It’s awkward at first with Dad asking about school and all. Then, we both order pepperoni pizzas and talk about his future projects. Apparently, Dad plans to make a school for refugees and I feel kind of proud about that.
His assistant calls, but he tells her to postpone all his appointment for the day.
For the first time in ever, I feel closer to Dad like maybe he doesn’t hate having me all that much.
After lunch, he asks me where I want to go next. I choose the amusement park like how Mum used to take me on my birthdays.
I thought Dad would only watch as I play, but he removes his jacket and tie and plays with me.
We have lots of fun, trying to win stuffed animals. Who knew Dad has an excellent range?
A few people recognise and approach him. He always introduces me first as if it’s important for him that people know about me.
He only drops me home late afternoon when he receives an emergency call.
“I'm sorry for bailing on our date,” Dad says as we both get out of the car in front of the house.
I grin, holding out the stuffed toys we won. “Thanks, Dad. I had fun. I feel lighter now.”
“Remember, Astrid. You’re a Clifford and no one brings us down.”
I try to give him a smile, but at the reminder of how I ran from school today, it comes out as a grimace.
“No one hurts my daughter and gets away with it. Tell me who I have to destroy.”
“No one, Dad.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod.
He takes my hand in his and clasps something around my wrist. “Happy Birthday, Star.”
Before I can say anything, he goes back to his car and disappears down the road.
I look down to find a dainty bracelet around my wrist. There’s a sun, a moon, and a star, like in my tattoo.
My lips curve in a smile, but the weight that somehow vanished in Dad's presence returns.
I go inside the house with a sigh.
Victoria stands at the entrance wearing a scowl and a gown with hideous patterns.
I attempt to ignore her on my way inside but her venom-filled voice stops me in my tracks. “No matter what you do, you’ll always be an outsider.”
“Then why are you feeling so threatened?” I tell her coolly and push past her.
Once I’m in my room, I place my stuffed animals carefully on the table and throw my weight on the bed, closing my eyes.
I wake up to someone shaking my shoulders.
“Dan?” I crack one eye open.
“Jesus Christ, Astrid,” he breathes sitting by my side. “I searched for you the entire day. Give a man a warning when you run off.”
“Sorry. My phone died.” I sit up, rubbing my eyes. “What time is it?”
“Around six. I came as soon as Sarah called. Where did you go anyway?”
I tell him about visiting Mum and my impromptu birthday date with Dad.
“I bet my gift will be better than Uncle Henry’s.” He reaches under the bed and gives me a box of scones. “Mum’s speciality. I helped.”
I half-hug him. “You’re the best, bug.”
“I know.” He grins. “You can thank me by splitting the scones.”
“Nice try, but nope.”
“Stingy.”
“They’re mine.”
He laughs. “Happy Birthday, bugger. How do you want to celebrate?”
His phone rings. Dan silences it and turns it off but not before I see 'Captain' flashing on the screen.
My heart aches as if being sliced open. But then I remember Dad's words from earlier.
You’re a Clifford and no one brings us down.
I shouldn't be feeling sorry for myself, I should be making him feel sorry.
I should make him feel my pain.
“What does he want?” I ask Dan.
“Forget about him.” He throws a dismissive hand. “Back to birthday plans. I cancelled practice and Ronan's party and I'm all yours to binge-watch Vikings.”
I stand up, my veins thumping with determination. “I have a better idea.”
33
Levi
You might have won the battle, but the war is far from over.
* * *
I pace the length of Ronan’s lounge area and run a hand through my already-dishevelled hair.
Searching for Astrid has been the theme of the day. After I went to school and beat the shit out of a few kids who made suggestive remarks her way.
I did it near the back entrance, so there’s no evidence — aside from the bloodied knuckles.
Once I was done, I made the entire team help in searching for Astrid.
Aiden sits opposite me playing chess with Cole, but he keeps watching my every move like he’s my damn mother.
I flip him off and stuff a cigarette in my mouth.
Daniel sent a text, telling me he found Astrid and he’s bringing her to the party.
I thought I’d have to drag her here, not that she’d come of her own accord.
On the outside, this looks in my favour, but it’s not.
Nothing good comes from messing up my plans.
I know it so well since Astrid has fucked up every plan I had for her since the day we met.
It’s been a whole damn hour since Daniel’s text, but they still haven’t shown up.
I breathe through my nose and snatch a lighter from Xan, ignoring his protests.
The party is in full-blown mood despite the Monday part of the deal.
A trendy pop song I don’t give a shit about thumps from the speakers. Everyone dance and grind to it like crazed animals.
Some of the team players down shots, led by Ronan. I’m not even in the mood to stop them. I’ll let Coach kick their arses during practice tomorrow.
I pull out my phone and dial Daniel for the hundredth time in the past hour, but his phone’s still turned off. I curse and start to light my cigarette.
Some murmurs break out at the entrance.
Ronan taps my shoulder. “Holy shit, Captain.”
My attention drifts in the direction where Ronan, Xander, and most of the other kids gawk.
My lips part, almost dropping the cigarette.
At first, I don’t recognise her, but one look at those deep green eyes is enough to identify the girl who’s been fucking up my life in all the right ways.
A low cut black dress reaches her thighs, hugging her curves and outlining her full breasts and the pale tone of her skin. Her brown hair falls on either side of her face. Red lipstick brings out the teardrop in her upper lip and contrasts against her unearthly, pale complexion.
She’s wearing matching red heels like she’s out for a party in the club.
I want to kidnap her somewhere so no one gets to look at her the way I do.
I want to blind my teammates so they don’t see her glowing as I do.
Maybe she’s right. I’m a fucking caveman.
“That’s bloody hot,” Xander mutters.
“Sure as shit,” Ronan says. “Where has she been hiding all those goodies?”
“Hey, fuckers.” I glare at both of them. “Hands off. Eyes off. Go stare at someone else.”
“Maybe you should, too.” Ronan cocks his head ahead. “She’s already taken, Captain.”
Astrid stops near the entrance and throws a look behind her. Daniel winks and saunters ahead.