“No, I wasn’t.”
“We’ve struck a deal, Brooke. Are you going to stick to it or not?”
God! “Fine.”
“Good. Now come inside. I want you here today.”
Everything that came out of his mouth was a shock to me. “I’ve got a job, Dad. You can’t sequester me away.”
“Take the day off. In fact, you should quit.”
“No. I like my job. I’m good at it.”
“They’re hiring in the parks and rec department in Watley County. I saw the sign when we were over there. Apply there.”
“Dad—”
His eyes narrowed, burrowing down on me. “Or I’ll expose him for sexual harassment.”
“It won’t stick. He didn’t harass me.”
“It will ruin his reputation. I’ll settle for that.”
God! I didn’t hold back the tears. “I won’t forgive you for this,” I said, feeling like a teenager again. I wouldn’t forgive him for that, either.
“It’s not my job to be your friend, Brooke. It’s my job to protect you.”
“From what? Mo? After all that he’s done for you—”
“His helping me financially doesn’t give him the right to touch my daughter.”
“I gave him the right. Me.” I yelled at my father. Why couldn’t he see? “I love him, Dad. I love him.”
“You don’t know love, baby,” he said softly like he felt sorry for me.
I could only stare, knowing it was hopeless.
“Now give me your phone.” He held out the palm of his hand.
“What?”
“I don’t want him calling you. You need a clean break.”
“I need a phone.” My father was taking this way too far.
“We’ll get you another one.”
I believed my father when he said he’d hurt Mo, so I pulled my phone from my purse. “Can I call Tucker first?”
“I like Tucker. Why don’t you invite him here?”
“I’d rather go see him.”
My father shook his head. “I want you here for now.” Again, I felt like a kid being grounded. I’d have left, but I couldn’t let him hurt Mo.
“Fine.” I ground out. I called Tucker. I didn’t give him details, but I was sure he could tell from my voice that I needed to see him, and fortunately, he agreed to come.
Thirty minutes later, Tucker pulled into our drive. My father was all charm with him, saying how glad he was that Tucker was in Salvation and making hints about his marrying me. Tucker kept looking at me like he’d entered the Twilight Zone.