“I just—” He looks between us, jaw tense. “I wanted to make sure you guys were okay. That no one was hurt.”
It catches me off guard.
“We’re okay,” I say. “Shaken. But okay.”
Christian nods once, relief flickering quickly across his face. But then his expression twists into something sharper.
“I’ve already been paid a visit by the authorities.” His voice spikes, his control slipping. “You wouldn’t believe the shit they came at me with. Asking about where I was, who I talked to, why I called your dad—like I’m in on this or something.”
Dylan shifts beside me, steady but alert.
“Are you?” I ask.
Christian’s temper flashes fully now. “Am I in on it? No!What kind of a fool do you take me for? Like I’d really do that and risk ruining my reputation around here. I didn’t sign up for this. Suddenly, I’m being interrogated? Not cool, Dahlia.”
My stomach tightens. “Christian?—”
“No, really,” he snaps. “I was trying to help, and now I’m being treated like I had something to do with this mess?”
“You didn’t help,” Dylan says calmly. “Calling her dad wasn’t helping.”
Christian whips around. “I wasn’t talking to you.”
“Well, I’m talking to you,” Dylan replies, not budging. “And I don’t like the way you’re speaking to Dahlia.”
Christian scowls, looking like he’s about to say something snarky, but I step forward before he can explode further.
“Can we talk?” he asks. “Alone?”
I shake my head. “Not today.”
“Why are you punishing me? My heart was in the right place. I just wanted to make sure Chloe was in a safe environment. You hardly know this guy. What we know of his family isn’t great.” He flings his hand in the air. “I would never do anything to hurt my daughter or you. I had nothing to do with the fire, and I don’t think I should be beaten up for calling your dad either.”
“Christian, stop.” My voice cuts through the tension. “I really hope you had nothing to do with the fire. If you had concerns, you should’ve come to me. You might not have thought he’d go this far—I certainly didn’t—but don’t pretend you didn’t know exactly what you were doing by getting my dad involved.”
“Would you just listen?” he explodes. “I’m trying to tell you that the fire is not on me. Back off with that bullshit.”
I hold up my hand, and my voice is steely. “Can you notsee how this is the absolute wrong time to come at me with all this anger? Please do the right thing here.”
Christian’s face tightens, guilt flickering. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
After a beat, he finally exhales, his shoulders sagging. His eyes are a mix of anger and yearning. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him with his defenses down.
“I just want my family back,” he says.
I exhale slowly through my nose. “Christian?—”
“No, listen.” He steps forward, hands spread in a frustrated offering. “You and me…and Chloe. We were supposed to figure it out.”
I shake my head. “Whatever happened to Anastasia?”
He snorts. “She’s not you. I messed up. I know I messed up.” His voice cracks just barely.
I can’t tell if he means what he’s saying or if he’s practicing a part.
“I’m trying, Dahlia. Doesn’t that count for something?”
I feel Dylan shift slightly beside me, not edging closer, just anchoring himself at my side. A reminder that I’m not alone in this anymore.
