WHITNEY’S POV
I entered Healthy Pets after Brad dropped me off. As soon as I walked in the door Paige ran to me and hugged me tight.
“I am so sorry about your mother.” she whispered to me.
I hugged her back and thanked her for the condolences.
She pulled back and gave me a small smile. “Let me know when the funeral is.”
I nod that I will and head into the back. I find Sam in his office and he jumps up when I enter. He too hugs me and tells me he’ll be in attendance at the funeral to support me.
I pull back and thank him for letting me come in. He just smiles and gives me a few tasks to start on. I nod and place on a lab coat before starting the day.
Around five o’clock I am finishing up with a customer when the door opens and my father walks in. I am shocked to see him and his angry eyes are zoomed in on me.
“Whitney, do you know that man? He’s been coming by looking for you since Monday.” Paige whispers to me.
I tell her that he is my father. She nods and walks into the back. My customer thanks me for my help and when she leaves my father marches up to the counter.
“How dare you not call me and tell me about your mother?!” he screams at me.
“We aren’t exactly on speaking terms. I don’t even have your number.” I reason.
“You could’ve looked me up! I deserved to know she was dead! I had to find out from watching the news!”
I hear him choking up on his words a bit.
“Well I’m sorry you had to find out that way. I was devastated to find her dead in her bedroom okay. Brad and I are handling the funeral arrangements…”
“Needleman?” he interrupts me. “You’re letting him take care of everything?! I don’t think so! I was married to her for over twenty years so I will handle the funeral. How much money was in her life insurance policy? A couple thousand? Miller & Thomas can do a really great funeral for under ten grand.”
“No, Brad and I will take care of this. Mom would’ve wanted it this way.” I say firmly.
“You wouldn’t know what she wanted. You didn’t talk to her for ten years! You’re the reason she left me and the reason I lost my damn job! I should’ve made her get that abortion!”
I gasp at his words. Is that how he really thought of me?
“Why don’t you take some responsibility for this situation Mr. King?”
I look over my father’s shoulder and see Brad standing there. He steps forward as my dad spins to face him.
