They sat together, cuddled close, his hand rubbing her other arm.
Mom came next to me and peered around the corner to watch them.
I whispered to her. “She’s totally his favorite…”
She gave a slight grin.
Dad dropped his arm and shifted back to his regular position. “I’m sorry.”
Daisy turned to look at him, a slight grin on her face. “No, you aren’t.”
Dad grinned back. “I am…just not that sorry.”
She chuckled as she shook her head. “I’m not gonna lie, it was a bit satisfying to watch you knock him to the floor and call him bitch.”
Dad gave a guilty shrug.
“Where did you learn to fight like that?”
“I’ve been doing it with my trainer for decades. We change up our workouts all the time, and then we always make it back to boxing and street fighting, so…I’ve had a lot of practice.”
“Can you teach me to fight like that?”
Dad regarded her for a while before he gave a nod. “Yeah. I’d love to.”
“Wait, I wanna learn too.” I came from around the corner and approached the back of the couch. “What the hell, Dad? You’re this martial artist, and you’ve been holding out on us?”
Daisy turned to give me a glare. “Uh, so much for privacy.”
“Oh, come on.” I dropped onto the other couch. “There are no secrets between us, right? Dad, come on, train me.”
Dad watched my mom take the seat beside him, ignoring us for a second as she came into his proximity and slipped her arm through his, her head moving to his shoulder. Then he turned back to us, like she’d just finished speaking. “Dex, you seem busy enough as it is.”
“I’ll make the time,” I said.
“The only time I have is early in the morning during my workouts,” Dad said. “You ready to get up at five every day?”
“Um…” I rubbed my hands together. “Nah, I’m good.” Sleep was the only luxury I continued to afford myself, and without it, I wouldn’t be a good physician, researcher, and teacher.
“I’m in.” Daisy turned back to Dad. “I’ll get my workout out of the way before work.”
“As opposed to your workout…when?” I teased.
Now she gave me another glare. “You’re just pissed I’m the favorite.”
“I’m not pissed,” I argued. “You think I didn’t already know that? Dad wouldn’t kick anyone’s ass for me.”
Dad released a sarcastic chuckle. “If Catherine were a man, I might.”
Mom nudged him in the side. “Deacon…”
The door flew open, and Derek stepped inside, holding Little Deacon in one arm, while Lizzie came in behind him holding Cam. Emerson took up the rear, carrying the bag of supplies for the boys. He took a look at all of us on the couch, just sitting there like nothing significant just happened. “Just saw the news. What the hell is going on?”
Fourteen
Sicily
I was scrolling through social media on my phone when an article popped up.
World-Famous Oncologist Deacon Hamilton Arrested for Assault. “What the…?” I clicked on the article and quickly scanned through the two paragraphs, along with the photographs and the video. I watched the video, watched Deacon beat the shit out of Mason, who was less than half his age. “Oh my fucking god…” I immediately texted Dex. Uh…did you know your dad’s been arrested?!?
He texted back immediately. Yep. He’s out now. I just left their condo.
Why did your dad beat up Mason in a bar?
You saw the video, huh? Awesome, right?
I guess I’ve been more focused on your dad being in jail…
Look, I’m starving and haven’t had dinner. You know, because my dad was taken downtown, and Mom had to bail him out. I’ll grab something and swing by to tell you the tale.
I actually have leftovers if you want that. I’d signed up for one of those meal subscription services because I didn’t have time to shop, and I didn’t want to keep eating out all the time. Otherwise, my nice clothes wouldn’t fit anymore.
Even better. Be there soon.
He walked inside ten minutes later, in the same clothes he’d been wearing earlier that day.
I was in my sweatpants and a t-shirt, and I didn’t have time to change, so I chose to do my hair and makeup instead. His plate was already on the coffee table, warmed up and ready to go.
He must have been truly hungry because he immediately went to the couch and started to eat. “Damn, this looks good. You made this?”
I dropped into the seat beside him. “Yes, technically. But everything was sent to me, so all I do is piece it together and cook it, so I can’t take that much credit.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” He sat at the edge of the seat and scarfed it down, shoveling the food into his mouth.
He didn’t eat with many manners, but that didn’t bother me. It was kinda hot that he ate like a man, like he needed those calories and nutrients to keep up that strong body and brilliant mind.