What did her father say to induce such a strong reaction? That bastard. I knew he’d hurt her. It’s all he’s capable of doing. I should’ve never agreed to let them meet. I knew better.

I send Lucas a worried message:

What’s going on?

No answer.

Lucas, please, I’m dying here

Still nothing.

I try to call him, but he doesn’t pick up. After a few unbearably long minutes, a reply finally comes in.

It didn’t go well

“No kidding,” I snap in frustration, and read the next text.

I know as much as you, but Tegan is okay

Or will be okay, soon

She’s agreed to let me buy her ice cream

We’re going to talk, and then I’ll take her home to you

Go easy on yourself, this is not on you, but him, and only him

And, again, don’t worry, Tegan is safe with me

I was already blaming myself for everything, when Lucas’ texts force me to pause. Yeah, except for having had zero taste in men when I was a teen, I can’t turn bad people into decent ones with the flip of a magic wand. We all have to deal with our choices, and I’ve come to terms with mine. It’s killing me not to be there to comfort Tegan, but I’m also strangely relieved to know she’s with Lucas. Despite our rocky relationship, he’s the only man I’ve ever trusted with the wellbeing of my daughter. Weird, uh?

***

When they arrive home much later that evening, Tegan flies into my arms, hugging me tightly. I hold her, too, and we stay in this position for a few minutes.

Lucas is keeping a few steps back, waiting respectfully on the front porch. I mouth a “Thank you,” at him over Tegan’s shoulder. He nods.

Once Tegan lets me go, I invite Lucas in, but he refuses. “I’d better go. It’s late, and you girls have a lot to talk about.”

Upon hearing his favorite human’s voice, Max comes rushing down the hall to greet Lucas.

I give Lucas the leash and thank him again. Tegan does the same, hugging him, and then both the dog and his owner are gone.

Tegan and I sit on the couch, and I don’t know where to start. I have so many questions.

Probably sensing the house is finally free of canine invaders, Priscilla saunters through the living room and moves into the kitchen for her first meal of the day, while her lowered ears and scorned attitude ensure we understand how deeply offended she still is.

Well, Missy, today we all had to deal with unpleasant shit. Welcome to the club.

Unable to bear another minute of waiting, I ask Tegan, “Do you want to talk about what happened?”