Page 192 of Mad Girl

“He’s the only person who accepts me for who I really am.”

Nic cocked his head to the side, studying my face. “And who are you?”

Here’s what I could’ve said: Someone who asks for messed-up things. A liar. A freak.

Instead, I said, “That’s not the point. The point is, he knows everything about me, and he loves me, anyway.”

“Except the problem is,” Nic said, “you don’t love him back.”

“Of course I love Michael.”

“But you aren’t in love with him.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do know that, and so do you. You and Michael don’t belong together. You just don’t want me or John to be right.”

Sometimes, it really pissed me off how well my dad knew me. I hated when he was right about being right.

“Yeah? While you’re so concerned about being right, here’s what I’m afraid of: falling in love with a person who can’t accept me for who I am. What’s better? We love each other and he accepts all of me? Or we’re in love and he can’t, so I have to keep parts of myself hidden from him?”

Nic brushed a strand of hair out of my face. “If he’s truly in love with you, he’ll accept all of you, even the parts you’re afraid to show him. I promise he will. You’ll never have to hide.”

Tears leapt to my eyes. I blinked them back. “Whatever. Do you realize this is the first summer I’ve spent away from Michael, not to mention the longest I’ve ever been apart from him?”

“The same goes for me. You think I like it? You think it’s easy for me?”

“He’s my best friend.”

“He’s my godson. I’ve known him since the day he was born.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. You win.”

“What about Casey? You don’t miss him?”

“Of course I do. This is the longest I’ve been apart from Casey since we met, and I hate it.”

“I hate it, too. I’d fly them back tomorrow if I could, but Claire needs Casey. And while Casey’s needed there, he’ll need Michael.”

“Because his dad’s a piece of shit?”

“Yes,” Nic said, eyes flashing. “I would’ve suggested Michael go with him regardless of what happened between you two last summer. That asshole who raised Casey is not good for him.”

“That’s what Michael says. Michael hates him.”

“So you do agree Michael’s right where he belongs?”

“Yes, Dad,” I said, heaving an exasperated sigh. “I’m glad Casey has his brother there to help him through it.”

Nic reared back, gaping at me. “His what?”

My heart seized as I realized my mistake. “Um…what?”

“Elliot,” he said sternly. “What do you know?”

I winced. “Everything?”

“How do you know? How long have you known?”