My body started to overheat. The last thing I wanted to do was call Dad and talk about this, but I realized I had no choice. Not because I wanted to beg him not to press charges, that was a given, but because Kova had to be at the competitions with me. His absence would raise red flags, and without a doubt, it would hinder my performance.
Dad didn't like bad publicity brought to the family name, so I had an idea.
"Ave? I have to go. I need to call my dad."
"Oh, my God. What are you going to say to him?"
"I have an idea; I’ll tell you if it works."
"Just remember that regardless if you wanted the dinosaur dong or not, Kova was wrong and that's all your dad is going to ever see. Try not to overreact, but I know that's easier said than done."
It was wrong of me to laugh, but I couldn’t help it. "Always trying to find a way to lighten the situation."
She smiled from ear to ear, proud of herself. "I try. Text me when you're done."
"Will do. Thanks, girl."
After we ended our FaceTime session, I went into the bathroom and splashed water on my face. I needed to get my thoughts straight and think about my questions before I called Dad.
Expelling a heavy breath, I decided to sit down first and open the box containing the new cell phone. Maybe the website Avery had used hadn't updated their records and he was actually out. Once the phone was all set up, I immediately tried to call Kova hoping he'd answer.
Please. Please. Please.
"Allo?"
I stiffened at the sound of Katja's voice. If she answered his cell, then that could only mean he was in fact still in jail.
"Allo?"
I bit my lip.
"Is anyone there?"
"Goddammit!" I yelled after I disconnected the call. "Fuck!" The word came from deep in my chest.
The new phone rang and I nearly dropped it when Kova's phone number flashed across the screen. I held my breath and hit the "fuck you" button. In that moment, I was so grateful Avery had gotten me the burner phone. It rang again, and again. I finally turned it off when the ringing wouldn’t stop.
Once I didn't feel so shaky, I reached for my actual cell and dialed Dad’s number. I steadied my breathing as my emotions and hormones combated each other. I didn't want to explode on him because that would only work against me. However, with the simmering anger inside me, I couldn't make any promises.
"Hello, Adrianna," he said, answering the phone.
My throat swelled. "Hi, Dad. Do you have a minute to talk?"
"That depends on what you want to talk about."
Thirteen
My stomach cramped. Shit. I already had a bad feeling.
"Now, I know you don't want to talk about—"
"Adrianna—"
I sucked in a breath. "Dad, just listen to me, please, for a second," I said quickly.
"How dare you call me and even attempt to talk about this issue. You have some nerve, young lady."