I grip the armrest so I don’t rub my chin or run my hand through my hair. If ever Tally needed me to go to bat for her, it’s now. “From you, you mean?”
He swallows thickly and nods.
“Her whole life is a sea of change.” I choose my words carefully. “Between me, your family circumstances, and the end of university, she has a lot on her plate”—I rap on the arm of my chair—“but she’s working through it.”
He rubs his stubbled chin. “She talks to you about this?”
“In confidence, yes,” I reply.
He nods a few times, the hope on his face hard to deal with. “Maybe you could suggest she come for family dinner? Her mom is bringing her brother and sister over this weekend. It would be nice if Tally would join us.”
Well, this is fucking awkward. “I can mention it to her.”
“Thanks, Flip. I appreciate it.”
“Can I make a suggestion, though, Coach?”
“Of course.”
“Tally needs you to show up for her like you do for your team. It’s all she wants from you. Just to feel like she matters as much as we do.”
“She’s my daughter, of course she matters.”
“She needs to hear it and she needs you to show her with actions.” I can’t make him change, but I can point him in the right direction.
“Right. Yeah.” He opens his drawer and pulls out a bag of dropjes. “I got her some study treats. Maybe you could pass them along?”
“I could, but maybe you should hold on to them and give them to her yourself.”
He nods and sighs. “Thank you for taking care of her.”
“She’s my world, sir. I’d do anything for her.”
CHAPTER 42
TALLY
Ipull into the underground lot of my dad’s building. It’s the first time I’ve been here since he moved in. I can’t keep avoiding reality. My parents are really over, and I need to come to terms with that.
I find a spot in visitors, park, and pull my phone out of my purse. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Phillip. I’d made a thousand excuses not to attend, and he sat me down and asked the hard questions. I told him everything I was afraid of. He held me and promised it would get easier, but I couldn’t keep running away from the people I love, because it was just causing me more pain. He was right. But now I’m anxious and I need something to look forward to post-dinner.
Tally
I feel like I was hoodwinked into this.
By your dick.
Flip
I mean, if thedick fits...
Tally
That was a dirty trick.
Flip
I know.
