I stare into his eyes etched in seriousness.
“Say you believe me, Lilly.”
I lick my parched lips. “I believe you.”
He places a tender kiss on my forehead. “And you know what? We’re going on offense. Every Tuesday, I’ll be there. Your father will learn to accept us.”
As promised,Ian and I met my dad at the homeless shelter every Tuesday. In the beginning, he mumbled a greeting. But Ian and I were determined to show him our side. We presented a united front, keeping things in the friendship zone.
My father’s eyes watched us like a hawk surveilling its prey. With time, he opened up to Ian a bit more. He recounted stories of his time as a player. I called it progress. Then, he started telling stories about my childhood that mortified me, but it’s all for a greater goal.
Is it hard keeping my hands and mouth away from Ian? It’s beyond difficult when I know he’s my man, but I can’t claim him as mine already. But I can’t lie and say I don’t want my father’s approval. And I don’t want to be in a secret relationship forever.
Between managing the original shop, logistics for the second location, wedding planning with my best friend, and navigating the relationship between Ian and my dad, time has flown by, and summer is halfway over.
Amelie is visiting Ian this weekend, spoiling us with cupcakes. They’re the freaking best and Ian’s strict training camp diet hasn’t started yet so he can enjoy them too.
I’ve missed her. The two of us picked up where we left off as if the months between visits were nothing but hours. I’ve found a friend in her.
Ian is working out at the gym while Amelie and I amble through downtown. We talk about our shops and the men in our lives.
There’s an air of nostalgia around her, and she sighs here and there.
I sense it has something to do with her breakup with Levi.
“I’m sorry.”
She offers me a broken smile. “It’s been six months, and I don’t know when I will stop counting. One day, I am mad at him, the next I am desolate.”
“What about dating?”
She looks at me and shakes her head. “Levi is the love of my life, even if I am adamant not to take him back.”
I know that weakness well.
“I understand he wanted to protect me. He has championed my independence more than I have. It would be noble if I didn’t want to strangle him. I thought we’d overcome the times we need to be apart. I guess I was wrong.”
Shrugging, she quickly changes the topic. “So, you and your just friend? I’m not blind. I’ve wanted the forbidden fruit… once you taste it, it gets worse. I understand you’re the coach’s daughter, but you’re both adults and you need to fuck. Like it’s in the air. It smells of sexual frustration.”
I elbow her playfully, not finding it in me to deny. “Shut up. We’ll get there.”
She giggles. “Serves him right.”
I arch a brow. “Are you enjoying your brother’s misery?”
“Quite protective of your just friend.”
I fell into that trap with wide eyes.
“You know the first time he saw us interacting? Ian looked at Levi and me and said ‘little sister, best friend.’” She mimics his deep voice, making me laugh. “You’ve got to love karma.”
Wanting the heat off me, I ask her, “So, what will you do when he comes back to you?”
I’ve caught some of the phone calls between Ian and Levi. That guy won’t let her go.
Her brows furrow in deep thought. “I haven’t decided yet. Am I a bad person for wanting him to hurt even though I know the insufferable, stubborn asshole hurts even worse for what he did to us?”
“It’s your right to be mad at him…”
