Dad’s Little Secret

CHAPTER THREE

The air was thick, the silence heavy.

Lisa was trying to figure everything out, her mind spinning with crazy thoughts. She’d always wanted to leave home, to do something more than just the same old stuff she was used to. To do her BBL, to make her own money, to take care of her mum, to be happy.

Fred showing up unannounced in the most surprising way, time and place, got her wondering if this wasn’t a trap. She didn’t know how Manny and her dad knew each other, they spoke like they’ve been friends but in a bad way.

“Lisa,” Fred called. His voice was softer now, almost pleading. “I know things haven't been perfect between us, but I'm still your father. And I love you. I just want to keep you safe.”

Manny scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Safe? Is that what you call it? Living in some tiny little town baking bread on the weekends, barely surviving without a father? Please. She deserves way more than that.”

Lisa felt this little snap of anger at Manny’s words.

"You don't know anything about my life Manny” she shot back, her voice rising a little.

"Then make a choice Lisa. That’s the least you can do. Make a choice for fucksakes”

Fred's face went hard. "You don't know what he’s involved in Lisa. He's not just some guy. He's dangerous. He'll drag you into a life you can’t escape from."

"Why should I trust you?" she turned to Manny, ignoring Fred, who was by now pacing the room. "Why are you trying so hard to convince me? What’s in it for you? Huh?"

For a second, Manny’s face softened. She thought she saw something in his eyes, maybe vulnerability?

"I want you to be free Lisa.!You have all this potential. Don't just waste it on a life that doesn't make you happy."

Fred came forward looking desperate. "You're not thinking straight! This isn't just about you. It's about your future Lisa. You have a chance to build something real, something that lasts."

This was all on her, unfortunately.

“I need time to think” she said finally. “I can't just decide right now.”

Manny nodded. His face hard to read "Take your time.”

"I'll always be here for you Lisa. No matter what you choose." She heard Fred say as he patted her gently on her shoulder.

"I’ll make my choice" she said. She tried to sound firm. "But I need to do it on my own terms."

And with that she turned away from them both her heart pounding. She just needed to get out of there, clear her head, think without all that pressure.

The night was just getting started and this was going to be wild.