Chapter 300: Christmas with Dad, Part 2

Larissa laughed as she went to stand next to my father.

Dad nodded. "I talked to Beth and Dean, and they said you've been getting rides with Abby and your friends. But you're an adult now. You need your own car."

When his words sunk in, my excitement skyrocketed. "Oh, my God." I dropped Trent's hand and dashed toward the car. I walked around the entire thing - twice - running my hand along the shiny metal. "Thank you." I gave Larissa a hug, then my dad. I fully expected him to abruptly pull away, but he didn't. "I love it," I said.

"Good." Dad released me and then handed me the keys. "Because you get to drive it home when you leave."

I let out a shrill squeal. I was spending way too much time with Abby. Opening the driver's side door, I slid in behind the wheel and inhaled the combination of leather and new car smell.

"Trent. Good to see you." My father shook Trent's hand. I watched closely to see if Dad showed any signs of fear. If he was afraid, he hid it well.