7. Erica

seven

Erica

I pull up to Mike's car, parked in the concert venue's parking lot. "So I guess this is goodbye," I say., placing the car in park. "Thanks again for the concert, for being there for me when I opened my letter from the board of nursing, and for all the sex." We both laugh, cutting through some of the tension in the car.

Mike's face turns serious, "I'll be back next weekend. I want to see you again. This wasn't a one-night stand for me—I hope it wasn't for you, either." His eyes search mine, and I shake my head.

"No, I want to be more than your baby for one night." I hope he doesn't catch my slip-up, but all I've been able to think about is him being my daddy and me being his baby girl.

His eyes widen. "I'd like you to be my baby." He kisses my lips, holding me close. We stay like that for a few minutes until a car pulls up beside us, causing us to separate.

"Mike, we've been looking all over for you," Doug yells from the passenger side of the car. "You're mom called the hotel. Your dad is in the hospital. We need to leave now. I'll drive."

"Sorry, Erica, I've got to go, but I promise I'll be back next weekend."

"It's okay, go to your dad. I'll be here waiting for you when you return—I promise."

With one final kiss, he hops out of my car and into his, with Doug sliding into the driver's seat.

I watch the cars pull out of the parking lot and down the road until I can no longer see them. My heart races, and I pray that everything is okay.