"What if I don't love it? What if it's just a habit? Just the path of least resistance?"
"Then you'll figure that out. But at least you'll have tried. At least you'll know for sure instead of wondering for the rest of your life."
He leans his forehead against mine. "When did you get so wise?"
"I've always been wise. You just haven't been paying attention."
That gets a small smile. "Fair point."
"Don't decide about dev camp right now," I say. "Give yourself time. Talk to Coach. Talk to the guys. Figure out what you actually want without the pressure of your father looming over everything."
"And if I decide I don't want to go?"
"Then you don't go. But make that choice because it's what you want, not because you're trying to prove a point to your father."
"You make it sound so simple."
"It's not simple. It's incredibly complicated. But the core of it is simple—do what makes you happy. Do what makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning."
"You make me excited to stay in bed."
"I'm flattered, but you know what I mean."
“I do.” He sighs and leans back, closing his eyes.
“I can’t pretend to know what he’s going through. I’ve always known what I wanted. I’ve always had a plan, and it’s mine. My father supported me but never directed me.”
“Don't confuse his manipulation with your own talent and passion,” I say, patting his muscular thigh.
"You're very good at pep talks."
"It's one of my many skills." I kiss him softly. "Along with making you see reason when you're being stubborn."
"I'm not stubborn."
"You're incredibly stubborn. It's genetic, apparently."
He laughs.
"Thank you," he says.
"For what?"
"For not taking the money. For not leaving. For being here, even though my family drama is a nightmare."
"Your father is a nightmare. You're just dealing with the fallout." I rest my head on his shoulder. "And I'm not going anywhere. Even if he offers me a million dollars and a job at the White House."
"The White House doesn't have a forensics lab."
"You know what I mean."
"I do." He holds me tighter. "I love you."
"I love you, too.”
He kisses the top of my head. "When did you become the rational one in this relationship?"
"I've always been the rational one. You're the one who punches people and breaks fingers."
