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My dad chuckles, getting up from the couch. "We'll see about that. But first, let me get some snacks for us to munch on."
As Dad disappears into the kitchen, I can't help but feel relieved that this conversation went better than I expected.
I'm grateful to have my dad's support, but I can't shake off the anticipation of the guys joining us for dinner. It's nerve-wracking to think about the dynamics and how my relationship with them will change now that Dad knows about us.
I'm lost in thought when suddenly, Dad reappears in the living room with a tray of snacks and a big smile on his face. "Okay, let's do this!" he says cheerfully as he sets the tray down on the coffee table.
We spend the next hour talking about my trip to New Orleans with Gigi while avoiding the topic of Club Sin. Like in old times, we laugh and joke around as we play board games. It feels good to be able to bond with my dad again, especially after this recent revelation. And as we finish our last game of the night, Dad turns to me with a hesitant look.
"Ella, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," I reply.
He takes a deep breath before continuing. "Are you sure nothing happened before Club Sin? They weren't ever inappropriate with you growing up?"
It's a fair question. These guys spent a lot of time around me.
"I swear I had no idea they liked me like that until we ran into each other at Club Sin."
He nods, and I can see the wheels in his head spinning.
"Do the guys...do they treat you well? Do they, um, respect you?"
I nod, understanding where he's coming from. Both Club Red and Club Sun are big on respect and consent. With my dad being a member of Club Red, he would want to make sure that was adhered to and followed.
"Yes, Dad. They treat me with respect and care. I wouldn't be in this relationship if they didn't."
My dad seems to relax at my words and nods. "Okay. That's good to know." He pauses, adding, "I want you to be happy and safe, Ella. That's all that matters to me."
"I know, Dad. And I appreciate it more than you know," I reply, feeling emotional again. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"How long have you been a member of Club Red?"
"Ahh. I've been with them since they opened. I was a member of a much smaller group in the area, and then Carter and his business partner Hunter approached me and brought me on board."
"Did Mom go to the clubs with you?" I ask. As uncomfortable as this is, there’s a whole different part of my dad's life I never knew about.
"No, I started going after she died. In the grief counseling group I was a part of, a few of the guys said how much it helped them. It started from there."
"Is the Club why you don't date?"
During my childhood, my dad never brought a woman home or mentioned he had a date. By the time I hit high school, I wanted him to date and be happy again.
"Partly. Now it's because the woman I'm interested in has no interest in me."
"Oh, do I know her?" I light up that there is the possibility there could be someone in my dad's life.
"No," he chuckles.
We sit in comfortable silence for a few moments before we hear a knock on the door. My heart starts racing as my dad heads over to answer it. I can hear muffled voices from the hallway, and my stomach is in knots as I wait for the guys to come into the living room.
As they enter the room, I stand up to greet them, feeling a little anxious. But as soon as I see the smiles on their faces and the way they light up when they see me, all my worries disappear.
They greet my dad and then come over to me, not shy. Finn hugs me first.
"Hey, baby girl, we missed you." He kisses the top of my head.
