Page 105 of One Wrong Step
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jonah
I didn’t doubt for a second that Vivian would win. But hearing Roz say his name was so cool. I’m so proud of him.
Vivian kisses me and goes to the stage to accept the trophy and the prize money. Roz says something to him, and Vivian nods. Then he turns and holds the trophy up like he’s won a Grammy. I clap so hard that my hands start to hurt and my cheeks ache from smiling so much.
Frankie’s boss, Mr. Rainey, stops by to officially offer Vivian the job.
“This is amazing. Thank you,” Vivian says. “May I have a few days to think about it?”
He blinks a few times. “Of course. We’ll be in touch.”
Everyone’s hugging and laughing when Carolynda pulls me aside. “I’m worried about your dad.”
I wipe the sweat off my brow. “I don’t know what to do. If he won’t accept us…” I leave it hanging because what if he doesn’t? What if he wants me to choose between him and Vivian?
Her face is pinched. “No, I agree. But he’s not answering his phone, and I’m worried about the heat.”
God, I’ve been so upset with him that I didn’t even think about the heat. What if he needs help? I pat her arm. “I’ll go look for him.”
“Thank you, Jonah.” She squeezes my arm.
I tell Vivian where I’m going, and he offers to go with me, but I wave him off. This is something I need to do. And I want him to enjoy his time in the spotlight.
Weaving through the booths, I think about where he might be. Is there anything he’d be interested in looking at?
He was so upset. What if he left? But that possibility doesn’t bother me. If he left, he’ll come back for Carolynda and Maisy.
After the third time ending up at the same booth—I got turned around the first two times—I realize someone is following me. I swing around and come face-to-face with Vivian’s dad.
He looks uncomfortably hot in his fancy suit. “Are you following me?”
“I’d like to talk to you…” He clears his throat. “Jonah.”
“Glad to see you know who I am.” The snark isn’t necessary, but damn, it feels good. “Go ahead.”
“Can we go someplace a little less crowded?” He nods to a small area that is mostly clear of people. “How about over there?”
I want to tell him to fuck off. But this is Vivian’s dad, so I nod and follow him.
“Okay, talk.” I need this to be as short as possible so I can find my dad.
A muscle in his jaw ticks, but his voice is calm. “I believe you want to do the best thing for Vivian. This job is his best chance at success. As you might know, he’s been…floundering. Lost. For a while now.”
I cross my arms. “Shouldn’t you be having this conversation with him?” And then I get it. “You’re worried he’ll turn this job down for me.” That’s the last thing I want, but I don’t mentionthat to him. “I want Vivian to follow his dreams in whatever way makes him happy.”
He scoffs. “I used to be that naïve.”
I snort that. “Okay, good talk.”
When I start to walk away, he says, “Vivian is very dramatic. High maintenance, I think they call it. And you’re…” He looks me over and obviously finds me lacking. “You’re a farm boy. Do you really think you can make him happy?”
“Vivian doesn’t need your help. He can decide who he wants on his own. But to answer your question, I’ll do everything within my power to make him happy. You have an amazing son?—”
“You think I don’t know that?”
“Exactly. I don’t think you do.”
