Book 9 - Page 55 (1/2)

Ada nodded, understanding. “All right, me and the rents it is.”

They left the restaurant and after we got coffees to go, we followed.

“Think they’ll be all right?” Perry asked as we stood outside the shop. The air was still stinky and hot as a wet sauna, but I couldn’t complain. I was alive.

“Don’t see why not,” I said, but even as I said it, it felt weird. Like I was jinxing things. But I didn’t know how.

Perry appeared to be satisfied with that, though I know she’d worry about it in the back of her brain. “So what do you want to do?”

She looked at me as if I was automatically going to suggest s.e.x but that, for once, wasn’t what I had in mind. Not now, anyway.

“You were at the hall of records the other day, right?” I asked.

She c.o.c.ked her head, appraising me. “Yeah. Why?”

“Did you find out anything about my father?”

“Your father? No. No, we searched for your mother.” She paused. “Why?”

I try to shrug it off like it was no big deal, but it really was. “No real reason. I guess, I just thought while I’m here, I’d try and track him down.”

“Are you serious?”

I nodded. “I know it seems ridiculous considering he’s a b.a.s.t.a.r.d that up and left me. And yeah, I kind of want to punch the guy in the teeth. But if he’s here, I want to see him. And yes, possibly punch him in the teeth. At least step on his foot or leave flaming doggy-doo at his door.”

“Dex,” she said in a warning tone, “are you sure about this? I mean, I know you have gone through the most traumatic event that anyone can go through but I don’t know if that means you should start contacting everyone you know.”

I gave her a look, reminding myself to stay patient with her. “No offense kiddo, but you don’t understand. You have a dad. He’s stayed by you, even though he can be a little Don Corleone at times. I never had that. No DeNiro, no Brando. I had nothing. If I have the chance to find him, get some closure, I want to take it.”

She nodded and put her arms around my waist, pressing against me. “I understand. And I don’t mean to be inconsiderate and s.h.i.+t. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. And I don’t want you to get hurt. I will kill the next person who hurts you, I swear.”

“I know you will, baby,” I said, pulling her even closer and laying a hard kiss on the top of her head. “That’s one of the many, crazy reasons why I love you.”

It was hard to break the connection and warmth our lips were giving each other – something about the last few days made me feel like I was falling, tumbling, in love with her all over again.

She smiled up at me, sweet as sugar, and said, “You have my support, no matter what. If you want to go find him, then we’ll try and find him.” A devious glint came across her eyes. “Just don’t forget I have ninja moves.”