My dad’s booming voice calls us inside, and as we step in, Clay’s hand tightens around mine protectively. The room feels heavy with tension as my dad stands, his brows knitted together in a frown as his eyes dart between us.
“Maggie... I wasn’t expecting you today.” His gaze drops to our interlocked fingers, and it’s like he’s trying to piece everything together without asking any questions.
The silence stretches, thick and uncomfortable, as my dad’s gaze locks onto Clay’s. It’s like they’re having some kind of wordless conversation, a silent battle I’m not even a part of.
Finally, my dad exhales sharply, breaking the tension.
“I’m dating your daughter, sir,” Clay says, his voice steady and confident even though it’s the most obvious thing in the world considering our stance. I want to laugh, but the way he says it, as if he’s making a declaration and not asking for permission, has me quiet.
These men…
My dad steps around his desk and extends a hand to Clay. They shake wordlessly and I’m left standing there, my mouth gaping open.
Um…. What?
“Okay,” my dad says.
“Okay,” Clay responds.
My dad nods again, breaking the shake then fixes him with a stern look, “You hurt her, I hurt you.”
Clay laughs, “Got it, Chief.”
My dad delivers another nod, then turns to me, pulling me into a hug. I instinctively drop Clay’s hand, feeling a little lost in the moment. When we pull apart, Dad shifts his attention back to Clay, his expression firm but not angry.
“You mind giving me a moment to talk to my daughter alone, Mr. Cameron?”
Clay nods. “Find me when you’re done, Maggie?”
When the door closes behind Clay, I’m still frozen in front of my dad’s desk, utterly flabbergasted by the entire interaction I’ve just witnessed.
“Should I be bothered by the fact that went so smoothly? I feel like you’re eager to get me married off or something?”
He chuckles and slumps back into his office chair, his voice softening. “That’s not the case at all. I just want to make sure you understand how precious you are and that you deservesomeone who treats you right, who can offer you everything. Your boyfriend from high school, was not that guy. I know Clay will treat you right. He’s got the kind of work ethic I respect—and he knows I’d fire him if he didn’t.” He cracks a smile, but then his tone shifts back to serious.
“But listen, I’m not in any rush to see you running off and getting serious with the boy. He’s a bit old for you, don’t you think?” It’s a mix of protective father and teasing concern, but underneath it all, I know he’s just making sure I’m thinking this through.
I shake my head and drop into the seat across from him, “He’s notthatold dad.”
I’m not sure why I’m defending our fake relationship now but constantly being reminded of our age difference is exhausting.
He tents his fingers in front of him as he watches me carefully. “He’s a good guy, sure, but Maggie, you’re an amazing young woman with lots to offer. I’ve worried about you so much your whole life because I feel like you need that since you don’t have your mom here. I’ve worried that you’ll let your diagnosis hold you back from receiving less than you deserve.”
“My condition is managed. People live with lupus their whole lives.”
He nods, “I know that.”
“I’m going to be alright, daddy. Boyfriend or not, I can take care of myself.”
He smiles, “I know, but isn’t it nice to have someone else take care of you for once? To have someone else share the burden of life with you?”
I nod without a second thought, because itisnice to wake up and find a note by the coffee maker, breakfast already made, or cash left to grab something if I’m in a rush. It’s comforting to know that someone’s waiting for me at home when I finish a long shift at the hospital. And for once, I feel like a priority in a relationship—even if it’s only for pretend.
But there’s one thing I still haven’t shared with Clay. Something that could change all of that: my condition.
It’s always felt too personal, too raw, like a secret I’ve kept even from even my closest friends in college. It’s something that could change how people see me, and I’m not ready for that. I’m not ready for it to change the way thatClaylooks at me.
Not now. Not yet.
