Invisible

Chapter 14: First Date

I make no apologies for how this ends!

~A~

Corey had come to a decision. He was done keeping his distance. He knew he'd have to be careful, but he also knew he couldn't stand for Lacey to think her parents didn't care. He hadn't bothered to discuss it with anyone, they were all still debating it and Kayli was more worried about whether or not they should talk to Lacey about everything. He loved them all but sometimes they were more concerned with all the details and the big picture and less with the person at the center. That person was his daughter though and all he cared about was that she was happy and knew that she was loved, and he'd been failing for far too long on both counts. It was time to fix it, if he could. He was damn well gonna try.

He was pacing the porch when he heard the roar of the bike that kid rode. He half expected the bike to come screeching around the corner to a smoking stop but was pleasantly surprised when it didn't. He watched the kid carefully stop, then jump off and hold a hand out for Lacey. He was also happy to see they both wore helmets. He went down the few steps of the porch and waited for them to notice him.

Lacey removed her helmet, handing it to the kid who put it in the saddlebag. She was smiling. It was the first time in almost three years he'd seen that smile. The kid got points just for that. Then she turned and saw him. Her eyes went wide.

"Dad." her voice was laced with shock and the kid straightened next to her as his eyes darted to the porch and found Corey. Corey saw him swallow hard and rub his palm on his torn black jeans. The kid sure looked rough. Torn black jeans, black motorcycle boots, black t-shirt under a black leather racing jacket. His black hair looked like he'd just rolled out of bed and his five o'clock shadow was a little on the heavy side. He didn't hesitate, didn't show fear, didn't glare or look pissy. More points for the kid. He just walked over calmly and held out his hand. Lacey followed behind him, looking like she thought someone was gonna start throwing punches.

"Mr. Henshaw, It's very nice to meet you. I'm Blaze, Lacey's chem partner." His voice held complete respect and Corey had to give him more points.

Corey shook his hand, "Blaze. You've been spending a great deal of time with my daughter." Corey made sure to keep his voice his calm. He wasn't trying to threaten the kid, just get a feel for him and so far he liked what he was seeing.

"Yes sir. She's...well, honestly sir, she's amazing." Corey saw Lacey blush crimson, "I'm sorry if we worried you or your wife, sir. Lacey and I fell asleep watching movies. I assure you nothing happened. With your permission sir, I would like to take Lacey on a date Saturday."

Wow, someone had taught this kid right. Corey was definitely impressed. He glanced at Lacey, who was gazing at him with pleading eyes.

"Alright, on one condition," Corey held out his hand, "Give me your phone," Corey had to give him credit, even though the kid was obviously confused he handed his phone right over. Corey took it, put in his own phone number, saved it to the kid's contacts, then called his own phone before handing it back. "If you're gonna take my daughter out, I wanna know you can get in contact with me if you have too. For anything, understand?" The kid nodded. "Good." Corey turned and went back up the stairs to the shadows of the porch. He turned before going inside, glancing down at them to see Blaze hugging Lacey tightly before dropping a kiss on her forehead.

"I'll call you later, Doll, kay?" Lacey nodded, her face shining with happiness. Corey decided he liked Blaze.

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~Lacey~

I checked myself in the full length mirror in Kat's room nervously before glancing at my sisters lying on the bed.