Our Deep End | ✔️

CHAPTER 17

Christians POV
"I'm nervous, why am I nervous?" An anxious Elle whispers to herself while playing with her hands. The rest of the week eventually passes by after my reconcile with Elle. Things kinda went back to normal, except we've been spending a lot more time together. She allowed me to give her rides again, and invited me to stay every evening. It was nice. I learned a lot about her too. She's allergic to eggplant, and her favorite movie is Titanic. Driving makes her nervous, and that's the real reason she doesn't wanna get her license. She blushes a lot, and has the most beautiful smile. I loved being near her, which brings me to right now. It was finally Friday... aka dinner with my father. 

"Don't be nervous," I chuckle, before placing my hand over hers. I see redness on her cheeks erupt, and I'm very tempted to lean over and kiss them. We were currently in a crowded restaurant waiting for my dad to arrive. He's the one who made the reservation after all. The pictures Elle sent me of her in that dress didn't do any justice. She looked gorgeous, and sexy all in the same breath. The white against her tan skin gave her an angelic glow. Her hair was curled, and she wore vibrant red lipstick. I'm never the type to put anyone down for their looks but Hunter is a fucking idiot for cheating on her with Liv. She couldn't hold a candle to Elle. Then again, I can't name many people who can. She's one of a kind, in every way.

"Hello?" She waves her hand in front of my face.

I quickly snap out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, what?"

"You should call your dad. Maybe we got the wrong restaurant?"

"Nope. This is definitely it, but I'll call him."

She nods as I pull out my phone, and dial his number. We've been waiting for close to forty minutes. I wasn't that angry, because of the quality time I get to spend with Elle. He should be here already though.

"Hello?"  I hear his voice finally come in through the mic. I immediately put my phone on speaker.

"Hey, where are yo-"

"I'm so sorry. There's been a slight change of plans. I need to be in Toronto by tonight, the business depends on it."

I take a second to process his words. Of fucking course. I fucking knew something like this would happen, cause God forbid he actually puts his child before work. I stay silent.

"Good news is, I'll be home for the holidays. That's non negotiable. I promise."

I look over at Elle, and she's got on a soft gaze. She felt sorry for me. I wanted to tell her not to, and that I'm used to being disposable to my own father but instead I just hang up the phone and massage my temples. I feel one of her hands caress my back, bringing me immense comfort and calmness.

"I'm sorry," She sighs. I close my eyes for a moment. Part of me is disappointed, but I'm really not surprised. I know how it goes. When he comes back, he's gonna fill up my bank account, call it a day and be off again.

"Don't be," I plaster on a smile. "I'll take you home."

***
The ride is silent. Not even the radio was on. I was processing my thoughts the whole time my eyes were on the road. I assume Elle wanted to speak up, but didn't wanna say the wrong thing. I can't help but to think of my theories about Esme. My father hasn't stayed here a single night since we've been back. Is he that scared of the truth coming out? I mean...it makes sense. Then again, I've never been a priority so I don't really know what to think.

"We're here," I say, pulling into Elle's driveway. It was around nine o'clock and nobody was home. Typical weekend.

"You coming in?" She asks.