“What? Seriously?”
“I didn’t even like Rob, and I thought it was too far.”
I frown and try to imagine my dad intensely asking Rob questions. Icansee it, but he’s always taken a hands-off approach to me.
“How much do I not know?”
“He asked me not to tell you. He wants you to be your own person, but he’s also fiercely protective of you. I’m just not excited for that to be turned around on me.”
“Nate, if my dad tries anything with you, then he’s dealing withme.”I shake my head. “The last thing I’m letting him do is make you uncomfortable because he’s trying to protect me.”
A slow smile spreads on his face. “Protective of me, berry?”
“Yes.” I say it immediately. “I love my dad, but he doesn’t get to flip a switch because I date someone. I’ll be watching him.”
“I like it when you get all defensive.”
“Get used to it. Because you’re my boyfriend now.”
He laughs and looks down at his cup. “Hearing that still feels like a dream.”
“It does to me too,” I reply as I grab his hand. “And no matter how people react, we’ve got this. Together.”
Three hours later,I’m staring at a pile of wedding decor that I’m determined to get out of my house.
As much as I’d love to completely change who I am, my house is a mess, and I need to get it somewhat in order. After the caffeine hits my system, the urge to get my life together is strong.
I can tell Nate doesn’t have the same urge, but he helps me anyway.
“My wedding dress can be donated. Or do you think I should give it back to Andrea?”
“What could she possibly do with it?”
I shrug. “Maybe she can get her money back. I don’t really care what she does with it, though, I just need it out of here.”
Looking at it now, I’m glad I didn’t wear it. It’s a full turtleneck and covered in beads. It’s not my style at all. There’s so much about that relationship that wasn’t me.
“I’ll ask her at the party tonight,” Nate says. “And if she says no, can we burn it?”
“As tempting as that is, no. And I’ll ask. It’s my mess to clean up.”
“Fine, but I’ll be there for backup.”
“I might need it against Andrea,” I mutter. “If she doesn’t want it, I’ll donate it.”
“Who could use this thing?” he grimaces.
“What if I really liked the dress? I did havesomeof a say in choosing it.”
He winces. “I know I said I would support you through anything, but this is pushing it. When you showed it to me, I almost told you to dump him right then.”
I roll my eyes. “Then what should I get next time?”
“There’ll be a next time, huh?” He leans in. “Are you putting me through you marrying someone elseagain?”
“Not someone else.” I tilt my head at him. “Are you gonna tell me your opinion, or do I need to guess?”
“Here’s my opinion. Wear something youlike. I can tell the difference.”
