Broken Bad Boy novel Chapter 16

PERCIE

“Oh, she said—” 

“Dad!” she shouted, dropped the fork. Then she stood up and left us at the dining table. 

A moment later, a bang followed from upstairs.

“You pissed her off, Keith.” My words came out defensively.

“Sorry about that, Percie. She’s so shy,” Lillian said. 

“Only to me.” I drunk my water then wiped my mouth with a napkin. I stood up. “Don’t apologize, Lily. I’m the one who provoked her. Let me check her up if you don’t mind.” 

“Go ahead.”

I knocked on her bedroom door. “Hailey, it’s me. Can I come in?” I waited, then knocked again. “Hailey, please? I apologize if that embarrassed you.” 

She still didn’t answer. 

I twisted the doorknob, but it was locked. Shit! I was screwing this up. I took a huge breath then walked down. 

I took the paper bag I bought for Lillian and joined them in the dining. They were done eating. 

“Lily, I bought this for you. It’s not much, but as they said, it’s the thought that counts.” I gave her the bag. 

“Thank you, Percie. How thoughtful of you. You really shouldn’t have bought me a gift, but thank you anyway.” She hugged me again.

“You’re welcome. I probably should go. Tell Hailey that I left. I’ll see her on Monday.” 

“Don’t worry about Hailey. She’ll be fine,” Keith says, walking me out to the front door. 

“Yeah. You embarrassed her. You knew she was shy, but you didn’t stop the first time she warned you,” I defended Hailey even though I should not have.

He didn’t say a word. He grinned instead. 

“You’re annoying. I better go before I punch you in your big abdomen.” 

“Take care, son.” 

“I’ll be fine. Call me if you can’t send Hailey. I’ll drop by to take her.” 

I feel terrible about Hailey, even if it was her dad who pestered her. It still upset me. I took a huge breath then drive back to my apartment. When I got inside, it was so eerily silent, and I missed her right away.

I fished out my phone and typed a message. 

Percie: Hailey, can we talk? 

I pressed send. I noticed Hailey had seen my message, and she was typing back. I waited. No reply. She was still mad at me. 

I dialed. I was done waiting. She didn’t pick up until it reached the voicemail. I ended the call disappointed.

Percie: Hailey, I know you read my message. Can you please, at least, say something? You can curse me or call me names. Just say a word. 

I hit the send button. I sounded desperate, but who gave a fuck.

Lee: Mad 

My lips spread to a grin. 

Percie: I know. I’m sorry.

Percie: Sad 

Lee: why? 

Percie: coz ur mad at me 

Lee: sad 

Percie: That’s my word 

Lee: I know, but I’m sad too

My stomach twisted. Shit! Whatever I felt every time I talked and saw her wasn’t normal anymore. This shit was scaring me.

Percie: Why are you sad, Lee? 

I swore silently. I just called her Lee.

Lee: Who’s Lee? 

Percie: Why are you sad?