Which is good. We’re friends, right?
Friends don’t kiss like that.
I drag a hand down my face, staring out the window as streetlights blur past. Mom’s working late, my friends would bezerohelp, and I know I should let this go…
But I literally can’t.
So against my better judgment I blurt out, “Dad, can I ask you something?”
There’s a beat of silence.
Then he grunts, barely glancing over. “You just did.”
Ha ha.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Another thing, then.”
Dad nods. “Go for it.”
I hesitate.
Wenevertalk about girls. My dad has always discouraged dating, told me to stay focused. Relationships can wait. They’re a distraction from bigger things.
And honestly? I’ve never had a reason to argue. I’m too busy, too caught up in hockey, in making sure I don’t screw up my shot at college and eventually going pro.
Last night’s conversation with Harper, though? Won’t stop replaying in my head, looping like some annoying highlight reel I can’t turn off.
I clear my throat, steeling myself. “How do you know if a girl likes you?”
That gets his attention.
His eyebrows rise, but he doesn’t say anything right away. He resettles in his seat, rests his wrist against the gear shift, and lets the silence stretch long enough that I regret asking.
Shit.
This was a mistake.
I should’ve kept my mouth shut. Too late—I said it, and I can already tell by the way my dad exhales, slow and measured, that he’s not exactly thrilled about it.
His fingers tap the steering wheel. “You sure you want to have this conversation?”
Hell no. Not anymore.
Backing out now will only make it worse, though, so I force myself to nod. “Yes.”
Dad sighs, rubbing his jaw like I’ve just asked him the world’s most problematic question. “Girls complicate things.”
I huff a laugh. “Wow.Inspiring.”
“I’m serious, Easton. You’re a senior. Everyone is watching you, playoffs are coming up—and I don’t want to see you lose focus over somegirl.”
There it is. The speech I was expecting!
I should’ve known this would turn into a lecture, but I push forward anyway. “I’m not losing focus.”
Hehmphs skeptically. “Then why are we talking about this?”
Good question.
