“Excuse me,” Stacey snapped. “Yes, I’m going to be there for him.”
“Go away,” I barked. “This conversation is truly between the three of us. Your opinion is not needed or valued.”
“Thea,” Dad warned. “That is disrespectful, and I will not tolerate it. Stacey and I are building a life together.”
“Dad, you already built a life,” Rich said. “You have a life here. A good life. Your friends and family are here. This is where you belong. You said you wanted to do some fishing next summer. We were going to go fishing together.”
“We can still go fishing,” Dad said.
“We’ll buy a house in Calgary soon,” Stacey said with a smile.
“You mean when he sells his house,” I said. “You certainly don’t have any money. You don’t have a job. How are you going to buy a house?”
“Dad, I’ve tried,” Rich said. “I’ve really tried to be patient and understanding, but this is next level crazy. You are throwing away your entire life. I think you should give this some time before you jump in with both feet.”
“I’m not jumping in,” Dad argued. “Stacey and I have been together for two years. We’re ready to take the next step.”
My eyes immediately went to Stacey’s hand. I wanted to make damn sure they hadn’t run off and tied the knot when we weren’t looking.
“Do not marry this woman, Dad,” I said with a vehemence I felt all the way to my toes.
“I’m right here,” Stacey said.
“No one cares,” I spat. “It’s not like we can ignore you. You’re always in our faces. We can’t say a word without you butting your big nose in.”
“Clay,” Stacey whined. “She’s doing it again.”
“Oh, she hasn’t even started,” I said and turned to step up to her. “You’re a gold digger. You are a vile creature preying on men that are lonely. You saw him and you realized he was an easy meal ticket. You’ve sold everything of value he has. The only thing left is the house. You’ve spent damn near every dime he has. What’s next?”
“I will not let you speak to me like this,” she hissed.
“You don’t get to decide how I speak to you,” I said with a laugh. “You don’t have me wrapped around your little finger. You don’t mean shit to me. There is nothing you have that I want. I’m treating you the way you deserve to be treated.”
“You little bitch!” She shoved me hard. It caught me off balance and knocked me back a few steps.
“Stacey!” Dad shouted her name.
I lunged for her, ready to take the bitch to the floor. Rich wrapped his arms around me from behind and lifted me up. My feet were off the floor, but I kept kicking and swinging.
“Let’s go,” Rich said.
“She shoved me!” I shouted. “Did you see that, Dad? Did you see what your girlfriend did to your daughter?”
“Get her out of here!” Dad shouted. His words cut deep. I felt gutted. He was taking her side. Again.
Rich carried me to the door and dropped me on the stoop. “Stay,” he warned before popping his head back in the door. “Dad, you really need to think about what you’re doing. Your priorities are out of whack. Think about who you’re leaving behind. We’re fighting to keep you here because we love you and want what’s best for you. Do you really think she is doing what’s best for you? Be honest with yourself. Please call when you’re ready. We’ll always be here. Just don’t make a mistake that will destroy what’s left of your life.”
I stood in shock on the stoop. I didn’t know if I should drop to the ground kicking and screaming or if I should go back inside and kick her ass. Kicking her ass would feel a lot better. Rich slammed the front door and gave me a gentle shove. “Let’s get out of here,” he growled. “I wouldn’t put it past the bitch to call the cops. That’s what she wants. She’ll get an order of protection against us and we’ll never be able to save him.”
I glanced over my shoulder one last time. I hoped my father would rush out and tell us it was over. He would ask us to take him away. I got into Rich’s car and waited for a moment that never happened.