She whispers, “You should.”
My heart aches for her, and I shake my head. “No, you don’t deserve that. I understand why you wouldn’t want me with your dad, but you need to know, I’d never come between you two. You’re his daughter. You’ll always come first. That’s how it should be.”
She lets out a soft, sad sigh. “I guess twelve-year-old me always hoped things would go back to the way they were. I wanted us to be a family again.”
“Laney–” I start, but she holds up her hand, stopping me.
“I know it’s not going to happen,” she says, her voice tight. “Even if she’d woken up, it wouldn’t have changed anything. Seems neither of them wanted that, no matter how much I wanted it.”
“I’m sorry.”
She looks at me, her eyes softening. “I know I haven’t exactly shown it, but I love my dad, and I want him to be happy.”
“He’s been really worried about you.”
“I’ll talk to him and apologize. I know I’ve been difficult the past few months.”
I smile. “I think he’d appreciate that.”
She nods, and I can’t help but feel a little surprised. Surprised that she’s here with me, and even more so that she’s apologized. I respect her for it, though. It feels like we can finally put this behind us and move forward. Who knows, in a year or so, we might even be able to laugh about all of this.
“So, your dad said you’re intoWet and Wild?” I ask, changing the subject and gesturing toward the TV as a commercial for the show flashes on the screen.
Her face lights up. “Ilovethat show! But I missed last night’s episode, so no spoilers.”
I laugh. “No worries. I’m behind too. Want to catch up now?”
“Definitely,” she says, already reaching for another slice.
I scroll through my recordings until I find the latest episode and hit play.
As soon as it starts, Laney leans forward. “Did you see what Emma said to Corey in the last episode? If I were him, I’d belivid.”
I groan. “Ugh, same. I really don’t like Emma. That was totally out of line.”
Laney nods in agreement. “I bet she’s going home tonight.”
I take a bite of pizza, then ask, “Who do you want Corey to end up with?”
“Elma,” she replies instantly.
I grin. “Me too!”
We watch the show, chatting easily and laughing at all the drama as it unfolds. It feels more than a little surreal, sitting here with Laney and having a good time. But somehow, we’ve just clicked. For a while, I wasn’t sure we’d ever get here, and even though it’s early days, I can’t help but hope this is the start of something good. Maybe even a real friendship.
As a commercial cuts in, I glance over at her. “I’ve been thinking about your date.”
Her eyebrows lift in surprise. “You have?”
I nod. “I think I’ve figured out a way for you to still go.”
“Seriously?” she asks, sitting up a little straighter.
“Hear me out first, okay?”
She tilts her head but smiles. “Alright.”
I hesitate, not wanting to push too hard, but I go on. “I don’t love the idea of you meeting up with some guy from an app in a bar… by yourself.”
