“He’s your father.It’s a big deal because he played a big part in your life until now.And once you talk with him about boundaries, your relationship changes from a child talking to a parent to two adults articulating.That won’t make things the same between you.But that doesn’t mean that the emotional bond between you has to change.Does that make sense?”
“Yeah, it does!I was worried I’d lose my father after this, which I don’t want to happen because sometimes Idowant to be that goofy, awkward daughter he helps with laundry and makes grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup for.”
“He’s your dad,” Kalliopi assured her.“He’ll do that stuff for you automatically when you walk through his door.”
“You know, I’m glad I got to chat with you about this.I feel better about talking to him now.”
“I’m glad.”
Kalliopi glanced at her watch and noticed she had twenty minutes until her new appointment with Richard.She wasn’t sure if she’d run into Stan, but the idea alone made her chest swell.
“I’m going to head back to the office so I’m nice and early for my rescheduled meeting with Richard.You have my cell number, so you can let me know if there are any issues with the MILFs, but feel free to use it if you want to text me to let me know how your conversation with your father turns out, okay?”
“Sounds great.”
Kalliopi got back to the administration building with ten minutes to spare.She knocked on the door to Richard’s office and opened the door once he said to come in.To her surprise, Stan was in Richard’s office.Her heart did a flip-flop when Stan got up from his chair.
“Hi, Kalliopi,” he said as he extended his hand out to her, acting like they hadn’t just seen each other a few hours ago.
She looked at his extended hand and then back at him before clasping his hand to shake it.She quirked her brow in confusion.His gaze was unreadable until he brought her hand to his lips.She gasped, and both her eyebrows shot up her forehead.
“It’s good to see you again, Kallie.Did the cadets get to their dorms okay?”
“Y-yes!Everything is good.”
His gaze pierced her very soul, causing her cheeks to heat.She wasn’t sure what else to say, so she just smiled.
“Good.Now that they are settled, let me show you to your place so you can get settled too.”
“But I have a meeting with Richard.”
“Yeah, Stan,” Richard pipped up.“Much as you might not like it, the Command Sergeant Major is here to brief me on her travels and the status of the cadets.”
“I’m sure not much has changed since I last saw them,” Stan replied, casting a glance at Kallie.“I filled you in on what Kallie told me about the trip, and she just let us both know that the MILFs are settling in.Was there anything else?”
“No.”Kallie shook her head.This wasn’t like any briefing she’d ever been in before, but honestly, after a long day of traveling, she was happy to get out of a boring meeting.“That sums it all up, I think.Not much else to report.”
“Then all I had other than that was to show you around the campus,” Richard explained.“However, Stan has graciously offered to do it himself.”
“Oh!”Her stomach did a somersault just hearing the words.
“But there’s no rush for that,” Stan added.“We can tour the campus tomorrow and go ahead and get you set up at your lodgings now.”
“All right.”She nodded at Stan then looked to Richard.“Nice seeing you again.”
“Same,” Richard replied.“I’ll see you again in a few days for our next meeting… That is, assuming Stan doesn’t quash it again.”
They were out the door before she spoke again, this time to Stan.“Should you have done that?”Kalliopi asked.
“What do you mean?Fill him in on the mission status?Believe me, Richard appreciates it.He hates meetings as much as the next guy.”
“No,” Kalliopi contradicted.“I mean the kissing-my-hand thing.That wasn’t exactly professional… unless that is just how you greet all women at briefing meetings.”
“It’s not,” he quickly replied.“But I couldn’t help myself with you.I promise you don’t have anything to worry about, though.Richard was there when I carried you into the hospital.He knows that there’s something a little more than professional between us.”
“There is?”Kalliopi lowered her gaze.She didn’t figure he’d be this bold about his feelings.
“Hey,” Stan said as he lifted Kalliopi’s chin.“What’s wrong?Have I made you uncomfortable?If so, I’m sorry.”
