Marcy and I stepped outside, the sun hanging low and soft enough to make the heat tolerable. With skating season in full swing and football season kicking up, fall was slowly creeping in, a welcome break from the relentless summer sun. And for once, I was glad for the change.
Three familiar figures loomed ahead as the last remaining fans made their way to their cars. I felt bad making them wait for me to do my interviews before changing, but I was glad they all stuck around.
I heard Erin say my name, causing the others to turn in my direction. The grin that took over Mateo’s face made my heart melt. As he strode toward me, oblivious to anyone else, I left Marcy’s side to meet him halfway.
“Em,” he breathed as his arms wrapped around my back, lifting me off the ground and twirling us in a circle. My arms wrapped tightly around his neck, my head buried into his shoulder as I grinned.
Now this…this was what I’d been waiting for.
“You did amazing. Holy shit.” Mateo gently placed meback on my feet, hands gripping my waist as he pulled back to see my face. “You were indescribable.”
“Yeah?” It felt like my smile was going to split my face in half.
“That was the best thing I have ever witnessed in my life.” Mateo’s blue eyes followed me as he shook his head, like he still couldn’t believe what he’d seen. His hands came up to cup the sides of my face. “I’m so proud of you.”
The kiss he placed on my lips was soft, lingering just long enough to make my chest ache when he pulled away. It was far too short.
“Did I turn you into a super fan now?” My hands rested on his chest, the hard muscles flexing under them.
“Oh, I’m hooked now. Erin and I booed people,” Mateo boasted with a smirk.
“Yes, we did,” Erin said as she came up on the side of us. I detangled myself from Mateo to pull her into a hug. When she stepped back, she had a glint in her eye that I was all too familiar with. “We booed Keira so good people kept shushing us.” Erin looked so proud, and I grinned.
“Did you now?” I looked at Mateo who gave a smug nod as well. I had a feeling these two together were menaces.
“She can’t trip you and get away with it. Not on my watch.” Erin shook her head. “Your boyfriend got bored halfway into her performance.”
“Because it was boring. Can’t believe I had to sit and watch that for three full minutes,” Mateo added. My shoulders shook with laughter, loving every second of this.
“Emmie.” My name was said off to the side, bringing my attention away from my best friend and boyfriend.
My dad stood there, like he wasn’t sure if he should join in, hands in his coat pockets. The fact he came today meant a lot. I hadn’t wanted to put a lot of hope into seeing him in case disappointment followed.
Mateo and Erin stepped back toward Marcy, giving my dad and me a moment. I had completely forgotten Marcy was still here.
“You were incredible, Em Bear.” My old childhood nickname slipped from his lips. Tears pricked the back of my eyes, and I gave him a watery smile. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, yet here I was.
“Thank you for coming.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.”
I didn’t let myself overthink it as I wrapped my arms around my dad, his own closing around me. I stayed there, tucked against him, feeling something in my chest slowly start to mend.
My dad squeezed me one last time before dropping his arms. I stepped back and looked at everyone who came to support me today. I couldn’t seem to form any words to express how much it meant.
“Thank you all for coming today,” I finally got out.
“I had a blast,” Mateo said, coming up to wrap his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side. When my dad looked at the two of us, Mateo tense dup. “Well…that part aside. Which I have apologized for.”
“Dad, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about us.” When my dad settled his gaze on me, I straightened. “I should have told you sooner but,” I wetted my lips, “I really like Mateo, and who I choose to date is my own decision.”
Standing up to my dad was no easy feat. That intimidating stare was enough to make my knees shake a little. I wasn’t sure what was said between him and Mateo earlier. I didn’t know if my dad gave his blessing or not, but I wasn’t going to let him dictate who I was with. After today, I felt strong enough to stand my ground and go after what I wanted.
I just hope it didn’t hurt the already fragile foundation of our relationship.
He didn’t say anything for a minute, just watched me, like he was still deciding what to feel. When he finally opened his mouth, I braced myself. Mateo’s arm tightened around my shoulder like he was preparing, too.
“I don’t like how I found out. I won’t pretend I do.” He let out a slow breath. “You’re not a kid anymore.” His voice gentled after a beat. “You’re grown. Who you choose—that’s up to you. I may need a minute, but I’ll adjust.”
