“What’s going on? You played well.”
He didn’t make it to the game, but called me, heaping praise.
I run my hand through my hair. “I’m seeing someone.”
His brow lifts slightly and he almost smiles.
“Well, that’s news.”
“Yeah.”
“Anyone I know?”
The words stall in my throat. “Annika or Anna. My performance coach.”
“Is it serious?” he asks without a trace of condemnation, but studies me a little longer than necessary.
“It is for me.”
The corners of his mouth tip upward. “That’s fast for you.”
“Yeah, I know. She’s not like anyone else I’ve ever met.” It feels like an understatement.
Dad nods once, like he believes me. “So, what’s the problem? Other than her being your performance coach.”
Straight to it. God, I love my dad.
“She’s got a past.” I huff out a harsh laugh.
“Son, we all do.”
“Not like this.”
That wipes the humor from his face. I glance toward the door, lowering my voice.
“Can you keep this between us?”
His expression shifts again. Serious and steady. “You have my word.”
I nod once. “Her dad…” I start then stop, trying to find the right words. “She told me he touched her… not the way a father should.”
The words feel heavier when I say them out loud. More real. “Witt found some articles about it, but I’ve didn’t read them. I saw enough to know there’s more than what she told me.”
Dad leans back, rocking his office chair, processing. “Was she… did he molest her?”
“Yeah. She didn’t go into detail, but yeah.” My entire body slumps. I can’t even imagine anyone much less a father doing that to his child. It’s the opposite of everything my dad has taught us. He would protect us at all costs.
“And you’re wondering what to do with that?” he asks.
I nod.
“Are you asking as a man or someone worried it’ll affect your career?”
“As a man.”
The answer comes easy. His mouth softens a fraction.
“This is all new for both of you, so give her a chance to continue opening up. Don’t push. Don’t treat her like she’s broken, even if she is.”
