Free Beautifully Unfinished by Beverley Hollowed

him having to worry about me all the time.”
    “But he loves you,” Tucker said, looking at Lucy closely, taking in every inch of her face as if he was trying to memorize it.
    “I know he does,” Lucy nodded. “But he was already so sad after losing my mom. I just wanted him to have a chance to start over. So I bought a bottle of vodka, and I found the box cutters in my art case.”
    “Jesus,” Tucker sighed.
    “My dad had called me earlier that day,” Lucy continued. “He said something in his gut told him something wasn’t right, so the moment he hung up the phone he climbed into his car and headed for New York. He was halfway there before my plane was even due to take off. When he reached my dorm, it was quiet as it was Christmas Eve. He reached my room, and when I didn’t answer, he kicked in the door. The doctors said if he had been ten minutes longer, it would have been too late.”
    “Christ, Lucy,” Tucker said as he stood up and walked across the room. “What made you think that was the only option?”
    “I am not proud of what I did,” Lucy said as she watched Tucker. “I know what I have put my dad through.”
    “Then why don’t you fix things with him?” Tucker asked as he turned and looked at her. “He called, said you two had this argument. He is so upset.”
    “Why does this bother you so much?” Lucy asked, looking at him curiously.
    “You remember the night we met…” he asked then realised what he said. “Sorry, stupid question…what I mean is, do you remember that I came to the party that night because my mom had wanted me to? We had just moved here because my parents had divorced. Well, it turns out my dad was a real asshole. Once my mom left him, he no longer wanted to know me either. He wouldn’t even give me the time of day.”
    “Tucker, I am so sorry,” Lucy said.
    “Lucy, I was a mess back then too,” Tucker continued. “I got in trouble with the police, my mom didn’t know what to do, and my dad didn’t care. Your dad helped me out. He took me under his wing, and if it wasn’t for the Chief, I don’t know what would have happened to me.”
    “I had no idea,” Lucy said, surprised by what she had heard.
    “I know you have been through a lot, Lucy,” Tucker said, giving her a sympathetic smile. “But your dad loves you, and right now, he needs you too.”
    “I don’t know what to say to him,” Lucy replied.
    “Tell him you love him,” Tucker said, as he walked back across the room, and sat back down next to her. “Tell him you need him as much as he needs you.”
    “I’m afraid,” she admitted sadly. “I am afraid to face him again.”
    “Then I will come with you,” Tucker said, giving her a smile as he reached for her hand. “Now, how about that dinner?”
    “Sounds good to me,” Lucy smiled as she realised she hadn’t frozen with fear when Tucker touched her. Maybe there was hope for her yet.

Chapter 8
     
    When Lucy woke the next morning, she felt nervous but happier. She had a wonderful time with Tucker the night before. They stayed up till all hours talking about so many different things and for the first time in such a long time, she wasn’t worrying what was going to happen. She just felt comfortable and relaxed in his company.
    When she had showered and got dressed, she knocked back a cup of coffee, then headed for the door. She wanted to get up and see her dad as soon as she could, she wanted to clear the air between them.
    Tucker had told her that he would meet her at the hospital, but as she opened the door and stepped out, she spotted Tucker’s truck pulling in behind her car.
    “Good morning,” he said with a wide grin, as he climbed out of the truck and walked up the pathway. “How are you feeling this morning?”
    “I’m good thanks,” she replied with a cautious smile. “Is everything okay?”
    “Yeah,” he said, as a look of uncertainty appeared on his face, but he quickly pulled it back. “I was just heading to