Chapter 8

Theo

I'm elbow-deep in grease and engine parts, using my down time to help Steven while he's out, when I hear the door to the garage swing open. I glance up, wiping the sweat off my brow, expecting maybe it's Steven's employee, Trent, with a question or a delivery. Instead, it's Joy. And she's not just walking in, she's storming in, red-faced and bawling.

"Dad!" she shouts, her voice cracking with raw emotion. "How could you? How could you do this to me?"

The sight of her, all wrapped up in anger and tears, makes my gut twist. I set down the wrench and wipe my hands on a rag, bracing myself. I've been waiting for this confrontation, knowing it was coming, but seeing it unfold is something else entirely.

"Joy, hold on—" I start, but she's not having it.

"You slept with Erica!" she yells, her voice shaking. "My friend! How could you? After everything? What the hell, Dad?"

Her words cut like a knife, and I can't help but feel a surge of guilt and frustration. "I did. I'm not going to deny it. But Joy, you need to be respectful. I didn't do it to hurt you."

She wipes at her tears angrily, her face flushed with a mix of rage and heartbreak. "Respectful? Really? You want me to be respectful after you fuck my friend and don't even have the decency to tell me?"

"Hey!" I raise my voice, trying to keep it steady. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything earlier, but Erica and I were trying to figure things out. We're adults. We were trying to get our shit together before dragging you into it."

Joy's face crumples, and she collapses onto one of the chairs in the garage, her sobs turning into muffled cries. I walk over to her, my heart aching at the sight. This isn't just about Erica; it's about her fear of losing me, her only remaining family.

"Joy, listen to me," I say, my voice softening. "I get that you're hurt and pissed off. But this isn't about replacing anyone or abandoning you. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you first, but Erica and I were figuring things out."

She looks up at me, her eyes red and puffy. "You're right. I'm not just upset about you sleeping with Erica. I'm scared that I'm going to lose you, that you're going to move on and forget about me just like Mom did."

My chest tightens, and I reach out, placing my hand on her shoulder. "Honey, no one's going to leave you or forget you. I care a lot for Erica. I think I love her, actually. But you're my daughter. I will always be here for you. You're not losing me. I promise."

Her sobs subside slightly as she looks up at me, her expression shifting from anger to relief. "You really mean that?"

"I do," I say firmly. "No matter what happens with Erica, you're my priority. I'm not going anywhere."

Joy nods slowly, her shoulders relaxing. "I'm sorry for how I reacted. I guess I projected some of my own fears onto this situation. It wasn't fair to you or Erica."

I give her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Joy. We all have our moments. I'm just glad we can talk about it."

She stands up and gives me a tentative hug. "I'm sorry for everything. I just...I didn't want to feel like I was losing you."

"I'm here," I murmur into her hair. "I'm not going anywhere."

As we pull apart, Erica comes rushing into the garage. Her face goes pale when she sees Joy standing there. She starts to apologize, but Joy holds up a hand.

"No, Erica, it's not your fault," Joy interrupts. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I let my insecurities and old wounds cloud my judgment. As long as you two keep the gross PDA to a minimum, I'm okay with you being together."

Erica's eyes widen with relief, and she takes a step toward Joy. "Thank you. I'm glad we can work this out."

Joy gives Erica a quick hug. "I'm glad you two connected. Just...take care of each other, okay?"

"I will," Erica promises. "I'll see you later."

With a final nod, Joy heads toward the door. I watch her go, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. We've managed to clear the air, and that's a huge step forward.

As the door closes behind Joy, I turn to Erica. She's standing there in my NASCAR sweatshirt, looking a bit rumpled but incredibly beautiful. I can't help but grin.

"You know," I say, pulling her into my arms, "you look damn good in my clothes."

She chuckles, her eyes shining with a mix of happiness and nervousness. "Thanks. It's what gave us away actually."

I lean in and kiss her softly, feeling a surge of warmth and affection. "I'm glad we could work things out. I've been thinking about you since I left your side."

"I've been thinking about you too," Erica admits, her voice a whisper. "Even with everything that happened, I can't help but feel...right about us."

I look into her eyes, feeling a sense of certainty I haven't felt in a long time. "I love you, Erica. I didn't want to say it until I was sure, but I am."

Her eyes widen, and she smiles softly. "I love you too, Theo. As crazy as it sounds, I know I do."

I pull her into a deep, passionate kiss, pouring all my feelings into it. We break apart, breathless and smiling. "You've got me, Erica. All of me. And I'm not going anywhere."