Chapter 4 - A FATHER’S MISTAKE
Daniel sat on Lily’s bed with the note in his hand.
He wanted to storm downstairs. Instead, he waited until Lily came back from brushing her teeth.
“When did you hear Mom say this?”
“Yesterday. She was on the phone in the pantry.”
“Who was she talking to?”
“I don’t know. She said Mr. Ames once.”
Daniel tried to keep his voice calm. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“She said you were sick. She said if I upset you, it would get worse.”
“I’m not sick, Lil.”
“I know.”
The way she said it nearly broke him.
The next morning, Daniel showed Naomi the note. She read it, then looked up.
“You need to keep Lily out of this.”
“I’m trying.”
“Then don’t ask her to carry any more of it. I’ll find out what Victor filed.”
Daniel agreed. He meant it.
But Saturday’s party was only hours away, and Caroline had begun watching him every time he went near Lily. When he suggested postponing the event, Lily cried. She had chosen the cake, the music, and every blue balloon.
He told himself he could get through one afternoon.
At the hotel, Caroline greeted guests as if nothing was wrong. Victor Ames arrived with a gift box for Lily and shook Daniel’s hand.
“Looking forward to Monday,” Victor said.
Daniel held his gaze. “So am I.”
Victor’s smile faltered.
An hour later, Daniel saw Lily standing outside the ballroom with Caroline. Caroline was crouched in front of her, speaking close to her ear. Lily shook her head.
Daniel started toward them, but a server crossed his path. By the time he reached the hallway, Caroline was gone.
“What did she want?” he asked Lily.
“She asked where you put the paper.”
“What did you say?”
“That I didn’t know.”
Daniel looked toward the ballroom. “Stay with me for the rest of the party.”
Lily nodded, though her eyes kept searching the crowd for her mother.
Daniel should have taken her home then. He would replay that choice for months.
Instead, he went to find their coats.
While he was at the coat check, the hotel’s speakers crackled. Someone announced that Lily should come to the staircase for a birthday photograph.
May you like
Daniel spun toward the ballroom.
Caroline stood at the top of the stairs in her red dress, waiting for their daughter.
