Forever and Always

Chapter 23

Dani's POV

I stared at my house from Aly's car. My hand gripped Demi's and Aly looked at us front the front seat. She had picked us up at the airport with Mason, who was in the passenger seat. They were all going to come in with me.

"Baby, we're all here for you," Demi said, noticing my hesitation. "You can do this."

I nodded and got out. Everyone followed me up to the door. I called Dad before and told him I was coming so he said he'd leave the door unlocked.

When I walked in, I avoided looking in the living room and went straight to the kitchen. He was there, sitting at the island and swirling what looked like whiskey in a glass.

Dad looked up at me with red-tinged eyes. He looked like shit, unshaven and in an old flannel that was unevenly buttoned with ratty jeans on.

Without saying anything, I stormed over, grabbed the glass and threw it in the sink. It shattered into pieces and I turned back to him.

He was looking at Mason, Aly, and Demi, who were looking at me. Except Demi, she stared at my dad.

"You look familiar," Dad said, his voice sounded as if it hadn't been used in days. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

Demi walked over and stuck out her hand. She had a smile on her face but he eyes seemed to be analyzing him.

"I'm Demi Lovato."

Dad's eyes sparked with recognition and he grabbed her hand. "I just watched you on the Christmas Day Parade."

I laughed bitterly.

"With your other family, I presume, because it sure as hell wasn't with me," I growled at him.

Dad whipped around and he actually seemed like himself, nostrils flared and eyes angry, I almost smiled. Then he sighed and looked back at Demi.

"Please excuse my daughter's temper," he said to her and she nodded.

"I'm very aware of her temper, sir."

I rolled my eyes. "Demi, you don't have to call him 'sir'. He hasn't earned any respect. Dad, she's my fucking girlfriend."

"You're dating a celebrity?" He looked shocked.

"No, I'm dating a person! And you don't get to act interested in my life all of a sudden! You're lucky I'm even here, Demi forced me to come."

I knew the act he had put on the phone was just that. An act. He's still the same old dick.

Dad looked at each one of them. "Can I get some time alone with my daughter?"

Demi looked ready to protest but Mason out his hand on her shoulder.

"Yes, we'll just go to a restaurant and get something to eat," Mason answered before she could say anything.

She looked at me and I walked over. I gave her a little kiss and smiled at her.

"I know you promised you'd be here for me but you don't have to stay. I'm fine at the moment and besides, you're not going to want to be here for this," I threw a glare over my shoulder at my dad but he was looking at the alcohol cupboard. I looked back at her. "I'll call you when I need you."

"Alright," Demi nodded and wrapped me in a hug. "Be safe."

Alyson, Mason, and Demi left.

"Does she make you happy?" Dad's question caught me off guard.

I looked at him and crossed my arms. "Yeah, she does. Unlike some people in my life."

He sighed. "Dani, look-"