What Lies Beneath

Chapter 23: Love's Deeds Done

Bonnie Bennett grabbed up her purse and car keys, taking the steps two at a time as she hurried downstairs towards the front door. Her hand was on the knob and twisting when her father's voice floated from the couch. She hadn't even seen him—that's the head space that she was in. Fixing him with a smile, she drifted over to stand in front of him. He was a tall man, at least 6'2 with smooth brown skin and kind dark eyes. Usually dressed in a suit and tie, today he'd opted for jeans and a simple button down shirt.

"Where are you rushing off to?" He inquired as he put his newspaper down.

She thumbed to the door. "Jenna asked me if I would help out at the Lockwood estate for their annual masquerade ball."

He nodded and watched her for a moment. "Oh yeah I had almost forgot about that. Your Grams loved that thing; she loved to see what people were wearing. Fashion was probably one of her only normal hobbies."

She chuckled softly. "Yeah. She'd always help me with my outfit and the accessories to go with it. But Elena agreed to go shopping with me this year. It's not the same but…"

Patting the cushion beside him, he smiled when she sat. "I know you miss her a lot. I do too." Pause. "But I think she would be proud of us for how well we are handling everything."

Before or after she found out about my slumber party with a vampire? "Yeah."

Smoothing a hand over his close cut black hair, he cleared his throat. "Who's Damon Salvatore?"

If she'd been drinking she would no doubt be slightly choking right now. "Um he—he's Elena's boyfriend's brother."

"And how old is he?" He asked.

Why? "I—I'm not sure. Twenty something probably. Why?"

Mr. Bennett shrugged nonchalantly. "I hear you have been seen around town with him."

Her mouth dropped but she played it off as a yawn. "Who told you that?"

"Carol Lockwood." He said simply. "She said she felt it was her duty to inform me that my teenage daughter was possibly dating a man far too old for her."

Yeah I so bet that was her intention. She's just looking out for poor little old me against the gorgeous guy. "I see. Well Damon and I aren't dating."

He eyed his child suspiciously. "Are you sure? Because Bonnie I know you are an intelligent, talented girl but from what I have been told about his guy, he's not someone you should be associated with. Not to mention he's too old for you."

Sighing, she fiddled with her keys. "Just what have you heard? Because if it comes from Carol Lockwood then I can say without a doubt she's just jealous that he's not interested in her."

A brow rose. "So you are seeing him?"

Bonnie made a face. "It's complicated."

"Explain it to me then." He requested, folding his arms over his chest.

God this is almost as painful as pulling teeth. "I'm not sure what to tell you. I mean, Damon and I met because his brother and my best friend are together. We—we hang out sometimes. And you know I will be eighteen soon and it's not like he lured me into his car with the promises of candy. I can handle him."

Her father didn't seem convinced however. "Are you exclusive? And how long have you been hanging outwith him?"

"Yes." It was mostly the truth. "Um well he arrived into town at the start of the school year so a few weeks after that until now."