Chapter 21: A dinner invitation
Zara stepped out of the bathroom after a long shower. After drying her hair, she slipped into a baggy sweater and a soft, flowing skirt. She reached for her phone, thinking to check on Zane. She longed to hear his cheerful little voice. But her gaze stilled when she saw a missed call from Nathaniel.
Her heart skipped for just a second. "When did he call?" she wondered, tapping the screen absently. Her finger hovered over the dial button, debating whether to call him back.
Just then, the phone buzzed in her hand again.
Dad.
Her entire body was tense. Her expression shifted immediately.
"Why is he calling me?" she muttered under her breath, the corners of her mouth twisting with distrust.
Still, she answered, her voice flat and guarded. "Hello?"
"Come home and have dinner with us," Isaac’s voice came through, oddly gentle. It made Zara’s suspicion flare.
"What do you want this time?" she shot back. "Just say it. No need to act like you care."
"Zara," he replied, an edge of irritation creeping into his voice. "Can’t a father ask his daughter to dinner?"
She gave a dry, bitter laugh. "You only ever call when you need something. Don’t pretend otherwise."