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A trickle of unease went through me as I sat there, paralyzed, unsure of what to do. Most students would rush over to greet their parents, but we weren’t most people, and our relationship was deeply complicated.
“Aren’t you going to say hello?”
I blinked over at Rory. “Sorry, what?”
“Your dad. Aren’t you going to say hello?”
“I…”
“Harper, what is it? What’s wrong?”
“Harper,”hisgruff voice made me flinch.
I turned slowly to be met with my father’s cool gaze. In typical James Dixon fashion, he had the audacity to look at me like I was the one who didn’t belong here.
“Hi, Dad.” I fought a grimace. “This is a surprise. What are you doing here?”
“Came in to talk with Joe.”
“Coach Tucker?” He nodded, and I asked, “What about?”
“Can’t say too much yet. But it’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“Dad, come on. I go to school here. If something is—”
“One black coffee, no sugar.” Coach Tucker appeared at his side, thrusting a coffee cup into my father’s hands.
“Thanks, Joe.”
“Ah, Miss Hart, and sorry”—his gaze flicks to mine—“I don’t think we’ve met.”
“Hi, Coach Tucker. I’m Harper. Harper Dixon.”
“Well, I’ll be damned. I see it now. Those Dixon eyes. James.” He glanced at my father. “You didn’t say your daughter was a student here.”
Ouch.
I glanced away, trying to school my expression because I knew the hurt shone there.
Of course, he hadn’t thought to tell Coach Tucker about me because I didn’t warrant his time or energy.
God, I wanted to disappear into the seat. It was bad enough that I was here on the receiving end of this shit show without Rory sitting right there to witness it all.
An awkward silence followed. Coach Tucker looked expectantly at my father while he watched me with cool indifference. The three of us locked in some kind of painful stalemate.
Eventually, I managed to choke out, “I’m a freshman. English major.”
Coach Tucker nodded. “Good choice.”
My father tsked. Of course, he didn’t like my choice of degree.
There wasn’t much he did like about me.
“Well, we’ve got a meeting to get to, but it was good seeing you again, Miss Hart. Miss Dixon.” Coach Tucker nodded, moving toward the door.
Dad lingered, his narrowed gaze making me shrink in my seat. “Harper,” he said with little emotion. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
With that, he took off after Coach Tucker.
