Just as Rayla had anticipated, before the clock even struck 10 p.m., her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she glanced at the screen. *Dad calling…* She took a deep breath, bracing herself, and answered the video call. Her dad’s face appeared, his expression a mix of concern and disappointment.
“Hey, Dad,” she said, forcing a small smile.
“Rayla,” he began, his voice calm but firm. “seriously, I wasn't expecting that from you.”
She nodded, already knowing where this was going. “I know. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Her dad sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not mad, Rayla. I’m just… upset. You lied to me. Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?”
Rayla hesitated, then said, “Because I knew how you’d react. You get so uncomfortable around people with tattoos. You alw
