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“It’s okay. Until today, I’ve been pretty busy myself with a big case that just ended. The courthouse nearly being shutdown has been a blessing I didn’t realize I needed,” he says.
I tilt my head. “Did you win the case?”
“Of course I did. Medical malpractice where the husband died due to neglect. It was a rough one,” he answers with a sigh.
My head leans against his shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Dad.”
He squeezes my hand. “Just like I am of you. My stubborn daughter who hasn’t let me help her with anything besides school since she turned eighteen.”
I laugh him off even though he’s right. I could never take his money. Not for my apartment, or car, or anything else. The only reason he was able to call the school was because he knew all my information to call in and make the payments before me. He’s always worked hard, and I’ve done my best to follow in his footsteps with my own career.
“This promotion has been kicking my ass,” I say.
“I bet, but I know you’ll do great with all these projects they have you leading. That brain of yours is probably loving all the challenges,” he replies with a chuckle.
“It is most days.” I look up at him. “Can you do dinner tonight? Or do you already have other plans?”
He smiles and goes to grab his briefcase from next to his desk. “I will never turn down a night with my beautiful daughter.”
I glance toward the door. “If you want to invite Sherry, I’m okay with that.”
“Next time. And we’ll make sure not so much time has passed between dinner dates.” Dad grabs my hand and leads us out the door.
We make our way to the front desk, and I wave at Sherry. She smiles and says, “Have a good evening, you two.”
“Thank you, Sherry.” Dad locks eyes with her, and the way he smiles makes my heart flutter with overwhelming happiness.
My dad has been alone for the most part since my mom died. I’m sure he’s dated, but nothing serious, and that always made me sad for him.
“Bye, Sherry,” I call out as we head to the elevators.
“I hope to see you soon, McKenzie,” she replies, and I smirk. I’m sure that will happen.
I’m still grinning when the doors close. My dad is blushing. “This is a good look on you, Dad.”
“Yeah. When am I going to see the same one on you?” He nudges me with his shoulder.
I laugh. “Nice deflection. Where do you want to eat?”
“Talk about deflection. Are you seeing someone?” His dark brows narrow while he attempts to give me his best lawyer stare-down.
My hesitation is answer enough, and I know I fucked up.
“Who is he? And don’t tell me nobody. I know my daughter better than that,” Dad says with a softening smile.
I loop my arm through his. “He’s just a guy who’s gotten under my skin. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
“Right. Well, just so you know, I was the bane of your mother’s existence before she fell in love with me.”
My chest tightens. I am not falling in love with Bentley Abbott. Not now and not ever.
* * *
The following week,I’m finally feeling settled in my new position and getting to know how my new team works. I’ve been getting home at normal hours, and there has only been one emergency after hours situation since the all-nighter I pulled the week before.
During the dinner with my dad, I’d told him about the fundraiser I’m working on, and he made a sizable donation on behalf of his law firm. I was super excited about it until I texted Bentley to tell him about it and only got a thumbs-up in reply.
Since then, I haven’t reached out again, and he hadn’t until today when he asked if we could do dinner.
