Not That Girl

Chapter 14

The front door opened just before I reached it and I felt Michael wrap a protective arm around me as the man strode in.

My eyes widened, 'Daddy?'

'Happy birthday Veronica.'

I scrunched my eyebrows in confusion, 'What're you doing here?'

'I came home for your birthday of course.'

'You haven't seen me on my birthday since I was twelve, I just didn't think you'd be here.'

'And I didn't think you'd be half naked.'

'It's a bikini and I've seen your girlfriends in much less.' I snapped.

He sighed, 'Can we not fight today?

'Fine, I'm doing some stuff with my friends so whatever.'

'You don't want to see your present?'

'Nope.'

I took Michael's hand and started walking back out to the pool, he gave me a quick hug and squealed my hand. 'You okay?'

'Not really.' I muttered.

He pulled me around the corner away from the pool, 'Talk.'

'I dunno, I should be used to him coming and going randomly but I just didn't expect him to show up.'

'Maybe he's trying to be a good dad?'

'The last time he tried to stick around and play read dad I walked in on him screwing my twenty year old yoga teacher.' I sighed, 'A class he forced me to take.'

'That sucks ass.'

I chuckled, 'Yeah it did. What about you? Any crazy family drama to distract me?'

'My dad is okay, a little distant but he really tried so be there for me and my mother is the typical overbearing rich mom.' He smiled, 'She tries really hard and dotes on me a lot since I'm the only child.'

'You're parents didn't ask you to come home during the break?'

'My mother's a designer and her new line of clothing is coming out so I told her to focus on it, she felt so bad but my dad calmed her down.'

'So your mom's the millionaire?'

'My dad made millions though producing construction stuff and then supported my mom's passion for fashion.'

'They sound amazing.'

He smiled, 'They're great but they're also one of the reasons I race. I can't stand their safe, quiet life so I race for the thrill.'

I smiled, 'It's dangerous and makes you feel alive.'

'Exactly.'

'Veronica!?' I groaned at the sound of my father's voice.

'I've asked him to call me Ronny a thousand times.' I groaned and rounded the corner to face my father. His suit was splattered with water.

'Bella hugged you after she got out of the pool didn't she?'

He smiled, 'Yeah, she did. Ryan was just as happy to see me as you though.'

'No surprise, uh, why were you looking for me?'

'I wanted to show you something.' He nodded for me to follow him.

He led us outside and around to the garage, but stopped suddenly, 'You.' He pointed at Michael, 'Cover her eyes.'

Before I could protest his hands were over my eyes and he was leading me forward.

'This is so stupid.' I muttered.

'Okay, you can look.'

Parked right in front of the garage was a red McLaren 650S. A shiny, new beautiful car with silver rims, a streamline look and a black leather interior.

'Why is there a McLaren in front of me?'

'Well, I know you wanted an Astern Martin but I figured this is faster, hotter and more expensive.'

'It's mine?'

'Do you like it?'

'Holy shit! I LOVE IT! HOLY CRAP IT'S THE BEST THING YOU'VE EVER DONE!'

I was still freaking out and fan girlling over my new car when Ryan came running around the corner, panicked. He looked at the car, then me and rolled his eyes walking away.

I ran to the car inspecting it's shiny body work and overall beauty.

'I can't believe you bought me this.'

'Did I finally get it right?'

'Yeah. You did.'

Better late than never.