Balotelli-Bale Series Book #4: THE OTHER MAN PART 1

Chapter 43: A Shot In The Dark

"...you are as trying as your challenges..."

Keira's POV
Dad is in a mood this morning. I'm guessing that NGS didn't go his way in Texas. My father is not the kind of man to throw a fit when he's mad. He will keep to himself and grumble out monotone responses.

"Are you all right daddy?"

His eyes are sharp today. I gave him a small smile hoping he will return it. "No honey I'm not."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Do you want to talk about who fixed the barn door? Because I know it's not you."

Oh snap! "Uh... Someone else fixed it."

"Thank you captain obvious. That is obviously noted. Who did? Nick?"

Is Nick handy? Does he use tools or is he the kind to pay someone to fix things? I have never seen him fixings anything but then again we haven't exactly been together like that.

"Not Nick. Don't throw a fit daddy but a stranger came over. His car had problems and he offered to fix the barn door in exchange for somewhere to sleep. I agreed."

He held his hands at his waist. "And I suppose he slept with the horses? You stacked up some hay he can use as a bed?"

"No daddy. I let him sleep in the guest room."

He nodded his head. "Do you... is your view of people that naive? Are you foolishly optimistic?" He never speaks like this. I frowned at him. I'm sorry honey. I'm sorry. I'm not saying... Keira, if I haven't said it enough, then I'll start saying it. You should not trust people at face value. I am concerned that this trust you have in people will get you hurt."

"Nick was here a little later on." I told him hoping it will calm him. He sighed in relief. If he knows Nick was out like a bulb, then he will throw a fit. Some things are better not said. "You're turn daddy. What is really bothering you?"

"He refused to sell." He sighed yet again. "I doubled his offer and he refused to sell."

After Nick helped us out,my father was able to get enough money to buy back out land in Texas. They went there to do that but it seems his efforts hit a brick wall. That land has been in his family for eight generations and selling it broke his heart. It was necessary because we couldn't keep all those acres and stay afloat.

I rested my hand on his back. I pressed a delicate kiss on his cheek. "Don't worry daddy. Things will look up. Let's just be patient. I love you."

"You should come to Amalfi with us."

They are excited about taking a vacation.

"No!" I laughed. "You guys need it more. You go ahead. We will take one together during the holidays."

"Don't say I didn't offer."

"I'm going to take some breakfast to mom."

"Good luck with that. When she's watching that gossip show... the one about.... what is it about again?"

"Mistresses Exposed." I cringed at the name.

"That one. She never does anything else."

"I made her banana chocolate chip pancakes. They are her favorite. She will eat." I carried the tray with the teapot, some orange juice and the pancakes. I can hear the sound of the TV. I saw her frown, not the face she wears when she's watching this show. She usually joins in the jeering but I guess when your own daughter is a mistress, things change. But am I really his mistress given how the last conversation played out?