I jump up to sit on the counter next to him. “Do you really hate it that much?”
“Mmm?”
“That I’m seeing him?”
My dad puts down the wooden spoon and looks at me, serious now. “Him.”
“You know who I’m talking about.”
“Unfortunately, I do.”
“Dad…”
“I hate it. But I hate you going out with anyone. So I imagine my opinion is irrelevant.”
I smile.
“At least I already know the guy. And I definitely know a few ways to—”
“Stop. I got it.”
He smiles now, too, satisfied.
“Well, seeing as you know him, maybe you wouldn’t mind if I invited him for dinner?”
My father’s face suddenly darkens. “Here? In this house?”
“If you prefer, we could have dinner upstairs. Alone.”
“Don’t even think about it.”
I slide off the countertop and plant a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Don’t thank me. You have no idea what he’s in for.”
I shake my head and go back upstairs to my apartment to change out of my hospital uniform, have a shower, and mentally prepare myself for this evening. It’s not going to be easy, but I really want my dad to accept us, and realise that Nick is the man that I want. That way, the two of us can move on with our lives.
* * *
When Nick knocksat the door, I sprint into the hallway to answer it before Dad gets the chance.
“Hey.” I smile happily at him.
Nick steps closer to me and bends down to reach my mouth. He brushes his lips against mine then sighs. “It seems like so long since I saw you.”
“It’s only been two days.”
“Still too long.” He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me towards him.
My dad clears his throat from behind me. “Not in this house, boy.”
Nick laughs and lets me go. “Good evening, coach.”
“Fuck off with your ‘good evening’, O’Connor.”
I shake my head and step aside to let Nick in. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Mrs Reynolds – sorry,Catherine. Right, Dad?”
My dad mumbles something and turns back inside, as I take Nick through to the living room to meet our guest.
