My dad looks at him for a long moment, taking everything in, and I realize I’m holding my breath.
“I heard what happened,” my dad says finally.
“Sir, I’m so sorry—” Rodriguez starts.
My dad holds up a hand. “I heard what Garrett said. What he said about my daughter.”
Rodriguez goes very still.
“Owen told me everything.” My dad glances at Owen, who nods. “About what Garrett’s been saying all week. About how he spoke to Juliette yesterday at the restaurant. About what he said today in the bar.”
“Mr. Chastain, I shouldn’t have hit him. I know that. But he was saying things about her that weren’t true and I just—I couldn’t let him keep talking like that.”
“He was being an asshole,” my dad says simply. “And someone needed to tell him that. I’m just sorry it had to be you who did it.”
Rodriguez blinks. “Sir?”
“Thank you,” my dad says. “For standing up for her when someone was saying terrible things.” He pauses. “Though maybe next time do it without getting detained by the police on a wedding day.”
“There won’t be a next time, sir. I promise.”
“You’re a good man, Rodriguez. Or should I say Romeo?”
Rodriguez’s face goes red. “Please don’t, sir.”
“Romeo and Juliette.” My dad is trying not to smile. “Your mother told me. She was crying from laughing so hard upstairs.”
“Everyone calls me Rodriguez?—”
“I know. It’s alright.” My dad steps forward and claps him on the shoulder, hard.
Rodriguez winces and sucks in air through his teeth.
“Sorry. Forgot about the ribs. Owen, show him the shirt.”
Owen steps forward with a garment bag. “My dad’s about your size. We brought an extra shirt just in case. And a spare jacket since yours has blood on it.”
“You don’t have to?—”
“Yes we do.” Owen hands over the bag. “And for what it’s worth, Garrett had it coming. He’s been an asshole all week. Longer than that, honestly.”
“That’s your best friend,” Rodriguez says quietly.
“Yeah. And he’s an asshole.” Owen shrugs. “He’s getting his nose looked at right now. Melissa’s with him. He’ll be at the wedding but he knows to keep his distance from you. We made that pretty clear.”
My dad is looking between me and Rodriguez. “Photos start in forty-five minutes. Think you can both be ready?”
“Yes sir,” Rodriguez says.
“Good.” My dad heads for the door, then pauses. Turns back. “And Romeo?”
Rodriguez winces again. “Yes sir?”
“I’m glad Juliette found you. Even if your name is ridiculous.”
“Thank you sir.”
My dad and Owen leave and Rodriguez and I just stand there for a moment.
