I open the door, and a colder burst of air hits me. I realize I'm not wearing much. I cross my arms over my chest.
My father's coat is buttoned, his jaw is clenched, and his eyes are sharp with something between anger and disbelief. He looks at me like I'm a problem that's escalated beyond his control.
He demands, "Why aren't you answering your phone?"
"I needed space," I say. My voice sounds steadier than I feel.
He scoffs. "Space? You don't get to disappear or shut us out. Ivanovs don't run from family. You don't—" He gestures vaguely into Red's condo, "—do this."
I groan. "I'm not disappearing. I'm setting a boundary."
He laughs once, humorless. "That man has filled your head with nonsense."
My spine stiffens. "Don't talk about him."
His eyes narrow. "You think this is love? You think he's protecting you? He's isolating you."
"That's not true."
He snaps, "You don't know what true is right now. You're infatuated and not thinking straight. And you're going to ruin your life over this."
The words press like weights into my ribs. Shame creeps in fast, insidious, whispering that maybe he's right. I'm aware I can be dramatic and wrong at times.
No. Red loves me, and I love him. We'll figure out how to survive this without destroying our lives.
Dad steps forward, like he's going to come inside.
I move without thinking, blocking him and state, "You're not welcome here right now."
His head jerks backward. Hurt fills his expression.
"Not today, Dad," I add softly.
He stares at me like he's seeing a stranger where his daughter used to be. Then he coldly asserts, "You don't get to shut me out."
My knees tremble. "Setting a boundary isn't shutting you out. Now I'm asking you to leave. We can talk another day."
Demi steps next to me. "Hey, Uncle Adrian."
My father's gaze flicks to her, then hardens. He accuses, "You're not innocent in this mess, Demi. We're going to discuss your involvement, too."
"Dad! Stop! Demi doesn't determine who I love!" I argue.
She doesn't flinch and backs me up. "We both love you, Uncle Adrian, but right now's not the best time for this. It's better if you go."
The look he gives her is sharp enough to cut diamonds.
She winces, but puts her arm around my shoulders. "Nothing personal."
"Nothing personal?" he fumes.
"Yes. Let's give it a few days," she suggests.
"Demi, why don't you go home? This is between Blue and me," he claims.
She shakes her head. "Sorry. Can't do it. Not today."
His gaze darts between us. Then his expression tightens. He finally shakes his head, and disappointment radiates off him in waves.
