“We haven’t even gone on an official date yet,” I reply.
“He took you out for dinner the other night, though.” He steps into the hall, pulling his office door closed behind him.
“That wasn’t a date. That was my friend stepping up for me when you prioritized work over me.”
“I’m sorry. That meeting was unexpected.”
“Surprise meetings usually are.” I punch the down button on the elevator, frustrated all over again. Flip keeps showing up for me and my dad keeps letting me down.
He circles back to the date. “Has he asked you out?”
“Yes.”
“When did he do that?” he presses.
I side-eye him. “After he talked to you.”
“So this has been building for a while.”
I sigh. “I’ve been friends with Flip for a long time, Dad. I hang out with the Terror regularly, and he’s been part of thatfriend group. Over the past year, we’ve grown a lot closer. He’s considerate, thoughtful, ambitious and dedicated. I like him and he likes me. I think it says a lot about him as a person that he came to you first, before he asked me out, don’t you?”
“It definitely won him some brownie points,” he agrees, albeit reluctantly. “Dating a player won’t be easy, honey.” The elevator doors slide open, and my dad holds his hand in front of the sensor, waiting for me to exit first.
“Dating anyone as the Terror coach’s daughter is never easy. At least we understand each other’s lives.”
“He has a lot more…life experience than you.” He unlocks the truck.
I climb in the passenger seat, thankful the ride to the Watering Hole is short. “Of course he does. He’s been alive longer.” I know where he’s going with this, and it isn’t a conversation I’m interested in having with my dad.
He pulls out of the underground parking lot and into traffic. “You know that’s not what I mean. Madden is a good guy and an excellent hockey player. He’s grown a lot in the last few years, but I witnessed firsthand what he was like before he settled down.”
“So did I. I’m not dating Flip from four years ago, I’m dating him now. Please have some faith in my ability to make smart decisions when it comes to relationships.”
He rubs the space between his eyes. “I want to be cool about this, but I can’t unknow some of the things I know about Flip.”
“We can’t define people by their worst decisions,” I say pointedly.
He sighs. “I just want what’s best for you.”
“Me, too. And I think that Flip can be that. Look at all the ways he shows he cares. I think his current actions mean a lot more than his past ones.”
“I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I know, and I love you, even though some of the things that have happened recently have really hurt.”
“I’m sorry. I love you, too.” He pulls up in front of the Watering Hole.
“Then keep showing up for me and Ties and Fenna.” I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Of course, honey. Have fun with your friends.”
I open the door.
“And please be safe,” he tacks on.
“I will. I promise.”
I close the door and turn toward the Watering Hole.
