Rebecca and I were currently waiting in line to buy movie tickets when my phone went off in my pocket.

I pulled it out and raised one finger to Rebecca, who was mid conversation. "Hello?"

"Skylar... we got him." My dad said.

I took a nervous glance at Rebecca before walking out of hearing distance. "Dad, I'm with Rebecca."

"Oh, don't worry about it, we can handle it."

"Are you sure, dad?"

"Yeah. Besides, if we get caught, you'll be safe."

I let out a small sigh. "Just be careful, ok?"

"I will. You just have fun, I'll text you when it's over."

"Ok. Bye, dad... I love you."

"Love you to, bye."

I slid my phone back into my pocket before making my way back towards Rebecca.

"Who was that?"

"Spam call. I swear, the minute you get a phone, it's like they know."

She giggled as we made our way to the front counter.

We got our two tickets and made our way to the concession counter, where we ordered two drinks and one large popcorn to share.

We walked off towards the theaters and stopped in front of one of the many numbered doors.

"That's us." She said as she made her way into the theatre.

We took two seats at the very top and caught the end of the opening credits before the movie started.

Rebecca picked a horror movie, which was a personal favorite of mine. But, she seemed scared shitless.

Good thing I had no problem holding her close.

"Why'd you pick this movie if you're scared?" I whispered.

"Well, I heard they were your favorite."

"From who?"

"Wendy. Her and that redhead came into the diner the other day and we got to talking."

"Awe, Rebecca you didn't ha-" I stopped mid sentence, her words finally sinking in.

'Why were Wendy and Jen at the diner together?' I thought.

"You ok? You kinda zoned out on me." She said with a chuckle, pulling me from my thoughts.

I nodded slowly. "Uh... Yeah. I was just thinking."

"Good things I hope."

"I only ever think about you anymore." I lied smoothly.

She rolled her eyes and smiled as she snuggled up closer to me...

The movie was coming to an end and I realized I missed the whole thing. I spent the whole time trying to figure out why they were at the diner together. Maybe they ran into each other, I've seen Jen there before. But, Wendy only went to Twist unless I dragged her somewhere else. Maybe they were on a date...

Rebecca grabbed my arm, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"You coming?" She asked with a giggle.

I looked around and realized everyone was leaving.

"Uh... Yeah, sorry." I stood from my seat awkwardly.

'What a perfect date... dipshit.' I thought as I followed Rebecca out of the theatre and to the parking lot.

We walked next to each other, slowly looking for my car, when she slid her hand into mine.

I glanced over at her.

"You ok?" She asked.

"Yeah. I'm better than ok." I lied.

"Skylar." She said sternly, giving me a look.

Dammit. "Ok fine, why were Wendy and Jen at the diner together?"

"That's what you've been obsessing over?" She asked, rolling her eyes.

I sighed. "Rebecca, it's not like that. I just know that Jen chick can be sneaky and I'm worried about my best friend."

She looked at me and must've seen the truth behind my eyes because she let out a heavy sigh. "Sorry... It seemed like they were on a date."

"It's ok. And what made you think that?"

"Well, either they were on a date or they were eye-fucking each other because they're best friends."

"Wow, was it really that obvious?"

"I didn't know you could eat a french fry seductively up until then and I wish I still didn't."

I laughed loudly as I searched my pocket for my keys, but I hit my phone first.

I pulled it out, remembering my phone call with my dad. I opened the screen and saw two missed texts.

One saying: "It's done."

And the other saying: "Talk later?"

I pulled up the keyboard and sent him a quick text. "Sure thing, dropping Rebecca off now."

I closed my phone and slid it back into my pocket.

I pulled my keys out and unlocked her door first, holding it open for her as she got in.

I got in after that, starting the car and heading off towards her house.

"Sorry I zoned out during the movie." I started.

"It's ok. That just means you'll have to take me on another date to make up for it." She giggled.

"Sounds fair, you're on."

She slid her hand in mine and I took a quick side glance at her, smiling.

"What?" she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Nothing, you're just amazingly beautiful sometimes."

"Sometimes!" She squealed, which made me laugh.

"You know I'm just kidding. You're the sexiest woman to ever walk the earth and I would gladly bow to you, my goddess."

She laughed which in turn made me start to laugh again.

Something about her laugh was contagious and I loved it. I loved everything about her and I was convinced she was perfect in every way...

I pulled up in front of her house and kissed her before she exited the car.

"I love you." I said out the window.

"Love you to." She said, blowing me a kiss before heading into her house.

I peeled out down the street and quickly made my way to my dads house.

I pulled into the driveway and walked up to the front door. I knocked twice and he greeted me in the doorway.

"Finally, come on in."

I walked through the doors and saw Roy and Jimmy sitting at the table.

"So, how'd it go, boys?" I asked them.

"Better than expected." Roy answered first.

"The kid nearly pissed himself." Jimmy added with a loud, billowing laugh.

"So, he's gonna leave us alone?" I asked.

"He made that pretty clear through the tears and begging." Jimmy answered, laughing out loud again.

I grinned widely and nodded. "I wish I coulda been there."

"Doubt it, it was a little messy down by the lake." My dad replied, pointing to his muddy boots and pant legs.

I chuckled. "It would've been worth it, but at least that bullshit is outta my life."

They all nodded in agreement.

I said my goodbyes and turned on my heel to leave, but my dad stopped me.

"Uh... Skylar... you wanna stay for a drink? Me and the guys are gonna play some poker." He asked.

I smiled before turning around. Poker was my game, I've never lost and I didn't plan on starting now.

"Sure thing, dad. As long as your friends don't mind losing to a girl." I said with a smirk.

He chuckled and patted me on the back as we made our way back to the table...

About an hour later, Jimmy slammed his cards down. "How the hell does she do that, Rob?"

"She doesn't lose, just like her old man." My dad said, taking a quick glance at me, smiling.

"Hand it over." I said, placing my hand in front of Jimmy.

He rolled his eyes and reached into his pocket before producing two crumpled twenties and placing them in my hand. Roy stood up and Jimmy followed close behind as they said their goodbyes and left me and my dad alone at the kitchen table.

I looked over at him. "Where'd you meet those guys anyway?"

"High school. We get together for poker now and then. But, other than that, we don't talk much anymore."

I nodded. "No wonder you're always broke."

We broke into laughter before I heard my phone go off in my pocket. I pulled it out and opened it, seeing a text from my mom.

"Where are you???"

I rolled my eyes and sent a quick text back.

"At dads, leaving soon."

I closed my phone and slid it back into my pocket before standing from the table.

"Sorry, dad, but I should get going."

He stood. "No problem. Thanks for hanging out."

"Sure thing, dad... But, I should be thanking you."

He shook his head. "No need, I'm just doing what's necessary to protect my family."

I was quiet for a second before pulling him into a tight hug.

I heard his pained muffle and released quickly. "Shit, sorry, your ribs."

"It's ok. See you later?"

I smiled. "Of course. Love you, dad."

"Love you to." He said before waving me off.

I waved back before walking outside and hopping in my car, making my way back home...

It was awesome having my dad back in my life and times like these made me almost forget why I was mad at him in the first place. He was trying to fix the family he broke up all those years ago and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy about it...