Bondi by request

Chapter 18

The next morning, Poppy woke to hear someone moving softly around her apartment. As she opened her eyes, she could see Harrison tiptoeing around with one shoe in his hand.

"Not sneaking off were you" she said with a smile

"Trying not to wake you" he smiled back "I seem to have lost a shoe though"

Poppy got out of bed, put her robe on and helped him look

"Ah! Here!" she said as she pulled his shoe out from under her bed

"Thanks" he said, taking it from her and putting it on "I'm sorry to leave early but I gotta go get ready for work"

Poppy nodded

"Plus, I didn't wanna run into your Dad" he added with a wink

He pulled her into a hug and they both jumped when there was a knock at her door

"Shit!" he whispered as they stared at each other

"It's just me Poppy" they heard her Dad call from the other side of the door

"Quick" she whispered as she ushered him into the bathroom and closed the door.

She opened her front door and smiled at her Dad

"Sorry Dad, was just about to get into the shower" she lied

"Just wondered if you fancied breakfast?" he asked, confused as to why she wasn't inviting him inside

"Sounds great" she said "If you're all ready then go ahead and I can meet you at the café in ten minutes?"

"Ok" he replied with a frown "We'll meet you there then, shall I order you coffee and a bacon sandwich?"

"Perfect" she replied

She hurried back inside and Harrison peeped his head out of the bathroom

"Phew, that was close" he whispered

Poppy pressed her head against her door and listened as her family left the building while Harrison looked out of the window to watch them get far enough away to not see him leave.

"Ok, coast clear" he said

"Sorry about all the sneaking around" Poppy said

"Hey, I understand" he smiled "Dad's can be very protective over daughters"

Poppy smiled and kissed him

"See you tonight?" he said as he opened the door to leave

Poppy nodded "Yeah let me know when you finish work and we'll make a plan"

Harrison jogged down the steps and out of view so Poppy quickly got changed and also left to go and meet her family.

She arrived at the café just in time as her food had arrived and she began to eat but noticed her Dad looking at her.

"What?" she asked him

"Nothing sweetheart" he smiled and he turned to his own breakfast and began eating.

Once breakfast was finished, they paid and left, beginning their short walk home.

"Errrm, Beth, you and the girls go ahead" her Dad started "Poppy, will you take a walk on the beach with your old Dad please?"

"Sure" said Poppy nervously as she made eye contact with Beth who shrugged but also looked concerned

Poppy and her Dad made their way to the beach in silence