"Well, what do we have here?" A voice said, startling the both of us.

"You always have the worst timings!" Derick growled at the smug man.

"No that's fine, good timing Issac, this guy needs help, he's feeling horny"

"Yeah he gets like that when he's drunk, come on buddy, let's get you home" Issac cooed.

"I'm not a dog! How dare you talk to me like that? I'm one of the most powerful men in New York! Derick f*cking Reid! I can have you thrown out of this city with the snap of my fingers!"

"Blah blah blah! We get it already! You're some big shot bachelor, who is also a control freak, now shut up and get in the car!" Issac scowled.

He grumbled and crossed his arms across his chest and walked to the car.

I sighed and looked at him before looking back at Issac.

"I'm sorry Issac, I know you're busy"

"It's fine, anything that involves Ricky is a good time, so let me ask, how did he get drunk? And why do you look so hot today?"

"Aren't you curious," I said, getting in the passengers seat.

"I met his dad" I continued after he had gotten on the road.

"Seriously?! I didn't know his dad was back in town"

"He must've forgotten to tell you," I said bitterly.

"Did he also not mention he has a fiancé?" I added.

"What?"

He started slowing down the car and found somewhere to park.

"Where are you going?" I asked, seeing him get out.

"Who is he going to marry?! I can't drive and think! If you know her name tell me!"

"Wow, dude, chill, you're angrier than I was when I found out! her name was Danielle, I never got her last name but-"

"Danielle Martin" he scowled.

"Sure, I guess"

"Blonde hair, angelic smile?"

I looked at Derick and back at him.

"You... you could say that"

"Don't even feel intimidated Julie, God knows she doesn't hold a candle to you"

"Mind telling me a bit about her?"

He looked at me briefly before going back into the car.

"It's not really my place to tell but I'll give you a little insight, how much do you already know?"

"She mentioned once how they were dating for a good few years and how much in love they were and by once I meant the entire time"

"Some people never change huh?"

"Oh and I asked her how their proposal went, the look on her face was priceless!" I laughed.

"So why did you sound so panicked? You seem like you won?"

"I did, but Davis mentioned something a bit unnerving about my dad"

"Do you want to check on him?"

"I'm going to call first"

I pull out my phone and search a number I don't even remember to call without someone reminding me.

Dad.

I take a deep breath and press call.

Please be alright, please be alright, please just tell me he's with family and having a good talk by the fire...

The number you have dialed is currently unavailable or out of range please try again later.

I tried again.

No answer.

"Give me his address" Issac said, sensing my distress.

I gave him the address and waited patiently to get there while I kept trying his phone.

I looked back to see Derick still passed out on the back seat.

This is too much for my heart today.

And it's late...

I looked at Issac and saw that he was also tired as his eyes were drooping.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this Issac, I should've done something tomorrow"

"It's okay, I'm having fun, I'm tired but I know Derick would want to do something like that for you too" he smiled.

I smiled back.

Now that's what I call a friend.

When we got to his apartment I was the first to get out and man that was a bad idea.

My heels are not meant for walking in.

I ignored the pain and walked up to the elevator and pressed the 3rd floor.

Issac got in beside me and I looked at him weirdly.

"Don't tell me you left Derick in the car..."

"He's asleep and I locked the door," he snickers before going serious after I glare at him.

The door of the elevator opens and we walk out.

"Plus I couldn't let a defenseless lady go out by herself this late at night"

"That's more like it" I smirk.

I quickly knock on the door and wait for someone to answer but then I notice the porch lights weren't even on.

I knock again after getting no answer the first time.

This time I slam my hand on the door loudly.

"Dad? Dad! It's me! Juliana! Open up!"

Still no answer.

"No one lives there anymore" a voice says creepily making me jump and bump into Issac making him grab onto me.

"Sorry? I didn't catch that" I say, once I see that it's just his neighbor.

"I'm telling you Mr. Downs doesn't live there anymore, he moved out months ago to a nursing home"

"Nursing home? What's wrong with him?! Why hasn't he said anything?!"

"I don't know the details" the woman waved me off and went back to taking out the trash.

"Please, can you tell me where he is? He's not answering his phone"

She sighed and looked at me.

"What are you to him?"

"I'm his daughter" I gulped.

"You are one sh*tty kid, I'll tell you that, when the old man was still here all he did was talk about his kids and here she is, living rich! Must've made you turn your back on him" she said eyeing my outfit.

"What does that mean?" I asked when I felt dread and guilt creep up my neck.

"When was the last time you checked up on him?"

"Two months ago, he said he's visiting family"

"That old man, must've said that to not make you worry, I'll tell you something but I want you to know he regrets everything"

I stared at her for a hot minute before it all hit me.

My dad cares about us...

"Please"

That was all I could say before she walked inside and came out with a piece of paper.

I looked down to see an address and a number.

"Take care of him and learn to forgive, oh and tell him Samantha says hi and she misses you" she said as she was walking back inside.

"Thank you" I whispered, clutching the piece of paper in my hands.

I felt an arm drape across my shoulder and give me a side hug.

Issac helped me back into the car and I was thankful he didn't say anything.

"Thank you for today" I whispered, feeling numb.

"Anything for you Julie" he said putting a hand on mine.

I looked at the paper again and considered calling now.

"It's 10 PM and you're not in the right mindset right now" Issac said.

Is he a mind reader like Derick?

"Okay"

"He's going to be okay"

"Is he? Why would he lie about going to a nursing home? How can you even lie about something like that?!" I yelled, frustrated.

"He must've had his reasons"

"Other than being a stubborn old man? I doubt it" I huffed.

"Listen to me, go to sleep, we're almost near your place, wake up and go and visit him" he chuckled.

"Okay," I sighed.

"Wait a minute, how do you know where I live?" I stare at him, alarmed.

"I have my ways"

"No wonder you and Derick are friends, you're both fiends" I scowled, making him laugh.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I'm home!" I yelled.

"Where the hell have you been?! Have you seen today's headline?! I tried calling! Why didn't you answer?! And how did you get those clothes? Damn girl, you look fine! wait! I'm still angry! Tell me right now!"

"Remember to breath Kate" I said calmly, taking off my heels.

"F*ck breathing! I need answers Juliana! You and Derick started dating, we get that! But do you really have no time anymore to even answer a simple call?" She said defeatedly.

"Julie, we've been best friends since forever, I respect you when you're busy, but are you that busy you're leaving me behind?"

Today was the day I notice my mistakes apparently because it's obvious, she feels lonely.

"I'm sorry Kate, you know that was never my intention, it's just been so hectic keeping it a secret and having being exposed so suddenly was so scary, I want to tell you everything and I will, but first let me change, it's a long story"

⭐️💬

😘❤️✌️