Free In A Heartbeat (The Shameful Regret Series) by Liz King Page A

was the
first time y’all went out?”
    I nod my head yes. I’m getting all bent out of shape for my
first date ever in over eight years, and I’m not going to be seeing him again,
so why do I feel like I’ve lost something? I know why. It’s because for a brief
moment in time, Connor opened a part of me that had been locked away behind the
walls I built around my heart.
    The waitress brings our coffee then scurries back to the
kitchen. Daddy shakes his head. “Baby girl, don’t worry about it. You’re a
smart cookie. If he doesn’t see that, it’s his damn loss. Now, let’s not worry
about any of that mess, it’s time to eat.” Our food arrives before I’ve barely
taken a few sips of my first cup of coffee.
    “Thanks, Daddy. You really are the best!” I say digging into
my walnut and blueberry pancakes with way too much butter and syrup.
    “I know.” He responds, and just
like that I’m feeling better, and ready to go on with our day.
    ~
    We decide to visit the aquarium and walk along Waterfront
Park for the afternoon. I don’t think that Daddy wants to be alone. Tomorrow is
the anniversary of Momma’s death. Even though it’s been several years, it
doesn’t get any easier. We stop to sit on one of the bench swings to watch the
sunset. I can’t believe we spent the entire afternoon and evening walking
around. Daddy and I usually part ways after church, but I think he could tell
that I needed some time with him as much as he needed to spend time with his
only child.
    “Sara loved being near the water. She always hated that we
were so far away from the beach back home. I offered to move back out here
quite a bit, even had a job opportunity come up the summer before you started
high school, but she didn’t want to uproot you and make you start high school
without your friends.” Daddy says as we rock back and forth.
    My legs lock up instantly, halting the swing midway through
its pass. I could have left Alabama before I started my freshman year? I could
have had a fresh start here in Charleston? No Matt? That night would have never
happened?
    “You alright there?” Daddy’s voice is filled with concern.
He’s looking at me, and I realize that he has no idea what this information
does to me.
    I try to shake off the unease that has crept through my
body. “Yeah, of course. I can’t imagine leaving Sly sooner than I did when I
moved out here for nursing school.” I start rocking the swing again, hoping
that Daddy buys my lie. Well, it’s not totally a lie. I would have hated not
having Sly in my life longer, but to think about what my life could have been
like if I had never met him, that could have set my life in a much
different direction .
    Daddy pats my knee. “I still hate that he didn’t come out
here too. That man is like the son I never had. He’s a good friend for you. I’m
glad we didn’t move. He’s been good to you.”
    “He misses you too, Daddy. Trust me. I’m still working on
getting him out here permanently. Michelle and I are tag teaming him next
weekend when he comes out for a visit. His schedule changed, so he’s coming out
a weekend earlier. He’s driving over Friday morning, but leaving Sunday. Maybe
he can come to breakfast with us before he heads back.” I say hopefully.
    “Alright, kiddo. Let’s head on back.” Daddy stretches as he
gets out of the swing. “Oh! It’s hell getting old! This body is creaking more
and more each day!”
    I don’t know who he’s calling old. Daddy will only be
turning fifty-three this year. I really wish he’d start dating again. He’s far
too young to be alone. I know, I of all people shouldn’t be saying someone
needs to date, but I have my reasons. “Come on, Old Man!” I kid as we head back
to the parking garage. It really has been a great day just hanging out with
him.

Chapter Ten
    I spent Monday just lounging around the apartment. I talked
to Sly for a few hours on Face Time, but I didn’t change out of my pajamas.