It annoys me that’s the first thing that pops into his mind. But I guess I can see it from his point of view.
“I don’t either, Sir,” Xander replies, “but I am going to need you to stop talking to Kate the way you do. From what I’ve gathered from her, and Kai, you treat her drastically different than you do him. And based on the small interaction at the shop earlier, I’d agree.”
My dad opens his mouth to respond, but Xander doesn’t let him.
“Do you have any idea how incredible Kate is? She has her own business, friends that have been with her since they were kids, and booming clientele that will only use Whoopsie Daisy for their floral needs. Do you think that would be possible if she wasn’t an amazing person? The way you’ve treated her has given her so many scars. She was terrified to meet my parents because she was worried they would be like you. She won’t let anyone get close. She thinks being in a relationship means handing over control of herself and being belittled.”
“That’s not at all what’s happened,” Dad stammers.
“That’s exactly how she feels, and it’s your fault.” He points his finger at my dad, coming within inches of actually touching his chest.
“Hey, man,” Kai comes running up the sidewalk. When did he get here? I didn’t even notice. “Maybe we can take this inside before someone calls the cops.”
Damn. I can’t let him go inside on his own. “I don’t think that’s necessary.” I step out from behind the tree.
“What the hell is going on?” My dad’s voice booms, filling the quiet street.
My feet carry me to Xander’s side, and I slip my hand into his. “Everything he said is exactly how I feel.”
“Why haven’t you said anything before?” Dad’s hands go to his hips in defense. “It’s not like you’ve ever been one to hold your tongue.”
“Because it’s not that easy when you’re dealing with your own parents,” I argue. “Y’all haven’t exactly been warm and loving toward us.” I point between me and Kai. “Not even to each other. How were we supposed to feel comfortable enough to come to you when something upset us?”
“That was never our intention,” Dad says, confused as to why I would think that.
“Look, Dad,” Kai interrupts, “it’s late, and we’ve all had a long day. We’ll revisit this conversation after we’ve all had a bit of time to cool off.”
He’s not wrong. “Bye, Dad,” I wave to the man still standing on the porch. I’m surprised my mom didn’t come out with all the commotion. As soon as we’re down the path, I point at Kai, “You and I are going to have a discussion.”
“I’m well aware,” Kai says as he backs down the sidewalk.
Xander doesn’t let go of my hand as I drag us down the driveway to my car. “How did you know I was here?”
“Kai called.” I wait for a few moments until my dad goes back inside. “Why did you come over here? I was going to handle it.”
He runs a hand through is hair and studies the ground. “Because I didn’t like the way he was talking to you. That’s not how I wanted to meet your dad earlier, and I thought if he understood how amazing you are, he’d at least ease up on you.”
“I doubt that will happen, but thank you,” I lean up and kiss him on the cheek, “even though I didn’t need you to handle my battle.”
“I know, but this is a sore spot for you. It would be hard either way. The least I could do is ease the burden some. How you go from here with your parents is your choice. But I couldn’t let the conversation from earlier go without saying my piece.”
“Want to get out of here?”
“Absolutely. That was actually kind of terrifying,” he laughs, “you’re place or mine.”
“Mine, and don’t bother trying to leave tonight. Hell, you might as well bring your stuff to my place.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to ask me to move in with you because you feel obligated.”
“I’m positive. I love you, Xander, and I kind of can’t sleep when you aren’t there.”
“Ah, so you’re using me for sleep?”
“You’re such a jerk,” I take a step to move away from him, “of course, I’m not.”
He pulls me back to him, and wraps his arms around me. “I love you, too. Hell, I’m pretty sure I’ve been in love with you since the first time I saw you.”
“That’s cree—” He cuts off my words with his lips.
