Playing for Keeps

Daddy's Girl

Lily POV:

I am finally home, this week had me feeling like I was in the middle of a tornado trying to rip me to shreds. It didn't help my anxiety that Jack had not sent me a message all week, no check in on me, nothing. It was disheartening and I found myself moping on the sofa when my dad asked what was wrong on the Tuesday after he had gotten back home. 

"Work Stuff, don't worry" I attempted to reassure him with a smile. He obviously was not buying it, we hadn't seen each other in a while but he knew me, my quirks and mannerisms hadn't changed since I was 10. 

"Who is he?" he asked. I stared at him as the memory of when I had returned home from College after that first time Mike and I had kissed came flooding over me. He had asked the same thing as we sat in the living room watching Spongebob, our favorite. He was the only one who could see the sadness take over my soul, it's in your eyes he had said. 

"There's no one dad" I replied nodding and standing to walk to the kitchen. I was halfway there when he said, "If you like him that much, let him know sweetpea". I felt my muscles spasm and freeze as I turned and said " It's not that easy dad" 

He smiled and gestured me to sit next to him. As I did I laid my head on  his shoulders and what he said next had sent me spiraling for the rest of my stay. 

"It is that easy, look I know I didn't do anything with Mike even when I saw you disappear in front of me and turn into a shell of yourself. I allowed your mom to convince me I was crazy and that you were happy. This time is different, I know your mother had been pestering you to come back since you arrived, but don't. I saw you back, the real you. Your soul was shining through your big brown eyes, and if this guy has helped you get there, don't let it slip through because of some idiot and his stupidity." he placed a kiss on my temple and the floodgates I had been holding in since the Friday I arrived were opened as tears fell down my cheeks. 

"Dad, I will do my best" I mustered to say after I stopped crying. 

I had texted Jack when I was at the airport but it felt odd, I felt odd. For the first time since we began talking, I didn't know what to say. I had finally admitted my feeling, at least halfway admitted, to my dad and I was scared. Scared to get hurt again, scare to loose myself again. 

It was Saturday afternoon when my phone pinged as a message came through. I was in the middle of getting ready, Tanya had convinced me to go out with Liam and Josh again, when I see Jack's message.

Are we ok? 

My breathing picked up and I felt dizzy, what can I say? Oh I think I am falling for you? what type of crazy maniac falls for someone they've never seen? me that's who. 

yeah, sorry I've been busy unpacking and stuff

Heading to work, but do you want to play when I get off? around 10?

can't going on a date

Oh, cool. Where to?

some bar downtown

what bar DT? gotta be more specific *eyeroll*

The Tipsy Crow, It's with Tanya and her BF. 

Double date, sounds fun. 

eh.

Have fun, ttyt?

yeah, we can play some COD tomorrow? I'm free all day.

enjoy the date Winnie :)

That last message made me feel empty, did he not care? Of course he didn't what a dufus I am, thinking this guy might care if I am out with someone else.