"Sweetheart, why are you crying?" I ask, my voice gentle against her hair.
"I was so scared to tell you..." she mumbles into my chest, the words muffled by damp cotton.
"Why?"
"I didn't think you'd get it," she says, her voice cracking like thin ice. "I thought you'd be mad or disappointed. Make me break it off, or tell me I'm confused... Some shit like that. You and Mom just seemed sofucking old school, you know?"
"You girls really need to watch your language, Malia," I say, my tone light but pointed.
"I know that you and Andy are an item, Dad."
I blink. "Excuse me?"
"Andy won't tell me either, but it's obvious. And you,asking why I didn't tell youearlier? I don't know why you're not telling me either,old man.You’re just as scared."
I stare at her, utterly speechless, the city lights blurring behind her.
"You're always talking about him, or what he was doing last time you guys were hanging out," she says, her words picking up speed like a train gaining momentum. "You call him every night before bed. And you hang out, like, constantly."
"Its not constant."
"Yesit is! And every time you text him, you get this weird crinkle on the side of your eyes. I thought that's what you were doing when we were buying Tina's dress.Youwere looking at your phonelike you were going to cry. And guess what? I was right.You were looking at his Insta."
"My eyes don't crinkle," I say, even as I feel heat creeping up my neck, betraying me.
"Oh! And the time we all played hockey?Oh God!Youtwowere flirting the entire time. It was so awkward, likeme and Tina weren’t even there," she says, laughing now, the sound brighter in the dim room. "And hewas checking you out the whole game! I mean, seriously, Dad. It was so eww. And then you were all lovey, saying goodbye at the car in privateand touching his hair. I looked out of the window, Dad. I saw you.”
"There was nothing lovey about any of that," I say quickly, trying to rein her in. "We weren't even together back then."
"And now?" she pushes, her voice dropping to that knowing tone that makes me want to crawl out of my skin. She leans closer, the scent of her jasmine perfume filling the space between us, her eyes boring into mine like she can see every secret I've been trying to hide.
I take a deep breath, the air catching in my throat. "And now..." I begin, my voice rougher than I intended. "And now, he's... he's everything, Malia."
Her face lights up, a brilliant smile breaking through her tears. She throws her arms around me again, and this time, I hug her back without hesitation, letting the truth settle between us like a long-awaited promise finally being kept.
"Finally!" she exclaims, her voice muffled against my shoulder. "God, Dad, you're so slow!"
I laugh, the sound shaky but genuine, relief flooding my chest like a dam breaking. "I'm sorry, baby. I should've told you sooner. I just... I didn't know how.I felt distant from you.I didn't want toupsetyou or make things weird."
She pulls back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Too late for that. You're already weird. But it's fine. I've known for a while. And I love him, by the way. He's a total dork, but in a good way.Like you. You’re good for each other."
I shake my head, smiling despite myself. "You're ridiculous. And smart. Too smart for your own good."
She grins, her confidence radiating like the city lights beyond the window. "I get it from you, old man. So... when are you going to tell Tina? She's clueless. But she's going to love Andy too, I swear."
I sigh, rubbing my forehead. "Soon. Let me figure out how to bring it up without causing a scene."
Malia stands, stretching her arms above her head, the hotel robe fluttering slightly with the movement. "Good luck with that. She's stillpissed offabout the dresssituation. Anyway, I'm going to bed. But…don't think this means I'll stop giving you a hard time."
I raise an eyebrow. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
She pauses at the doorway to her room, turning back to face me with a soft smile. "Night, Dad. Love you."
"Love you too, Malia. More than you know."
She disappears into her room, closing the door quietly behind her, and I let out a long breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. The whiskey on the coffee table sits untouched, forgotten, as I lean back against the couch, the tension finally draining from my body.
My phone buzzes, the screen lighting up with Andy's name. I grab it, the weight of the day slipping away as I answer.
