“Why don’t you watch some TV while I talk to Grandma and Grandpa, okay?”
“Okay.” He doesn’t question it.
“Why don’t we go get some drinks for everyone?” Rylee says, grabbing Chase’s shirt and pulling him out of the room.
“Can I talk to you over here?” I nod toward the corner.
“I really should go,” Sam says.
“No, I don’t want you to.”
Making sure Max is still occupied by his show, I turn to face the other three adults in the room.
“I want Sam here, Dad, and you know what? You don’t get to dictate who I date or don’t date. Yes, he’s older than I am, but he is the first person that has ever treated me with the respect I deserve.”
His jaw grinds as the furrow between his brows deepens.
“I’m sorry you found out the way that you did, but I love him.”
“You love him?”
“You love me?”
Sam and my dad speak at the same time. Sam grabs my hand and squeezes it. Mom lets out a gasp, tears softening her face.
“How can you know what love is?” Dad asks.
“Considering the string of bad guys I’ve dated, I have a pretty good idea of what I deserve and Sam is it. He treats me well, he treats Max well, and he shows up. It’s pretty easy. I love him, and I want him to be a part of our lives.”
“If you’re so in love, why did you go behind our backs?” Dad asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Because we knew you’d react this way.”
“Can you blame me?” Dad scoffs.
“I’m sorry you didn’t hear it from us,” Sam says, stepping closer. “But it’s true. I love Joey. As hard as I tried not to, I do. She’s the first person I’ve felt like this about since Casie died.”
“But you’ve dated,” Dad points out, his face starting to soften.
Well, that has to be a good sign.
“Yeah, but I was never in a relationship. Joey keeps me on my toes and is the best person I know. Largely because of you two.” He turns to look at me. “And I know we haven’t said it to each other before now, but I do love you, Joey.”
“Christ, you haven’t?” Dad asks.
“Greg. Really?” Mom slaps him on the arm.
“Well, now I feel like a real asshole,” he mutters.
“We didn’t make it easy on you,” Sam says. “I’ll regret nottelling you first how I felt about Joey and talking to you, but I was scared.”
“And now?” he asks.
“I’m not anymore.”
“Look, Dad, I’m sorry you had to find out this way. But Sam has always been your best friend. You know what kind of man he is. Don’t you want that for me?”
“Oh, hell.” He rubs a hand over the back of his neck. “I can’t say this is something I’m going to move on from quickly, but do you really love him?”
