Daniel’s footsteps preceded him into the living room. “I said, he’s touching her.”
“Is she recoiling?” Avaleigh asked.
“No.”
“Then you’re being an asshole again,” Avaleigh said, returning her attention to the television.
“Don’t you even care?” Daniel asked.
Avaleigh pressed her lips together and looked at him. “Where did he touch her?”
“Her hand. He reached across the table and laid his hand on hers.”
“What did she do?” Avaleigh asked.
“She just sat there.”
“She didn’t pull her hand away?”
“No.”
“She didn’t crawl across the the table and plant herself in his lap?”
“No!” Daniel answered.
“She didn’t rip her clothes off and demand he take her on the spot?”
“Of course not!” Daniel answered, his voice rising with the offensive picture Avaleigh had painted for him.
“Then you’re still being an asshole. Leave her alone.”
“What if he does something she doesn’t like?”
“She’ll probably punch him.”
“You just don’t get it!” he announced.
“I do. You’ve spent your whole life protecting me, then protecting the kids. Remi has grown up and moved on with his life, most likely on his way to becoming a full time part of Riley’s pride. Now you’re down to just me and Angelle. We’re both human. We’re both vulnerable. You have nothing to do with yourself other than protecting us. You’re in overdrive and frankly you’re driving me insane.”
“Avaleigh!”
“No, don’t Avaleigh me! Most of the time I’m content to sit back and let you do your thing, but this is really pushing my limits. Leave her alone! Angelle is a grown ass woman. If she needs you, or me, she’ll let us know. Stop underestimating her. Give her the freedom to find her way.”
“But…”
“Daniel, I love you, but you’re treading on ground that is not yours to tread on. And you’re pissing me off. Stop watching her. Stop inserting yourself into her private life, and trust the young lady we raised. She’s quiet. She’s not stupid, and she’s not weak. Leave her the hell alone.”
Daniel stayed in place, watching her, listening to her for only a few moments longer before he stomped into the kitchen.
“And for Gods sake, find another hobby that doesn’t include spying on our daughter!” Avaleigh called after him.
~~~
Angelle finished off the food on her plate and sat back in her chair. “I’m stuffed.”
“Me, too,” Boon said, though he kept eating.
“What are we going to do with all this food?” she asked, looking at the platters, they’d just managed to make a dent in.
