Chapter 35

“How you doing, kiddo?” Dad asks as I usher him into my apartment. “Looks like maybe you’re a little busy.”

My laptop sits open on the couch, surrounded by snacks, papers, Post-it Notes, and my list for the gala. Which is in three days. I still haven’t managed to muster up the lady balls to broach the subject of me and Hollis. There isn’t an easy way to slide it into conversation. Hey, Dado, how would you feel if I started dating your best friend? doesn’t seem like the smoothest option. Neither does saying, What if I dated a hockey player? You know him. He’s a really good guy, don’t worry. “Just double-checking all the last-minute details. What’s up?”

He produces a gift bag from behind his back. “I got you something.”

“For what? You didn’t need to do that. I just had my birthday.”

“For the gala. Hemi can’t stop talking about how you’ve stepped up and taken the lead. I’m so proud of you. You haven’t even graduated yet, and you’re already doing all these amazing things. I wanted to get you something to celebrate all you’ve accomplished.”

“You didn’t need to.” Here he is, buying me presents and being an awesome dad, and I’m sneaking around with Hollis. The bucket of shame gets heavier with every passing day.

He takes me by the shoulders, expression earnest. “You’re my one and only, Peggy. I want to celebrate you every chance I get. I know this world isn’t an easy one to grow up in, and it hasn’t always been sunshine and roses, but you’ve turned into an incredible young woman. It’s such an honor to be your dad.”

I wave my hands in front of my face. “You’re making me cry.”

He pulls me against him and squeezes tightly.

I want to appreciate his love and support, but I’m deceiving him every day. I have to fix this. Maintaining boundaries with Hollis when we’re with the people we care most about is becoming a challenge. I’ve found myself almost reaching for him more than once in front of my dad.

Hollis is right; we can’t keep this secret forever.

“Go on.” Dad holds out the bag. “Open it.”

My hands are unsteady as I pull the ribbon free and remove the tissue paper and the small jewelry box. I already know what’s inside. Any time I’ve accompanied my dad to one of his suit fittings—which is every single one he’s had since I was a teenager—I window shop at the exclusive jewelry store nearby and fawn over a specific pair of earrings. They’re ungodly expensive and nothing I ever need. Let alone deserve.

I flip the lid open and try not to cry. Inside are the diamond earrings I’ve admired for years. “Dad, this is too much.”

“Consider it an early graduation gift, if you need to, but I thought they would be beautiful with your dress. You should put them on, and the dress. I’ve only seen pictures.”

“Thank you. I love you. You’re the best dad.” I wrap my arms around him, and he returns the embrace.

“I love you to pieces, sweetheart. And I know I can be a lot sometimes, but it’s only because I want the best for you.”

“I know. And I love you for it.”

He waits in the living room while I put on my gala dress, shoes, and earrings.

I take a few deep breaths, working to keep my emotions in check. I’m so scared—of his reaction, of the possibility that Hollis might not choose me if my dad isn’t okay with us dating. But I won’t know if I don’t test the waters.

I open my bedroom door, and the expression on my dad’s face nearly undoes my composure. His hand goes to his chest, and he looks as though he’s on the verge of emotion, like me. “You are just so beautiful.”

“The earrings are perfect. I love them.”

“They go with the dress okay?” he asks.

“They’re amazing, and I’ll only ever buy dresses to match them.” They’re yellow diamonds ringed in white diamonds and unbelievably indulgent.

“You worked so hard for this. I know this semester has been stressful for you, but you’re almost there. The finish line is in sight. And I know the PR assistant position with the team isn’t quite yours yet, but I’m excited to have you back in the office. We all loved having you there. And while it isn’t the job I envisioned for you, I love that I’ll finish out my contract with you in house.”

“Me, too.” Fingers crossed they don’t find someone with better qualifications.

“Just don’t date any of the players and we’ll be fine,” Dad adds with a smile.

My stomach lurches. “They’re good guys, though. I mean, I know Flip can be an issue, but even he’s been there to look out for me.”

“They’re young and full of hormones.”

“You would know, since I’m standing here.”

“Touché,” he mutters.

This is the chance to lay some groundwork. To plant the seed. To finally be honest with him and alleviate some of this guilt I’ve been carrying for months. I can be brave. “Look at Tristan. He was a hot mess last year off the ice, and now he’s head over heels with Rix. He’s desperate for her to move in with him. I know there were some issues with him and Flip for a bit, but they’ve worked it all out. Now Rix and Tristan are so in love, and Flip and Tristan are still best friends.”

Dad’s jaw clenches, and his expression darkens. “I would murder Hollis and bury him in a very deep grave if he ever put his hands on you.”

My heart feels like it’s been put in a vise. Just like that, any hope I had that I wouldn’t destroy everything by telling him about me and Hollis goes up in flames.