shoulder.

“Leave her alone,” Aunt Jacinta says. I poke my tongue out at him and he chuckles.

“The boys aren’t coming?” I ask disappointed.

“They should be here soon. Mason wanted to take the bike for a spin today, so the twins are coming with Blake, in his car.”

“Oh good. I’m looking forward to seeing them.” Blake is the same age as CJ. They were close growing up. Blake actually plays in CJ’s band. He’s the drummer. I think the twins are about fifteen now. I loved playing with them when they were babies. They were like my very own live dolls.

••••

When the boys arrive, and CJ finally drags his arse through the door, we sit down to eat. I love being together with my family like this. The only thing missing is Chase. I hope in time I’ll be able to bring him home with me for visits. Being apart from him is just too hard.

After lunch, my Pa and Grandma Jill call over. I love my Pa. He’s my mum’s father. We’ve always been extremely close. Grandma Jill isn’t my mum’s real mother. She died years before I was born, but I love her too, so does my mum. She makes my Pa happy.

“Pa,” I say when he walks out onto the back deck. I get up off my chair and run into his open arms.

“I’ve missed you so much, sweetie.” He holds me tight, pressing his lips against my cheek.

“I’ve missed you too, Pa.” I visited my dad’s parents yesterday, so this is the first time I’m seeing him since coming home.

“You need to hurry up and move back to Sydney kiddo. I don’t like having you so far away from me.” I smile at him and kiss his cheek, but don’t reply to his comment. Now I have Chase to consider, moving home suddenly doesn’t sound so appealing.

••••

My parents drive me to the airport. This time, I don’t feel the usual pang of sadness I get when leaving. All I feel is pure excitement about heading home to Chase.

“It’s been lovely having you home for the weekend,” mum says when it’s time to say our goodbyes. “I bet you’re looking forward to getting home to Chase though.” Neither of us miss the slight growl that comes from my father. I ignore it, turning my attention back to my mum.

“I can’t wait to see him,” I practically squeal. My mum elbows my father in his side when he sighs at my comment.

“Well, make sure you tell him I said hello when you see him.” My dad clears his throat. Again I choose to ignore him.

“I will, mum.”

“I love you, baby girl,” she says as she wraps me in her arms.

“I love you too.”

When she lets me go, I move to my dad. “Bye, Daddy,” I say as I wrap my arms around his waist resting my cheek against his chest.

“Bye, Princess.” He slides his arms around me, holding me tight. “I’m so glad we’re okay again,” he whispers.

“Me too, Daddy.”

“Your mum and I might fly down next weekend, if that’s okay? It’ll give me a chance to meet your…ummm…
boyfriend
properly.” I tilt my head up and smile at him. Even though I can tell he’s still struggling with the idea, at least he’s trying.

“I’d like that.”

“Call us as soon as your flight lands, to let us know you’ve arrived safely,” he says as he kisses the top of my head, giving me one last squeeze before letting go.

“I will. I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, baby. I’m going to miss you like crazy, as always.”

“I’ll miss you too, but I look forward to having you both come visit next weekend.”

••••

After the plane lands in Melbourne, I notice my hands are slightly shaking as I send a quick text to my dad, letting him know I’m okay. It’s more excitement than nerves though. I’m texting him now because I know once I’m with Chase, all thoughts of calling them will be forgotten.