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“Is there a reason for that?”
“No.”
Bobby comes back with Rick’s coffee and my espresso—because I’m extra—and sets them in front of us. “Your order was put in and will be out shortly.”
We both thank him.
“How are your parents doing?” Rick asks, pouring creamer into his coffee.
I’m unsure of which conversation I want to avoid more—me and Carolina or my shitshow of a family.
“Good.” I take a long sip of my espresso, wishing I’d declined his breakfast offer. I should’ve told him I was sick, too. I’d planned to take the morning to digest what had happened with Carolina. Now, I’ll be digesting last night and this conversation with Rick.
“How are you coping with their divorce?”
I never asked for this counseling session.
“Coping perfectly fine,” I reply at the reminder of what an asshole my father is. “My mother is a strong woman and did the right thing.” She should’ve divorced him a long-ass time ago.
“You think that’s the right decision to make?” He raises a brow. “Giving everything up?”
I focus on my drink, avoiding eye contact to shield my annoyance. “When someone hurts you as much as my father did my mother …my family, then yes, I excuse her for leaving him. He cheated and hid secrets too large to heal from.”
He waits until I look at him again before replying, “You know, I counseled them before she made the final decision to proceed with the divorce. I tried to help them reconcile.”
Why is he telling me this shit?
Shouldn’t he have to keep that confidential?
“Marriage is sacred,” he goes on.
My hand clenches around the handle of my mug. “I agree.”
“Do you plan to marry my daughter?”
I choke on my drink, and it takes me a moment to swallow and clear my throat before I can reply, “What?”
“You are dating my daughter now, correct?” His face tightens, as if the thought pains him.
“Yes.”And I love her.
“What are your intentions with her? Marriage? A quick fling?”
My pulse races as I work my answer through my mind before relaying it. “I care about Carolina. She’s been my best friend for years.”
“Best friend? What about girlfriend?”
“It’s new. We’re trying it out. We’ve had feelings for each other for years, and we decided it was dumb to keep holding ourselves back from happiness.”
Uh-oh. This fake relationship will definitely be following us home to Blue Beech.
“Do you plan on breaking her heart?” Worry is etched along every feature on his face. This interrogation isn’t him being an asshole; it’s him protecting his daughter’s heart.
I repeatedly shake my head. “No, of course not. It’s never my intention to hurt Carolina—ever.”
“She’s in love with you.” There’s no bullshit in his tone.
I go quiet for a moment. I know she loves me, but I pretend to be blind about it.
