Free Secrets in the Lyrics by S.M. Donaldson

you.”
    “Why?  You haven’t called just to check on me in years.  Normally you need money for
     your account.”
    “Well, not this time.  I heard you were having some troubles.”
    I shake my head.  “What are you talking about?”
    “Well, that last boyfriend you had-”
    I cut him off.  “How did you know about Chad?”
    “Look, there were some people asking about him.  Then they put the word out that you
     weren’t to be messed with.  I heard that he didn’t follow the rules.”
    “How did you hear all of this?”
    “Don’t worry about that.  Look, I know I’ve been a shitty father, but just watch your
     back.  He’s a desperate man now.”
    “He’s in jail, so I’m not worried.”  I hear the shower shut off.  “Look, I appreciate
     the concern, but I have to get ready for a show.”
    “Yes, I heard your band was doing really well.”
    I shake my head, annoyed.  “Really.  Well, how is it that you know more about my life
     while you’re in prison than when I was living under the same roof with you?”
    “Ivie.  Like I said, I know I’ve been a shitty parent.  I’m sorry.  Look, you get
     ready for your show.  Take care.”
    “Yeah.”
    “Oh, and Ivie?  I love you.”
    Complete shock is how I would describe the feeling.  “A- yeah- you, too.”
    I hang up the phone, confused about many things.  I’ll wait until after the show and
     talk to Gable about it.  I can’t help but think about the fact that when we are in
     Hilton Head in a few days, we won’t be far from where he’s doing his time.
    “Hey, babe.”  His kisses my neck.  “Were you talking to someone?”
    “Yeah.  My dad called.”
    “What in the hell did he want?”
    “We’ll just talk about it after the show, I need to get ready.  Plus, I’m not sure
     I’m ready to rehash it.”
    He nods, knowing that I’m done talking at the moment.
                  “Okay, well let’s get ready.”

 
    I don’t know what her dad said to her, but she’s quiet.  When Ivie is quiet, it gets
     scary.  She withdraws from everyone and everything.  Her dad calling and Chad showing
     back up doesn’t feel like a coincidence.  Shit. Did I fuck up by bringing Cade into this?
    My mind is racing, even after the show.  I can’t wait to get her back to the room
     and talk to her.  I know her dad is in prison just north of Hilton Head.  Does he
     want her to come see him or something? 
    We bid our good nights to Keeg and Stoney as the driver drops us off at the hotel. 
     I’m sure they are on their way out to hit up the clubs and find some ass.
    “Do you wanna order a pizza or something?”  I ask as we walk through the door.
    “If you find a place that can bring me a salad.”
    “You just sweated off like a million calories, and I know I’ll work some more off
     of you before the night is over.  You need food, not garnishes.”
    “I can’t keep eating like I am, I’ll gain all of my weight back.”
    I step in front of her.  “I’m going to tell you this one time.  I don’t care if you
     do gain it back.  I was happy with you just the way you were.”
    She rolls her eyes.  “Yeah, whatever.”
    “What the fuck does that mean?”
    She walks over to the sofa and drops down.  “Just that you say that, but you didn’t
     seem to pay much attention to me before I lost the weight is all.”
    “That’s bullshit.  Just because I didn’t make a move on you, doesn’t mean I wasn’t
     thinking about it.” I flop down next to her.  “Honestly.  I’ve had a fucking hard
     on for you since I was seventeen.  I’m just tired of ignoring it.”  I grab her hand
     as she’s trying to not look me in the face.  “Now, I’m going to order a fucking pizza
     and some beer.  Then, you are going to tell me what the fuck is going on.”
    She goes to the bathroom and I order the pizza, some wings, beer and a little side
     salad for her.  I’m fucking starving after a show, but maybe