Page 107 of My All American Girl

“So, you stayed together,” he spat. “Something is going on between you two.”

A cold chill ran down my spine. This was bad. Very bad.

“Why don’t we talk over there?” Dean suggested.

I had no idea if my father would actually listen or not. I knew how my father hated anyone knowing his perfect family had some imperfections. We had always been told to smile and save our drama for home. We weren’t supposed to act up, cry, or disobey. It would make my father look bad if he couldn’t keep his own daughters in line.

But thankfully, he stomped away, not waiting to see if we followed.

“Don’t admit to anything,” Dean whispered so low I almost didn’t hear him. “He doesn’t know for sure. He’s guessing.”

I nodded with understanding but said nothing. We found our way behind the hangar, out of sight from everyone else. Dean stood and faced my father, his chin raised in defiance. I took another deep breath and waited to see what happened next.

My father turned his attention to me. His eyes locked on mine. I braced myself for what I knew was going to be very, very bad.

“I expected better than this, Sarah! Sleeping your way up the chain of command? You’re risking my reputation and not performing as Uncle Sam expects after all that’s been invested in you.”

His words cut deep. It was worse than any other punishment. I would rather be in a fistfight with one hand tied behind my back than have to listen to my father tell me how disappointed he was in me. It hurt.

I fought back the tears that were threatening to fall. That was something else I learned growing up with the general. You didn’t cry unless you had a damn good reason to. This would not be seen as a good reason.

Dean stepped in between us, trying to calm things down. “Mo, listen⁠—”

But my father wasn’t listening. He wound back and punched Dean in the jaw. Dean stumbled backward. I rushed to brace him, my heart breaking.

“You and me? We’re done,” Dad said to Dean, his voice icy. Then he turned to me, his glare fierce. “And you. Don’t come home during your next break.”

He marched away, leaving me standing there, shattered.

Dean straightened, rubbing his jaw. “Sarah, I⁠—”

“It’s okay,” I said, my voice trembling. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“It’s not your fault,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I made my choices too. Stay here. I’m going to talk to him. Alone.”

Dean sighed, running a hand through his hair. I rushed off and left him.

“Dad, stop,” I said.

He didn’t stop walking. I stepped in front of him, holding out my hand. “I’m doing my best, Dad. You know that. I don’t know what report you’re reading, but I’m at the top of the class.”

“You’re distracted, and it’s affecting your performance. You need to get your priorities straight.”

My anger flared. “I am focused! Just because I’m not perfect doesn’t mean I’m not trying.”

Mo’s eyes narrowed. “This is about Dean, isn’t it? He’s distracting you.”

I took a deep breath, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Dean isn’t the problem. You are. You’re the one who’s never satisfied, no matter how hard I try. I’m busting my ass and I’m doing very well. I don’t know why you can’t see that. I haven’t made any mistakes.”

“You don’t think sleeping with your superior officer is a mistake?” he shot back. “I should go back there and rip his nuts off. Hang them off my rearview mirror.”

“Dad, it isn’t what you think,” I said without actually admitting to anything. “Why can’t you acknowledge I’m doing well? To everyone but you, I’m the best in my group. I’m not doing anything to embarrass you or the family name.”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “It’s not about the family name, it’s about integrity. You’re talented, Sarah, but talent doesn’t mean shit if you can’t maintain a professional line or follow protocol. We have rules for a reason.”

“Dad, there’s nothing unprofessional about two adults having⁠—”