too soon for me to date or think about having sex with Simon,” Elizabeth admitted, feeling hot at the thought. Of course, people would think that, and it was going to get around. Talk was creepy, but people loved it, feasted on it because life was boring without it.
“Oh, come on, Elizabeth.” Nikki sighed loudly. “Don’t put yourself on a shelf. Richard is not the end of the world. Simon likes you, Lizzy. Go for it. You might have some fun for once!”
“Yes, Nikki.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. That did not sound like a bad idea. Have fun! Grab life by the horns and ride it.
Then the door opened, and Elizabeth’s father walked, humming.
“Well, Dad is here. I will talk to you later,” Elizabeth said loudly. She did not want her father to hear about her so-called love life. He knew enough, and he wanted to talk to Simon.
“See you.” Nikki hung up the phone.
Her father was carrying groceries, and he was smiling. What did he do? He looked so happy. She was not going to ask, and she just shook her head.
“Nikki called me.” Elizabeth put her cell phone down and helped him.
“Yeah,” he said as he entered the kitchen, “what’s going on with her?”
“Gabriel asked her on another date,” she stated, watching him and helping him.
“I talked to Simon on the elevator.” He stopped looking at her. “I told him to buy you a ring.”
No wonder he was smiling, oh my god, she thought, rolling her eyes.
“No!” She was flabbergasted, and her mouth fell open and closed. “Oh my god, Dad! I am only divorced for six months, and so is he.” She had to say it. He couldn’t play Cupid with her and Simon! But he did!
“I know,” he said nonchalantly, and added, “You’re beautiful, Elizabeth. Don’t lock yourself away and throw the key away. Live life to the fullest. Richard is not the end of the world, and Isabell is not the end for him. Anyway, Isabell is on drugs and cheated on him. Richard is on his power trip, and he thinks he doesn’t need you to win people over. You know he used you because you are beautiful. He did not want children because they were messy.”
“I like Simon,” her father added, smiling ear to ear.
“I didn’t know Isabell used drugs.” She changed the subject. Her feelings were too raw. Her father knew a lot because of the business and social circle. She did not have time for that. The law firm took most her time and her energy.
“Yes, they say it’s cocaine and other social drugs.” He was frowning, “That’s why they were living apart for the last two years. He brought the whole ninth and eight floors in this building. She wanted him for the money.”
“Coke and other social drugs?” She was appalled at the thought. Don’t these people know what it could do to the brain or the body? And the waste of money and talent.
“They say Nichole uses.” He was dead serious. “I know you’re old enough to make your decisions, but I’d like you to stay away from her.”
She had to sit down because she suddenly felt ill and rubbed her face. Did their mother know, but Nichole would not talk about it? How serious was the drug use? Could she help Nikki, or did Nikki want help? Nikki never asked for help before. Was Elizabeth caught in her little world, not noticing what was going on? Her thoughts swirled in her head and caused a headache.
What a hot mess! And she had a strong feeling it was getting a lot hotter!
“I don’t want you to get hurt,” he said to her and hugged her tightly. “I know too much. It makes me sick. That’s why I want to retire.”
“Oh, Dad.” She felt like crying as she hugged him back tightly. “I understand.”
“I want you to live here with me.” He released her, looking at her seriously, “There is twenty-four seven security.”
“Are you serious?” She felt the tears falling from her eyes. She could not help it. Live in the same building as Simon? She ran her finger through her hair and rubbed her face again.
“I just bought the house!” She wiped her tears away when her father handed her a tissue. “I have Fur Ball.”
“I know,” he stated. “You will be safe here, and Fur Ball could come, whatever Fur Ball is, as long as it’s not huge.”
“The kitten is not huge, Dad.” She had to laugh at him, and she needed something to laugh about because there was so much to think about. Her head was spinning with thoughts.
She folded her hands and closed her eyes. Live in the city! Was she safe? Was the world that crazy and out of control?
“All right, Dad. I will come to live with you.” She let out a huge sigh. And just to think how she hated the city, but life would be easy if she lived here with her father. And he was right; he always was.
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