Two unbreakable souls-Book 3

CHAPTER 9

　　Gracie

　　I was looking forward to spending my afternoon with my father. It is still strange for me because the scumbag I used to know as my dad couldn’t have cared less about me. He made no time for me even though he had known me since the day I was born. On the other side of the coin, Peter had only just met me recently and was eager to spend time with me.It would take some adjusting, but I am sure my mother would be smiling down on us.

　　“Ready to leave, kitten” Ryland asked, popping his head into our bedroom.

　　“Yes,” I replied brightly as I grabbed my handbag, and we headed out together. I was stopping by the restaurant to say goodbye to Melissa and Jack before they left, and I had about one hour before I was meeting my dad. Pete was taking me for lunch before shopping. .

　　Ryland rested his hand on the small of my back as we left the building, heading to meet Melissa and Jack at the bar and grill a few minutes away from our apartment.

　　“Are you going to be okay once your mom leaves, love” I asked, resting my head on his shoulder.

　　“I will miss her, but yes, I will be okay because I have you.” He kissed the top of my head, and I smiled up at him brightly.

　　He pecked my lips, and then we turned our attention back to watching where we were going. The streets of New York are always busy, so it was easy to bump into people. We arrived at our destination, went inside and looked around, spotting Melissa and Jack in the corner, stealing kisses like a pair of loved-up teenagers. It was adorable!

　　“Aww, how cute!” I gushed.

　　“Eww, no. That is my mother. I don’t need to see her with her tongue down Jack’s throat, thank you very much.” Ryland screwed up his face, shaking his head.

　　“You can be such a drama queen,” I teased, prodding his side.

　　“I can not!” he protested. I laughed loudly, kissing his cheek, and we strolled over to the table. Ryland cleared his throat, making them part. Melissa blushed a little when she saw us standing there.

　　“Uh, you’re finally here,” Melissa laughed, standing to hug us, and Jack did the same. The four of us took a seat at the table, “I know you aren’t joining us for food, sweetie, but what about a coffee” she asked.

　　“Yes, coffee sounds good.” I smiled, and Jack grabbed the attention of one of the waiting staff to place our orders for drinks. I insisted for them to order their food, but they said they would wait until I had left.

　　Thankfully, it didn’t take long for our drinks to arrive at the table.

　　“I will miss you both so much,” Melissa sighed.

　　“I know, mom! We will miss you too, but we promise to visit when we can.” Ryland reached over the table, squeezing her hand.

　　She squeezed his hand back, and using her free hand, she reached for me, “Please be careful and have fun, okay” Ryland and I nodded at the same time.

　　“Are you excited to spend the afternoon with Peter” Jack asked.

　　“Yes!” I beamed and smiled widely.

　　“It makes me more relaxed knowing Peter is close by if either of you needs anything.” Melissa, Jack and Peter have become friends quickly, which is excellent.

　　We talked some more about Peter, college and job hunting before I had to make my move.

　　“I will miss you, sweetie! call me if you need anything or even just for a chat,” Melissa cried as we hugged goodbye.

　　“We will talk soon, I promise. And thank you again for everything.” I was as emotional as she was. Melissa is the closest thing I have had to a mother this last year, and for that, I will always be thankful.

　　Once I had finished my goodbyes, I kissed Ryland and left them to order lunch. I was meeting my dad outside of my apartment. It would be nice to spend a few hours with him, especially when I know how busy he is between work and family.

　　I stood patiently outside, watching out for him, and I finally heard my name being called. I followed the voice, and he was coming towards me, grinning. The second he was close enough, he hugged me tightly. I didn’t hesitate to hug him back.

　　“Hey, angel,” he smiled as we parted.

　　“Hey, dad.” Dad, a word I am still getting used to saying to him. He had the same reaction as when I called him that the first time.

　　“Are you hungry”

　　I was rather hungry because I didn’t have much for breakfast, only a small bowl of cereal, “Yes, very. What do you fancy”

　　“You can choose. I will eat anything,”

　　“Hmm, burger and fries” I suggested. No, not the healthiest option, but they taste so good.

　　“Yes! Good choice,” he replied, “Come on, angel, I know the perfect place.” He offered me his arm, and I promply linked my arm through his, letting him guide us in the right direction.