I have no clue what he might say to Big. It wouldn’t surprise me if he brought up our age gap. Something I’ve been trying to reassure Big about, but I’m still not sure how he feels about that. He said he doesn't care, but he might start to realize the pain of dating someone younger. Especially when their parents show up unexpectedly.
“If you answered my calls, I wouldn't have to do this.” He slips back into the car. Heath closes the door behind us.
“I was working.” He called me when I was busy with customers.
He rolls his eyes at the reminder of my job. Disapproval is written all over his face. It only reminds me that I made the right decision when I moved out on my own. How did he even know I was at the bar?
“I’ve spent hundreds of thousands on your education, and you take pictures at a Ferris wheel for a living.” He has perfect aim. His blow lands as he intended. The familiar burn of guilt starts to bubble inside of me.
“Isn't life about doing what makes you happy?” I counter. Is there a price for that too? I’m sure if there is, my father knows it.
“You’ve put on weight.” He ignores my question. Of course, he would comment on my physical appearance. At least I can always count on him being consistent.
“Have I?” I look down at myself. I’ve heard people say that when you fall in love you can gain some weight. I think I’m halfway there, so maybe I’ve put on a few pounds. I smile, not caring because it would be worth it.
“Weight ages you. Think about what will happen when you’re done with this little fit and you come back to the real world.”
I jerk my head up. “I don’t want to be a model,” I remind him for the millionth time.
“You want to get knocked up by a thug and settle down in a small town with nothing?”
Oh, crap. He knows about Big. “That’s what you find in bars like these. Thugs.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. There really are only cowboys in there, but okay. So he doesn't know about Big. I relax as we put distance between us and the bar.
“You shouldn’t be here. This whole idea of yours is already coming apart at the seams. You should come home. You’re out here pretending to be capable of taking care of yourself, but you don’t even know what you want.”
“I know what I don’t want, okay? And I’m doing great out here on my own.” It’s a stupid youthful thing to say, and I inwardly cringe wondering what Big thinks when I say stuff like that. It probably reminds him he’s got his life together, and I’m way too much work for only being a pretty face.
“How do I put this into words that you’ll understand, Amethyst? I’m letting you get this out of your system, but if I find out you are wasting time on some thug, I promise you I’ll get rid of him.”
He doesn't mean kill. He means lean on them somehow. That he’ll throw his money around until he gets what he wants. I don’t think Big is a man you can buy off. I don't actually know how he gets his money. It can't be from working as a bouncer. I don’t think he needs the job. That doesn't mean he couldn't do other things that I don’t know about.
I nod curtly. There’s no point arguing with my father. I thought when I left I was breaking free. Now, he’s going to use people against me. This is never going to end. No matter how far away from my father I get, he’ll always find a way to try to control my life.
“Why can’t I just live my life?” I shout, surprising everyone. Heath jerks the wheel a touch.
“What is wrong with you, Amethyst? Are you having an episode?” I sink back into my seat, my stomach dropping. “Do you need to see Dr. Esther?” He flicks on the light in the back of the car and looks at me as though I’m one of his patients rather than his daughter.
“No,” I whisper and hold my phone tighter. I haven't seen him in years. Not since the breakdown I had in junior high over some of the girls in school making my life hell. It didn't help that there was no one around to talk to.
“If you keep acting like this, I might not give you a choice.”
“I’m not a teenager anymore.” If anything, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my whole life.
“Unless you’re found unfit.” He flicks the light back off.
“What does that mean?” My throat starts to feel tight. “Are you threatening me?” I try to breathe slower. I’m having a panic attack or I’m about to. I fight it back. This would be the utter worst time for this to happen.
“I’m giving you facts. As a father, I will always do what I have to.”
I stare at him, shocked by the fact he is going this far.
“We’re here,” Heath says from the front of the car. I glance at the window to see we are thankfully back at my place. I don’t say bye as I hurry from the car. He came here to threaten me.
He doesn’t know about Big, but he knew where the heck I was tonight. He’s been keeping an eye on me more than I realized.
“Remember what I said, Amethyst. I’ll do what I have to. You’re my daughter,” he calls after me as I make my escape into my building. I’m chilled to the bone just thinking about what my father is actually capable of when he doesn't get his way.
12
Big
My phone buzzes nonstop in my pocket as I speed down the highway, chasing the car that Amethyst got into and drove away in.
I don't know what the hell is going on, but I don't like it. The look on her face when she said she had to go was pinched and nervous. I haven't seen an expression like that on her in any of the time I've known her.
From passing streetlights and other headlights, I can see that she is in the back of the Rolls-Royce with another man. There's a driver, but no one else. If shit gets hairy, I have no doubt that I can take out both of the men in the car without Amethyst getting a scratch.
But I try not to jump to conclusions. After all, my old life of violence is behind me, and Amethyst doesn't seem like the sort of woman who would get mixed up with shady characters. And no, I don't consider myself a shady character anymore.
I let out a sigh of relief as the Rolls-Royce pulls up in front of Amethyst's apartment. She steps out of the car and hurries into the building. The man doesn’t get out. Good. I wouldn’t take too kindly to any man accompanying my girl up to her room.
The Rolls drives away, not in a hurry, as she enters her building and slams the door. I park quickly and make note of the license plate number as the car turns the corner around her building. My phone has been buzzing in my pocket this entire time. No doubt it's Ellie from the bar trying to figure out where the hell I've gone. But I don't have time for that. I try to do my best as a bouncer at the bar, but it's not like I need the money. Besides, Ellie can hold it down while I take care of business with Amethyst.
I follow her into the building and take the stairs two at a time to her apartment. She's just closing the door when I get to it.
"Amethyst!"
"Big?" She opens the door, her eyes wide.
"Are you okay?" I step inside and closed the door behind me, then throw the lock. "Who were those guys? Did they hurt you? What happened?"