Page 109
He turns around to face me, standing near the outskirts of the dancing that’s still going strong. Guilt crosses his features, but he swiftly blinks it away. “Hey, Jules. Having a good night?”
“What were you just saying to Archer?”
His features fall. “Can we talk somewhere more private?”
He begins to walk away, but I hold my hand on his arm, staying him. “Just tell me what was said between you.”
He hesitates, then sighs. “He asked me if he had my permission to date you, and I told him no.”
My heart twists. Archer asked him? And Dad had the audacity to say no? “You know he doesn’t need your permission—I don’t need your permission—for me to date him, right?”
“It’s beyond the point,” Dad whispers, clearly trying to keep this between us. “He’s not a good person, Jules.”
“How can you say that?”
He takes hold of my arm softly, urging me to the door. “Let’s take a breather. Cool off. I’ve got to be here for the dance because—”
“Because you’re the mayor. I know.”
He looks at me, astonished. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“No,” I say honestly. “But I am upset about all the lies between us.”
He stiffens. “Including your own?”
“About school?”
“About Archer. Him in your bedroom, you sneaking out of the house with him. He’s the real reason you’re not going back to college, isn’t he?”
My thoughts spiral. “You were spying on me?”
He looks away, guilty. “I installed a couple cameras a few days ago and forgot to tell you with how busy things have been. I received a notification of movement the night before but set it aside, figuring it was just you leaving for ice cream. But last night, I was skimming through the notifications and saw both of you running to my car.”
“His truck was dead.”
“That doesn’t explain why you lied to me. You said you were going home after the potluck dinner, not out with Archer.”
“My plans changed.”
He shakes his head, his expression wary. “He’s a bad influence, Jules. It’s my job to protect you, but I can’t if you keep—”
“I’m not a kid anymore, Dad,” I interrupt. “You don’t have to protect me. And I don’t have to tell you everything I do. Just like I can date whoever I want. He didn’t have to ask for your permission,” I repeat.
“Then why did he?”
“Because he wants to show his respect for you. Even though you clearly have none for him.”
“A man can’t respect a boy who sneaks out with his daughter.”
“I told him to, Dad. Because I was scared of your response.”
He looks away, his voice softening. “You can tell me anything, Jules. You know that.”
“And you can tell me anything.”
“I do.”
“Really?”
