Prodigal Daughter
Copyright© 2025 by DB86
Chapter 13
Elise’s phone chimed with a text. Mary Olson’s name flashed on the screen. She drew a deep breath and read it.
She had to read the message twice to make sure she’d understood it correctly.
Mary: “Hi, Elise, would you stay for dinner with us after your community service on Saturday?”
Elise sensed there was something more behind the invitation. She’d already had dinner with the Olsons before. They were planning something—she was sure of it—but what?
Elise: “Sure, I’d love to.”
Paul Olson greeted Elise more warmly than usual. Even Sabrina didn’t make any of her usual jabs.
There was still plenty to take care of in the garden, and Maggie was full of questions, as always.
“I heard you’re working with Marshall now,” her little stepsister said.
“Yes, he hired me as a nanny,” Elise replied, trying to make the job sound more important than it actually was, “but he basically turned it into a household manager position.”
“What’s wrong with his son?” Maggie asked, bluntly.
“Maggie,” Paul warned, gently.
Elise flinched at the sudden question. “Nothing. Justin is perfect.”
“Except his life has been a nightmare.”
Elise’s mind raced. Should she tell them everything? Or nothing at all?
“People in town say he doesn’t speak.”
“Justin does speak. He’s just ... shy. And scared.”
“Why is he scared?”
“Put yourself in his shoes for a second, Maggie. Your mother dies, and suddenly you’re living with a man you’ve never met before, in a new town, with no friends...”
“I’d be pretty scared,” Maggie said, quickly.
“Bingo.” Elise pointed at her.
“He needs a friend,” Maggie said, thoughtfully. “Maybe I could visit him. Play with him. Can I, Dad?”
“We’ll see. I’ll talk to Marshall first.”
“That means yes,” Maggie whispered to Elise, with a grin.
Then her expression changed. “Do you think Marshall knew about him? That ... he didn’t want him?”
“No,” Elise said firmly, her voice rising with emotion. “Marshall would never turn his back on his child. He’s not that kind of man.”
“But I’m the kind of woman who turned her back on my own father,” she thought bitterly.
There was mostly small talk during dinner, so Elise made it through all right. It was after dinner that she feared.
“Do you need help with the dishes, Mary?” Elise offered.
“No, thank you, Elise. Sabrina and Maggie are helping me. Paul is in the backyard. He wants to talk with you.”
“Huh. Okay.”
Paul was outside, staring up at the night sky.
“You don’t see this many stars in the city,” he said.
“We used to do that when I was a kid,” Elise replied, stepping beside him. “You bought me a telescope for my birthday. You always loved the night sky.”
Paul nodded, still not looking at her.
Finally, he turned, and said, “I think it’s time we talked about what happened between us—get it out in the open.”
“I agree. Can I go first?” Elise asked.
“Go ahead.”
“Paul—damn, that feels so wrong. Dad ... can I call you ‘Dad’?”
Paul was silent for what felt like an eternity. Then, finally, he nodded.
Elise couldn’t stop the tears.
“I’m sorry I hurt you, Daddy. I was a stupid, confused, selfish teenager. I love you. I never stopped loving you.”
“What do you want from me?”
“I want you back in my life.” Elise dropped her eyes, and for a moment Paul thought she was embarrassed. But when she lifted them again, she looked determined. “I want you to love me again.”
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