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“Really?” He crossed his arms. I was sure he saw right through me, but his expression softened. “You’re missing Aiden while I’m forcing you to be here.”
“I’m fine.” I snickered. “I promise. This is my punishment, remember?”
“I just don’t even understand what the hell was going through your head about your professor.” He grimaced at the recent memory, running his fingers through his hair. “Or his, for that matter.”
“I have no idea, but can I at least say one thing?”
He glanced at his Rolex. “I’m going to regret this, but sure.” He gestured to the chair and sat back down after me, rolling it underneath the rectangle table. “Go ahead.”
Now that the dust had settled a little, he was more than willing to listen even if I knew he would regret it after. I would certainly regret it too. I didn’t know how to explain anything to him without making it awkward, so I gave him the most mundane apology I could.
“I just wanted to actually apologize if that caused any problems between you and mom.”
“No.” He placed a hand on the table in front of me, tapping it. “Nothing you will ever do will cause a problem between us.”
He was lying. “You tried to defend me to her, didn’t you?”
“Listen.” He pointed at me. “I’m always going to defend you, even if you’re guilty. And not because of this job. Sweetheart, first and foremost, I’m your dad.”
I nodded, knowing if he ever found out about Vincenzo and me, he’d regret those very words.
“However,” he scowled, “it doesn’t mean I like what you did. Had he been anyone else, I might would have been less harsh on you.”
My father’s idea ofharshturned into a great summer so far. I almost let out a laugh but held it in once again. “Well, my punishment has taught me lessons I’ll never forget.”
“Good,” he bowed his head once, “but know that no matter what, even if I yell at you, I’m always going to have your back.”
“I knowyouwould, but mo—”
“Please don’t finish that sentence.” He lifted a hand. “She loves you and your brother.”
Mr. Whitman, Mr. Marchetti is on line three.
Thank you, Hannah. He pushed back from the table. “Wonder what he did now,” he murmured. “See you at home?”
“What?”
“Take the rest of the day off.” He smiled. “Don’t think I’m not sticking to the punishment, but go see your friends, or Aiden or something.”
“But—”
“Be home in time for dinner, so we don’t both get yelled at.”
“I’m suspicious. You said early, but it’s only just 12:30.” I offered a sheepish grin. “You’ve never done this.”
“There’s always a loophole, Eliza.”
“Huh?”
“I said you had to work in my office for the summer. Business hours are during the day. I’m only letting you leave a few hours early. I never said you were confined to the house during the evening.” He winked. “Your mother hasn’t figured that out yet, so let’s just keep that between us?”
I nodded. “Okay, but—”
“Eliza, go before I change my mind.”
“Thanks for coming with me.” Maddie snickered from the driver’s side of her Lexus as she drove us to the city.
“You had great timing.” I pulled the visor down and flipped open the lighted mirror, checking the new matte Gucci lipstick shade I’d bought. I puckered my mouth, analyzing the way it made my lips appear fuller.
