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“Two of my business associates are, yes.” Ava rolls her eyes, letting out a huff. “Andy and Nash have already asked the same question. I swear all you men think with your dick and nothing else.”
“Ava,” Dad scolds.
Austin places his arm around my shoulder. “Hey, don’t look at me. I’m taken. But I do know that Andy is single and has a thing for your friend, Gigi.”
“Everyone has a thing for Gigi,” Ava drags unapologetically.
Gigi is beautiful, stunning even. Andy has mentioned her several times. I’m surprised he hasn’t texted me about this yet.
“I guess if Austin isn’t coming, I can crash with Jessa or something?” I mention out loud.
“We can work out the details later but trust me, there’s plenty of room.”
Roman returns to read out the specials reserved just for us. After we place our order, Austin excuses himself to the bathroom while Ava takes a call outside, leaving only me and Dad at the table.
My glance moves toward the breadbasket as I begin chewing the inside of my cheek. It is now or never, rip the Band-Aid off.
“I know Will is back,” I blurt out, unable to hold out any longer. “And before you say anything, you have nothing to worry about.”
Dad presses his lips together in a slight grimace. “I always have something to worry about. You’re my daughter.”
“What I mean to say is, I’ve moved on, and so has Will.”
“You know for a fact he has moved on?”
“I mean, I don’t know of a person he is in a relationship with, but I’ve made it clear how I feel.”
Crossing his arms, Dad watches me while cocking his head, then raises his eyebrows.
“And how do you feel, Amelia?
“I love Austin,” I’m quick to tell him. “I wouldn’t be marrying him if I didn’t.”
Dad nods his head with a dismissive glance, though he doesn’t say a word.
“What? You don’t believe me?” I ask, slightly hurt. “I told Will straight to his face that I’m marrying Austin.”
“You don’t know Will as I do, Amelia,” Dad sneers with a confident tone. “You think he’s going to sit back and do nothing?”
“You did know him,” I remind him. “Past tense. That was years ago.”
Austin returns to the table, forcing the conversation to switch to something else. Ava returns as well, just in time for the food to be served.
Everything is delicious and unique, nothing at all like anything I’ve tasted. There were so many flavors and different takes on everyday dishes like Mac ‘n Cheese. Dad is undoubtedly impressed, excusing himself after the meal to take a tour of the kitchen with Roman. When he finally returns, he shakes Roman’s hand, who looks equally as pleased.
We exit the restaurant, and I can’t help but ask the burning question.
“So, Dad, did you buy this place?”
“I don’t buy things, Amelia. I invest,” he tells me with a confident smile. “I have a meeting next Tuesday with the three owners.”
“Can I come?” Ava snickers beside me. “If the other two friends look anything like Roman, that is going to be one hell of a nice meeting.”
Dad lets out an annoyed huff. “No, Ava.”
We walk along the street, but I purposely slow down my footsteps as Dad and Austin walk a few feet ahead of us.
“Ava.” I pull her arm back, motioning for her to slow down. “Is Will coming next weekend?”
