Chapter 11
Ryan
* * *
Iwas…
Well,shockeddidn’t begin to describe how I felt.
I had been pretty certain Aria had developed a deep hatred toward me until I watched her whip out her phone and call Brad.
It only took her a few seconds to decide she had to introduce him to the person who mattered most to her, and within seconds, I knew that was me. The person who mattered most to her was me.
My girl had come through for me even before I could hope she loved me enough to introduce me to her boyfriend.
Now the orchestrator of that play had a smug expression on her face as Brad stood in my living room, looking like he was about to shit himself.
Brooke hung back, watching the story unfold.
“Ryan Donovan,” I said, giving Brad a firm handshake.
The poor kid looked worse because I had a firm grip on his hand.
“Brad Mead, sir.” He nodded. “Nice to meet you.”
At least he was well mannered. No leather jacket today, either, and the hair had been cut shorter—military short.
“You too. So, you’ve been seeing my daughter?” I was trying not to be scary, but Brad’s face turned red.
“Dad,” Aria snapped, giving me a hard stare.
“I’m just confirming,” I said with a smile.
“Yes sir, if it’s okay with you.”
Was it okay with me? Not really. I didn’t want her to have a boyfriend.
Aria looked at me with pleading eyes. The expression on her face screamedPlease don’t mess this up.
Since I knew I was the person who mattered most to her, I decided I wouldn’t.
“You seem all right kid,” I answered, to her great relief. Even Brad loosened up a bit.
“Thank you, sir. I promise to have her back by ten—we have a study group in the morning.”
Okay.This guy wasn’t as bad as I’d first imagined. I still had questions, though. He’d drawn that hummingbird on Aria’s hip and he rode a motorcycle, although he’d driven a car tonight.
“All right, don’t let me keep you.”
Aria actually sighed with relief.
“Great to meet you both.” He looked from me to Brooke, who still hung back. She nodded toward him.
I realized the whole evening must have been truly awkward for her between Aria and me arguing and then me meeting Brad,my daughter’s boyfriend.
Aria couldn’t leave quick enough. She grabbed Brad’s arm and practically fled with him through the door, leaving me with Brooke,her dinner guest.
I looked over at Brooke as she reached for her little purse. It was the same peach color as her summer dress.
