“Later,” I say, batting her question away with my hand. “Do you happen to know when they’re meeting?”
I’m a terrible father. No doubt about it.
“Friday night. For dinner.”
I reach inside myself and grab hold of my last shred of dignity.
“Do you know where?”
Skylar smiles mischievously. “I’ll only tell you if I can come, too.”
Niall
The fact that my elusive friend has chosen a pub like theOld Castle– which is outside of town, away from prying eyes – makes me immediately fear the worst. The way I discovered where they were going doesn’t exactly fill me with pride, seeing as I had to go running to my daughter and her questionable methods; not to mention the fact that I brought that daughter with me to spy on them. I think that actually makes it worse. Oh, and my sister invited herself along, too, to watch my discomfort. Not that I ever mentioned to them how uncomfortable this whole thing makes me – although I think my being here spying on the happy couple speaks for itself, really.
“Can I ask you something?” Rian asks as we’re standing in the shadows outside the pub, trying to peek in through the only window with a view of their table.
“Didn’t I say that you could come alongas long as you don’t ask any questions?”
“You’re right,” Rian agrees, before whispering into my daughter’s ear.
“Can I ask you something?” asks Skylar.
I glare at Rian.
“You didn’t makehertake a vow of silence.”
True. Only because I was so happy that she actually wanted to do something together.
I feel like more and more of a failure with every fatherly decision.
“Why are we spying on them?”
It’s a simple question; but the response is a little more complicated.
“I don’t know,” I say, honestly. “I don’t like it.”
“Don’t like the fact that your friend is dating Ms Hill?”
“He never said he was interested in her.”
“Why should he have?” Rian blurts out, rolling her eyes at the sight of my piercing gaze.
“I know why,” Skylar announces, triumphantly.
“Fancy sharing that knowledge with me?”
“Why should I?”
“I’m your aunt.”
“Nope. Try again.”
“What do you want in exchange?”
“Hey!” I moan, both of them ignoring me.
“Your red boots. The ones you were wearing the other night.”
