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“I was driving Piper home.”
Dad made a noise of agreement. “And, I believe you. You care about her.”
“Like I said, we’re friends.”
“Friends?”
“Yeah, friends.”
Dad chuckled. “In my day, men sacked up a little more, son.”
“I’d like to say I don’t know what you’re talking about. But, Piper and I are just friends. No one’s kidding themselves that I’m the sort of guy who can give her what she needs, let alone what she deserves…”
My heart hitched weirdly. I totally wasn’t kidding myself that he was that guy, but I hated that he didn’t think he was good enough for me. I really didn’t think there was anything so great about me to warrant that.
I also didn’t know why I saw Dad nodding thoughtfully in my mind’s eye. “At least you’re man enough to admit it.”
“Why do I feel like that might not be a compliment, Matt?”
“Well, Roman, that may be because it might not have been.”
“Other people’s expectations are what get us into problems,” Roman said slowly. “Piper and I are on the same page here. She knows me better than all you lot who’ve written me off.”Because you haven’t written yourself off,I thought, sarcastically. “She knows better than to expect anything more from me but she doesn’t care. She doesn’t need me to change.”
“And, when she does?”
Roman sighed. “Your daughter is far too intelligent for that.”
“You sound disappointed.”
Roman paused. “I’m not disappointed. She’s a wonderful young woman and I’m privileged to have her in my life. She’s safe with me.”
“I want to believe you, Roman–”
“I don’t know what else I can say.”
Dad huffed. “Problem is, son, you don’t have to. You’re a father’s worst nightmare. You’re the guy every father dreads the very thought of being anywhere near their daughter. And then, son… Well, then Piper’s smiling again and you bring her home completely responsibly. I mean, I remember the night you were taken to the police station for being drunk and now…?”
“I’m a degenerate – not an idiot – and I said I’d look out for her.”
“I’d normally expect more respect from a teenager. But, there’s something oddly pleasant about your honesty.”
I could visualise Roman shrugging, perhaps raking his hair out of his face. “Piper and I are honest. It’s why it works. I can be me, she can be her, and we can be friends. That doesn’t work without complete honesty.”
“You’re really not as stupid as you look, are you?”
“That’s what Piper tells me.”
Dad gave a rough noise of approval. “Go on in and say goodnight, son. She’ll yell at us both once the headache’s gone if I don’t let you.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Just keep in mind that I’m right down the hall and I’m a light sleeper.”
Roman huffed a laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
“You’re a good man, Roman.”
“I don’t know about that.”
