Game Winner (Penalty Kill 3)

“Daddy, what are you doing here?”

He stands on the other side of the door, looking a little upset. Although, he always looks like that. He walks into the living room and says with a booming voice, “I’m very upset with you, Presley.” He crosses his arms and stares me down.

“Oh.” My mouth drops. I quickly try to think of something that I had done to upset him. Nothing comes to mind.

“I called the law school, and they told me that this semester and next year was already paid for. Levi has no right to pay for your schooling. I am your father, and you’re my responsibility.” My dad’s face is red with anger.

“Daddy, Levi didn’t pay for my schooling. Technically, you did,” I tell him.

“What?” His expression quickly changes from anger to confusion.

“You’ve overloaded me with ‘love’,” I air-quote to him, “for years. I’ve been saving a lot of it and had enough to pay for some of the schooling. Then I invested some of it, so I should be okay with living expenses for a while.”

Dad just stares at me, expressionless, saying nothing.

“Daddy?” I touch his arm.

“When did you become so grown up? Have I been that bad of a father that I missed my little girl mature into a smart, beautiful woman?” His voice cracks, and for a moment, I think he’s going to cry.

“You’re not a bad father. I’m smart because of you. You taught me so much. I know that we haven’t been close over the years, but you’re my father. And I get my good looks from Mom.” I make the joke to break the tension in the room.

It works because Dad laughs. “That is true.” Then he does something that he normally doesn’t do. He hugs me.

I don’t know what it is about my dad’s hugs, but when they happen, I feel safe. Maybe it’s the little girl inside of me that always wanted to be his baby girl? Or maybe it’s because they don’t happen often?

“Okay.” Dad steps out of our embrace. “But, remember this, I’m going to still put money in your account. I know how hard it was for your mother and me in school, and I don’t want that for Trevor and you.”

I nod, trying to hold back my tears. My dad cares about me, and that means a lot. He turns to leave when there is another knock on my door. He opens it and it’s Mom and Marley.

“Hey.” Mom smiles brightly at him. “What are you doing here?”

“Just spending ti

me with Presley.” Dad gives Mom a quick kiss. “Have a good weekend ladies.” And then he leaves without saying anything else.

“Presley?” Mom questions.

I hold up my hand. “Everything is fine, I promise. Let’s get going.” I gather up my bags, and we all head out to leave.

~

I lay on the hotel bed, just staring at the ceiling. Mom is in the next bed fast asleep, as is Marley, who is next to me. We drove in, ordered some food, and went to bed since we would have an early start in the morning, but I can’t sleep.

I carefully crawl out of the warm covers, grab my phone, and head out onto the balcony. It’s unusually warm for it to be almost November, and I’m enjoying the breeze as I call the one person that will listen to me.

“Smarty, are you okay?” Levi’s sexy, groggy voice brings a smile to my face through the tears that are rolling down my cheeks.

“Hey, yeah, everything is fine.” I pause clearing my throat. “I missed your voice.”

“I miss you. Are you in Pittsburgh?” He asks, sounding more awake.

“Yes. I’m sorry I know you have an early practice,” I start.

“It’s fine. Talk to me,” Levi cuts me off. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Is this all happening too fast? I mean, can I do this? Trevor is about to get engaged, my dad tells me I’m smart and beautiful, and now I’m staring at this stunning skyline, and I’m scared to death. I’ve never been in a city alone before. I’ve always had Trevor or Marley with me. I just,” I pause as tears stream down my face, “I just don’t know if this is the right decision.”

“You know I don’t call you Smarty because you’re a smart ass. I do it because there’s no one smarter than you. It seems scary because you’ve never done it before. My mom always said to try everything, so you don’t regret it later. You have to try, and I know that you’re going to succeed. And if you don’t, then you can look back and know that you at least attempted it.” Levi’s voice is strong and determined.