Secret Plunge - Jasmin Miller Page 0,3

happening to good people, I guess. And you’re one of the best and are way overdue for some luck.”

“Thanks, Tara.” I fiddle with my shirtsleeves before looking back at her, blinking a few times. After grabbing a tissue from my nightstand, I wipe my eyes and nose. “Let’s talk about something else. Are you all settled in your new job?”

After studying me for several seconds, she smiles. “It’s been great. I’ve got a lot to learn and adjust to how the team works the European publishing market, but I’ll get there. Everyone is super friendly, and even though the weather is crappy, I’m loving it here.”

“That’s awesome. I’m happy for you.” And I am. Of course, I’m sad and frustrated that she’s over three thousand miles away, but she wanted to move to England for as long as I can remember. Always reading about it, watching YouTube videos about it.

When an opportunity came up to work at the sister publishing branch of her company, she took it. That’s Tara, exploring the world and taking chances. I couldn’t be further from that.

I took one chance, and now I’m in this irreversible situation. Well, there is one way, but I’m not even considering that alternative. I could never do that.

Tara opens her mouth when the phone rings next to me.

My anxiety levels spike when I see who it is. “It’s my dad.”

“Go answer. We can catch up another time, okay? I’m always here if you want to talk.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“Of course. Love you, Harpsadoodle.”

I laugh at her silly nickname, which I’m guessing was her goal. “Love you, too. Bye.”

After closing my laptop, I pick up my phone to call my dad.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hey, sweetie. How are you?”

Goodness. I can’t remember the last time a simple question felt this loaded, but all the ways I want to answer aren’t an option right now. I’m not sure when I’ll be ready to tell my parents but it’s not right now.

“Good. How are you?” My voice sounds off. It’s shaky and soft, maybe too soft.

Please don’t notice.

“I’m good. Same old here.” He’s quiet after that, and I don’t know what to say. "Are you okay?"

I shouldn't be surprised. We might not have as tight of a relationship as if I'd grown up with him, but it's as good as it can be.

According to my mom, their relationship was never meant to be. They were in lust and had a fling, which I was the result of. They tried to make it work when they found out about me but quickly figured out it wasn’t working.

My dad loves his work. He’s always been busy with his training schedule—first being a swimmer himself and then turning his passion into coaching. And even though he moved to the other side of the country for work when I was three, he was always good with phone calls and visits. It's been my norm my entire life, and all I know.

"Harper, talk to me."

"Nothing, Dad." I am so not ready to tell him I'm pregnant. At this point, I don't feel like ever telling anyone.

He makes a low grunting sound. Does that mean he doesn’t believe me? "When is your mom coming back?"

"Not for a while. Maybe two months or three? They’re still in Australia for a few more weeks before traveling to other countries in Australasia. She loves it over there and Tom indulges her wanderlust."

My mom married Tom last year, and I don't think I've ever seen her this happy. He's a nice guy, a bit boring for my taste, but he's good to her, and that's what matters. Lucky for her, he also has enough money for them to go on extensive trips.

"She always did want to travel." He's quiet for a moment. "Listen, why don't you come out here for a while? Use this free time to visit your old man."

"What about Bacon?"

My dad chuckles. "I'm sure Mrs. Zimmerman would take him."

He’s not wrong. Mom’s neighbor loves Bacon. I’m the only reason she didn’t get the fat feline while Mom’s away.

"I'll think about it." I’d love to take a trip to Northern California, but would I be able to lie to his face?

"Okay, let me know. I've got to go. I have a new swimmer, but I can tell you about that next time."

Normally, I try to keep up with my dad’s job and his athletes, but I’ve been too busy sulking the last few months.

We say our goodbyes and hang up, and I stare out