Pure Seduction

Chapter 17

After breakfast yesterday, Alex left and I was left alone to check out. He told me he'd call me soon but I feel like soon is never going to come. Today I'm taking Isabelle and my dad out for dinner to tell them about recent events in my life.

They were out of town when I contacted them so we agreed to meet up at a restaurant in Plant City. I sit across them in the booth and look over my menu as the waitress sets our drinks in front of us. "So how have you been?" my dad asks.

"Really good. How is everything with you two?"

He smiles at Isabelle beside him. "Great. We can't wait for the baby to get here."

She smiles back at him. "Soon, baby."

I can't help but smile at the two. Even though we've had our problems, my dad has been there for us a lot the past five years. I won't forget about my childhood but I can forgive him for it and that's just what I've done. He deserves to be happy.

After we've ordered, we make small talk as we wait for our food. My dad begins talking about his job which eventually turns into talking about mine. Isabelle gushes over some pictures she seen on Instagram. "I can't wait for the baby to get here so I can get my body back," she says. "You looked stunning in those photos. Oh! And that picture with Alex. Why didn't you tell me about that?"

Glancing at my dad I notice him frowning. I assume he has seen the photos too. "That photo shoot was done the same day I was admitted into the hospital," I shrug. "There were more important things to worry about."

She nods understandingly, giving me a sad smile. My dad leans forward and crosses his arms on the table. "I don't understand why you have to take photos like that. You're beautiful just the way you are. There's no need to take off your clothing."

"Dad, it's part of my job," I sigh. "And if it makes you feel any better, my photographer is gay and he's the only one who sees me."

It's not a complete lie but I am comfortable enough with my body to show it off a little. "But you don't have to let men put their hands on you."

I raise my eyebrows. "Dad, this is Alex we're talking about. He's my ex. If he wouldn't have done it, some random guy would have."

He sighs. "I still don't like it."

Clearing my throat, I give him an apologetic look. "While we're on the subject, I need to discuss something else."

"Go ahead," Isabelle says.

"Yesterday I had a photo shoot where I was in a bath tub but you couldn't see anything." My dad sighs in relief and I hesitate to go on. "But after that I was photographed in the shower."

His eyes widen and I shrink in my seat. "Please tell me you at least covered yourself."

"Of course I did but the photos are still quite graphic."

He shakes his head. "What am I going to do with you?"

"That's not all," I say softly.

He looks at me like I'm crazy. "Are you trying to kill me?"

I shake my head. "This one isn't as bad as the last one. I made the cover of Sports Illustrated."

Isabelle grins. "That's great!"

"But -"

"For fucks sake, Madison," my dad says in disbelief. "I'm on my death bed right now."

I can't help but chuckle. "I was in a bikini but my thumbs were hooked in the bottoms pushing it down slightly."

He sighs. "Okay. Now that I can breathe - congratulations. I'm very proud of you but you have to realize it's hard for me."

"I know, dad. That's why I thought I'd tell you because I didn't want you to stumble across them or be surprised if someone brought them up during a conversation," I explain.

"Well, thanks for letting me know," he says with a small smile.

The waitress returns with our food and we begin eating. Music plays softly in the background and I find myself looking around the room. In the center of the restaurant is a fully stocked U-shaped bar. I realize I haven't told my dad about the meetings I've been attending. "I've been attending AA meeting since the hospital," I announce. "I haven't drank since that night."

My dad looks so happy my heart melts. "Good for you, sweetheart. Do you need anything? Money? Transportation? Anything?"

"No, I have it all under control but if I need anything I'll let you know. Thank you."

"No problem," he says.

After we've eaten, we begin talking about Leila and her pregnancy. Apparently she has been staying with her boyfriend ever since she announced she was pregnant. She doesn't realize that parenting is hard. I had a hard time taking care of Jordan and Leila after our parents left us but I at least had child support for them. I did what I had to just to get by and I regret a lot of it.

As I think back to when we lived in Michigan, I think about how Alex and I were together. Sex was a big part of our relationship but I know I loved him. Even though it was hard at the time, I know leaving was the right thing to do. It took it's toll on me but I've bettered myself in many ways since then.

When I first moved down here my dad helped me get my GED. I think he felt bad that I couldn't graduate because I had to work to be able to provide for the kids. On top of that, I've got an amazing job that I can't be more thankful for. I never would have gotten this opportunity in Michigan.

What shocks me is that he has been here this whole time. Five years of what-ifs about our relationship when he was so close. But now he's here and that's all that matters. I couldn't be happier.

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