Chapter 30

Emmie sighed as she climbed into her big garden tub. She slipped under the water and closed her eyes. Slicking her hair back as she came up. She relaxed back and let her mind wander. Two weeks, she’d been home for two weeks now and it took all her might not to pick up the phone and call him. But, why should she call him? He’s the one who told her she was nothing more than a pretty little bauble on his arm. Be seen not heard? If she wanted to stand around being someone little arm trophy looking shiny and pretty she could do that here! No she was NOT calling that big ole stubborn mule! Maybe if he wasn’t high all the time he’d see, she only did what she did cause she cared so damn much.

She'd thought she needed a break, all the fast pace and chaos of the road just wore her down. She’d told Gia, who was sad to say the least but other than that no one knew why she left. Not even her father who had watched her like a hawk since her return. Her mother, god her mother just wouldn't stop with the I told you so’s and sometimes Emmie just wanted to scream at her. At least her father kept silent about any doubts he had.

Richie sat staring out the window, vaguely recognizing the passing scenery. He hadn’t spoken much to anyone since she left . Several times these past two weeks he wanted to pick up the phone but quickly , resign-fully hung it back up . He was just too damned stubborn to admit he was wrong and that he missed the fuck out of her.

The day she left , he dove hard into drinking and partying but now it was barely touching his dull ache that now resided in his heart. He cast a glance over at Jon and Gia who were all cuddled up on the sofa across from him -- God did they have to always look so damned happy . He growled to himself. He was happy for him but damn if he wasn’t jealous . But it was his fault he didn’t have the same happiness, Wasn’t it ?  He thought for sure she would have called by now but not once did his hotel room phone rang other than Jon checking in on him or tell him they had to go do some business shit .  He let out a deep sad sigh  Call her damn’t that’s all you have to do , I can’t then I would be wrong .  Shaking his head he turned his attention back to the scenery while his mind fought a waging battle within.


Emmie padded through the kitchen, her fluffy pink robe wrapped securely around her. She glanced curiously at the luggage sitting in the foyer. Her father came barreling down the hall, another suitcase trailing behind him. She shook her head and chuckled. The man was always on the go. Just like..... She growled and shook the thought of HIM from her mind.

“Going somewhere dad?”

Daniel glanced up from packing , a sad smile spread across his face. He had been so worried about his daughter , since she had returned home , she was so distant, though she tried to hide it but he knew her too well. He had no idea what had happened on the road but it couldn’t have been good.   “Hi sweetheart ! Yes your mom wants to go to San Diego for the week. or two . She says we don’t have enough time alone . Are you going to be okay by yourself “

Emmie didn’t even bother to hide her smirk “Not enough alone time huh?” She chuckled and then closed her eyes with a  groan. The though of her rigid mother wanting alone time with her father was enough to make her want to laugh out loud then cringe. Now that she knew all about what that meant the thought just made her skin crawl. She giggled. She supposed she shouldn’t be surprise though, after all they’d managed to bring her into the world hadn’t they. “Yeah, yeah dad I’ll be fine you just go... have a ... good time.” she snorted in laughter.

“It’s not that funny “ Daniel chided as a smirk fell over his face .  “Look honey, Maybe you can call that man of yours and you two can work it out? “  Did I just suggest that ?  Daniel thought to himself  but actually he would anything for his daughter to be happy .

Emmie felt her spine stiffen. “Look, dad it’s....” She sighed. How could she even explain. She couldn’t. Maybe before they could have worked it out but now, not now. If she only had herself to worry about she may have been able to over look his--extra curricular activities as he liked to call them. But now, no. There was more at stake now than just him and her and it was her responsibilty to make sure everything was safe, secure. She shook her head. “I don’t... see that happening now dad ok?”

Daniel crossed the room , pulling her into a deep embrace  “Not if either of you don’t try it won’t . What could be this bad you rather be miserable without him than happy with him ? “ He asked , while stroking her hair lovingly

She pulled away and rolled her eyes. “Where do i start?” she half laughed. “Look, he’s not....”she groaned. She looked away, her father was going to kill her she just knew it. “Let’s just say he and I are not in the same... place in our lives and well, I...I have a situation that I have to deal with and I refuse to deal with it with him like he is ok?” She shook her head. “And he isn’t gonna change, he doesn’t want to and it’s rude of me to ask him to so... just.. I don’t need him.” she said, trying to convince herself as much as her father.

Daniel debated a moment then decided for now he would let the matter drop “ Ok sweetheart , but when your mom and I get back we are going to discuss this further “ He dropped a kiss on her head ,then released her. He walked back to the suitcase, closing it shut “ I better get going or your mother might change her mind  “ he winked.

“Right” She gave a shaky laugh. “Right you get going love you both.” she paused. “Look dad, don’t... don’t tell mom anything about... well anything ok? “ Not that she had given up any secrets just them but still, he Mother never was as non judgemental as her father and she just didn’t need the added stress.

He paused at the doorway and smiled “You think I want to ruin this vacation , No baby your secret whatever it is - is safe with me . Now if you need us  well me call the resort , We will be in Suite 500 “

Emmie nodded “I’ll be fine now go.” She chuckled as she watched him struggle out the door with his luggage. Once he disappeared into the waiting Lincoln town car she sighed and walked to the couch. Sitting down hard she pulled the little white stick from her robe pocket. Staring at the two glaringly bright pink lines she let her head fall back and sighed. What the hell do I do now?