"One thing you should know about me, Freya, is my promises only get stronger over time."
"Good line," I said.
"It's the truth," he replied. "So, you gonna invite me in?"
"I'm still debating."
Tolliver nodded, leaning his shoulder on the doorframe. Not gonna lie, the pose did wonderful things for him. "Take your time. I was just thinking about the ice cream."
That made my ears perk up.
"Ice cream?" I repeated.
"Mmm," he said and pulled something out of the bag beside him. "Salted caramel, right?"
"How did you...?"
"You told me."
"Yeah, but I didn't think you were listening."
"I was." He shrugged. "I also brought spoons and napkins just in case."
I stared at him in disbelief.
"You ready to start reading?"
Before I could respond, Dad stepped up next to me, crossing his arms and wearing a frown that matched mine perfectly. He gazed hard at Tolliver.
"I thought I told you to leave," my father said.
Tolliver nodded. "You did, sir. But I came back to turn the pages."
Dad's lips twitched. "You're here for what now?"
"Freya, she needs someone to turn the pages for her. Because of her wrist."
"Her wrist," he repeated.
Tolliver nodded. "Apparently she reads a lot."
Dad scoffed.
"I also brought ice cream."
"Oh, what kind?"
"Salted caramel, sir."
"Well, that was thoughtful."
"I try."
Tolliver held out a hand.
"I'm Tolliver. Tolliver Stone," he said "Nice to meet you, Mr. Kent."
Dad took his hand in a strong grip and glanced at me. That look seemed to say,Is this kid for real?
