Holding On To Heaven (Allendale Four 2)

I touched my neck, knowing it wasn’t there. “Sorry Daddy, I took it off and forgot to put it back on.”

Seven years ago.

“And are you dating anyone?” he asked, digging into his chocolate cake. He’d always loved sweets.

“Not right now,” I replied, keeping it vague.

“Your mother said you were interested in a few boys from back home. The ones I met at the party.”

I didn’t like that my mother told him this, but the fact she kept her mouth shut about the specifics of me and the Allendale Four said a lot. She was letting my father back in but she still had her secrets too—our secrets. I wondered how long she’d hold out.

“We’re just really good friends. They stuck by me during some tough times last year at school.”

“Anything I should be concerned about?”

I shook my head. “Just regular teen drama. Mean girls. Stupid guys. I’m sure you’ve dealt with cliques before.”

It was a jab at the snobby church community but I smiled to show I was kidding. He gave me a weak grin in return. We weren’t to discuss his checkered past. I knew that, but I was also bitter about his leaving and the circumstances he left us in.

“Cliques are complicated but it seems like you made a smart decision—surrounding yourself with strong males.” He held up his glass of wine and took a sip.

“I didn’t befriend the boys because of their strength, Daddy. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself.”

He smiled patronizingly. “I know you are, sweetheart, but you’ve always been sensitive.” His eyes wandered to the faint scars near my wrists. “Too concerned about what others thought of you and allowing your fears to take control. Establishing healthy relationships is a good way to feel secure. Aligning yourself with dominant males is commendable.”

I eyed him warily, knowing this meeting wasn’t purely social. He wanted something and he’d spent the evening exerting his dominance over me with tales of his success and the fine dinner to lower my guard. I waited for the shoe to drop. It didn’t take long.

“It was unfortunate that you and your mother had such a rough time while I was away on my mission. At the time it seemed best to cut all ties—let you have a fresh start. Now that I’m back I want to reconnect our family. It’s important to me and for my position at the church. Your mother is willing to give me a chance and I’m hoping you are, too.” He leaned back in his seat, dark eyes watching me carefully. “You’re a beautiful and smart young woman, Heaven, and I’m happy to have the chance to assist you with your college degree. Your mother said you were going to have to take out loans and get a job otherwise, correct?”

“That was the plan, yes.”

“You know I value hard work, and although I don’t want you to take on a traditional job that would interfere with your academics, there are a few small tasks you could perform for me while you’re here that would be beneficial to both of us.”

A small knot of dread built in my stomach. “What kind of task?”

“I’m responsible for the growth of Oceanside Church and bringing in prominent members of the community. There is one family in particular that we’d like to join. Their son attends the university and it’s my understanding he’s very shy and a little socially awkward.”

“Daddy, what are you asking me to do?”

“I’d like you to reach out to him. Make him feel supported. Represent our family.”

“You know I’m not very social myself,” I told him. “Like, small talk and that sort of thing. I’m afraid I’d do more harm than good.”

He picked up his phone and scrolled through. My heart stalled in my chest, terrified of what he would show me. Pictures of me making out with ten different guys? The gossip and bullying? He held it out and I saw a photo of me on stage in my Winter Princess dress, crown sparkling on my head. “Although I’m not sure I approve of the dress, or the fact you appear to have four dates, you’re definitely more charming than you give yourself credit for, Heaven. I think this is something you can do. Something you can do for me.”

There was a tone in his voice—a heavy implication. I didn’t have a choice here. He was paying for my education and housing. Not only that, I had secrets I didn’t want him digging into.

“I can probably fit a few social events into my schedule.”

He smiled. “Good. And these boys, you say they’re all here at school?”

“Yes. They’re all athletes and keep busy.”

He folded his hands

on the table. “I suggest keeping them at arm’s length. What worked in the little town of Allendale may not benefit you here. I’m sure they’re fine young men but you have a reputation to uphold—the daughter of a preacher.”

“There’s nothing inappropriate going on,” I lied.