"Are you ready?" I ask, glancing over at Matt sitting in the driver's seat of the SUV, parked in the driveway of my father's house. We've been parked here for about ten minutes now, and no sign of getting out. Now it's just me trying to coax him out.
The moment the plane landed back in California, both of us knew exactly where we needed to go. To my dad's house. It was important to both of us that he heard about our relationship from us. My status as a basketball star makes taking it easy or slow really hard.
"I'm not sure." he mumbles.
Placing my hand on top of his, softening my voice, "We need to go tell my dad. Everything is going to be okay."
His hands tighten even more, his knuckles turning white before gritting out, "I know. But what if he doesn't?"
I've never seen him act like this before. Is this real? I've always seen him as larger than life, like a superhero. But right now, atthis moment he seems almost scared. Of my dad. Let me tell you, Phil Woods is not scary. If you were to look at two people who were complete opposites, these two would be it.
It's hilarious being on this side. Seeing Matt so unsure of himself. I bite my lip trying to hide my smile, not wanting him to see it.
"If he doesn't then we will face it together," I reply hoping he can't hear the giggle that I'm trying to hold back. Of course he hears it, making him whip his face toward me, "You think this is funny?"
Another giggle passes my lips, but I know better, shaking my head. Matt stares me down for a bit before taking a deep breath then turns to face me, "Don't move, I'll be over to get your door. I mean it."
Matt doesn't wait to see my reaction, instead he climbs out and begins to move around the hood of the SUV, but I can't help myself. Popping open the door, I begin to slide out of the SUV. A large hand grips the top of the door, Matt pulls it toward him, glaring at me, "I told you to stay put." He then sighs, "How come you never listen?"
"I've got to keep you on your toes, old man," I sass back, before pushing up on my toes, giving him a soft peck on his lips.
"You know you love me," I say, pulling away. Because you know the saying, leave them wanting more. I make my way toward the front door of the house.
Suddenly a very hard smack comes down and lands on my butt, making me jump while a small gasp leaves me. I round on him, narrowing my eyes. Before I can say anything, Matt grins and reminds me, "Remember bad girls get punished. And that's two for you."
I'm about to give a retort when the door opens, my father comes out greeting me, "Hey, Elsie girl."
"Hey, Dad. I missed you," I say, giving my dad a big hug.
"Missed you, too," he says, pulling away from me. He then turns toward Matt putting his hand out, "Thanks for taking care of my daughter."
I can't help but smile at his words. Because all I'm thinking about in my head is if he only knew how well Matt took care of me. Matt's deep voice breaks through my naughty thoughts, "It's no problem. Happy to help."
A giggle pops out of me. Making both of the men turn toward me with a questioning look. Instead of answering their looks, I say, "How about we go inside? We have more to tell you."
I swear Matt makes an audible gulp, but thankfully my dad doesn't seem to hear nor see it. Everyone walks through the door and we make ourselves to the couches in the living room.
As we are sitting, my dad looks over at Matt, "So the man who attacked Elsie is locked up?"
"Yes. He won't be seen outside of a cell for a while." Matt replies.
"Good. Hopefully they'll get him some help," my dad says, his shoulders relaxing with Matt's confirmations.
"Dad. I have something I want to tell you." I say, grabbing my father's attention.
"What's that, Elsie girl?" He says, leaning forward, propping his elbows on his knees. Ready for my announcement.
"Well, Matt and I," I begin trying to gather my thoughts, but my dad interrupts first. He narrows his eyes at me, right at that moment I knew this wasn't going to be as easy as I thought at first, snapping, "What about you and Matt?"
Matt reaches for my hand, tucking it into his, I look over at him, in his eyes I can see his love swimming in them, giving me the strength that I need. Turning back toward dad, I blurt out, "Matt and I are together."
"What do you mean Matt and you are together?" he grits out.
"Phil. I'm in love with Elsie," Matt softly says.
My father doesn't say anything, his eyes just bouncing between the two of us. Suddenly he stands up without a word and walks out of the room, leaving us behind.
"Well..." Matt begins but stops when I give him a sharp look.
