Page 32 of Dirty Pool

She glanced up from her plate, and met his gaze across the table. “I do not.”

“You do. You think I control too much, and I ask too many questions. You believe I don’t listen to you when you speak, or when you tell me what you want.”

“Because sometimes you don’t, Da.”

He shook his head, laughing under his breath as he muttered, “And maybe that’s true, but …”

A smile graced her lips. “I’m the only one you have left, right?”

Wasn’t that what he always told her?

Wasn’t that always his excuse?

Charles’ own smiled faltered a bit. “You are, but I don’t give you enough credit, I think.”

Gabbie blinked, surprised at that admission. “How so?”

“You indulge me all the time. Whatever I ask, you do it with a smile. You never make plans with your friends when you think they might take time away from me—do you even have friends?”

“A handful.”

Not many, though.

Mostly, family.

Her father nodded. “I see. Because of me?”

“Not really.”

“Then, why?”

“Is this really the conversation you want to have when we’re supposed to be having a nice dinner together?”

Charles gave her a look that said he didn’t appreciate her comment. Gabbie only shrugged in response because honestly, what else did he want her to do?

“I’m just curious …” He trailed off, glancing at the clock on the wall like he found it interesting even if it wasn’t. “I wonder if being this man—and your father—has ever affected you in those ways. Do I prevent you from being whatever you want to be?”

“No.”

That was the truth.

It was that simple.

Gabbie would be or do whatever she wanted, regardless of what her father thought. And she knew that because he loved her as much as he did, that he would eventually concede to her desires, and let her do what made her happy.

Was he overbearing and fickle?

Yes.

That changed nothing.

He was still her da.

He still loved her.

“All right,” her father said gruffly, picking up his napkin again. “Thank you for indulging me yet again, I suppose.”

Gabbie laughed lightly. “Someone has to keep you on your toes, or make sure you stay in line.”