Broken(6)

Jocelyn followed Lavern inside and halted. It was like stepping back in time. There were new curtains and a few new paintings on the wall, but the décor was basically the same. The throw rug in the middle of the sitting room floor with its Aztec designs was still there. The old brown leather recliner her father favored rested in the corner. It even smelled the same. Like home. And there was no turning back.

“It’s just like I remember.”

“It’s very nice,” Kyla murmured politely.

“Yes.”

Lavern returned from the kitchen with two refreshing-looking glasses of iced tea. “Here you go, ladies.” She handed them each a glass. “What are you standing around for? Have a seat.”

Once the three women were situated, Jocelyn and Kyla on the sofa and Lavern cattycorner in the loveseat, the tension slowly began to ease from Jocelyn’s body. This wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be. She felt comfortable in Lavern’s presence and was happy her father had found someone who seemed like a genuinely nice person. At least now she wouldn’t have to worry about him being lonely once she left again.

Lavern smiled at them. “I was so nervous to meet you. Jack is always telling me about his famous daughter. I’ve never met a celebrity before.”

Jocelyn stilled. “My father talks about me?”

“Oh, yes. All the time. He’s sure going to be surprised to see you here.”

“Didn’t he know I was coming?”

Lavern shifted in her seat, a look of discomfort briefly crossed her face. “Well, he knew, but uh…he didn’t think you’d show up.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks flamed in her embarrassment. So he had actually given up on her. The invitation was all Lavern’s doing and maybe she shouldn’t have come.

“Don’t look so glum, honey. He just thought you’d be busy is all.”

The older woman’s assurances didn’t help. Jocelyn, however, didn’t have long to ponder those words before the front door opened. “Lavern, if that tea is ready, I sure could use a glass.”

Jocelyn’s heart sped up as a man topping six feet with broad shoulders entered the room. His checkered shirt was rolled up to the elbow and the top two buttons were undone to reveal a farmer’s tan. His sun kissed skin was lined more prominently than she remembered. He was still lean at the ripe age of fifty-six and just as handsome as he removed his Stetson to reveal a crop of salt and pepper hair ringed with the outline of his cowboy hat. His green eyes were still startling beneath dark bushy eyebrows. Her father.

She wanted to say something to draw his attention to her, but the words got stuck in her throat. Placing her glass on the end table, Jocelyn stood, drawing his gaze in her direction.

“Jossy?” He whispered her name as if he couldn’t believe she was standing there. Squinting and then shaking his head as if to banish an illusion, he rubbed his eyes with his fist.

“It’s me, Daddy.” A bundle of nerves, she closed the gap between them, halting a foot away from him.

He moved closer, extending his hand to cup the side of her face. “Baby?” There was still a hint of disbelief in his voice.

Jocelyn leaned into his touch, enjoying the warmth of his palm against her face. “I’m home, Daddy.”

His response was to take her in his arms and envelope her against him into a big bear hug. Jocelyn could barely breathe he held her so tight, but she didn’t care. Wrapping her arms around his waist she squeezed him back, and tears flowed freely down her face. “I’m so sorry I stayed away so long.”