Bastard’s eating up what little time I have with Nina.
Without thinking, I said, “I think you’re lying because I have a date with Nina tonight.”
Dirk’s eyebrows rose.
Nina’s eyes shot to mine.
I smiled, hoping she’d play along.
“You? You’re old enough to be her dad.”
I wasn’t, but the words pissed me off because I’d been telling myself, on repeat, that Nina was too young for me.
Not that Dirk could tell. I’d never give him that satisfaction.
“Premature gray is a family curse.“ I shrugged. “It’s time for you to go.”
I stood and crossed my arms, waiting for him to get his loser ass off the brick red, faux leather bench.
“Nina, babe?”
“Don’t make me ask you again.” I hadn’t asked, and I wouldn’t. I used my law enforcement voice and enjoyed watching his skin blanch and his lips tighten.
Dirk wasn’t used to being put in his place.
“You should go,” Nina whispered without looking up from the table.
Seeing her act so small because of this guy added to my anger.
He looked like he was about to argue when I leaned forward and glared.
Dirk didn’t like being ordered around.
I didn’t like being disobeyed.
If he didn’t start moving, he’d find out which of us was truly stronger.
“Whatever. Have fun feeding your grandpa.”
I laughed. His cheap shot missed the mark. I wasn’t even old enough to be her father, even if I’d been careless in high school.I wasn’t.
Beth watched the scene play out, but didn’t interfere. After the bell signalled Dirk’s departure, I nodded to Beth. I’d have a talk with Mary later and ask her to ban Dirk so he couldn’t come back and harass Nina.
Beth returned my nod before going back to cleaning the counter.
“Are you okay?” I asked Nina as I sat back down.
“I’m fine.”
She was anything but fine. Dirk had piled irritation on top of the hurt Nina was already feeling.
Hurt I’d wanted to comfort away but couldn’t. What I could do was give her back some control over the situation.
“I’m sorry for overstepping; you probably didn’t need my help.”
“It’s okay. He would’ve convinced me to take him back if you hadn’t said anything.”
“Do you want to?”Please say no. That it was none of my business didn’t matter.
