Page 52 of Betting on Lizzie

“You’re handling this remarkably well,” he said. “Better than I am. It might take some time to process everything, but you doin’ okay? How do you feel?”

“I was scared at first, but apart from being tied up, they didn’t hurt me or anything. They just seemed really desperate for money. Something about paying off a debt to stay alive.”

He exhaled and shook his head. “Was seeing your mom weird?”

“Kind of.” She picked at a fingernail. “I used to think about her sometimes and wonder if she’d ever come back. But honestly, I wrote her off years ago. She’s a real train wreck. If she doesn’t regret leaving us, she should.”

“You’re very mature for your age.”

“From what Grandma tells me, I get that from you.” She tilted her head and smiled.

“I’m just so glad you’re okay. I don’t know what I would have done if they had hurt you.”

“You were great at fighting. And Lizzie taking Mom down? That was awesome. You guys are a good team.” She gave him a look. “Speaking of that, how did she get involved?”

“Oh…um…well. We’ve sort of been dating.” That might be using the term loosely, but it was complicated, and he wasn’t about to go into it with his teenage daughter.

“Dad! That’s fantastic,” Maya said just as the kettle whistled.

“Saved by the bell,” he said, jumping up to get it. He poured two cups and brought them to the living room. “Chamomile. Might help us sleep.”

“Quit stalling. Spill. Is this because I set you up? I knew you’d hit it off.”

“That’s one reason I didn’t want to tell you. You’d get all cocky about it.” He smiled to show he was teasing.

“Do you really like her then?”

“It’s new. I mean, we’ve only hung out a couple of times, but yeah. She’s pretty great.”

“Is she your girlfriend?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. Like I said, it’s only been a few dates. Don’t start calling her Mom or anything.”

She swatted his arm. “Christmas is risky for a budding relationship. Gifts can be a landmine. You’ll need something romantic, but not too romantic, you know? I should help you pick something out.”

“Oh? And when did you become such an expert?”

“I set you up, didn’t I? I expect to be mentioned at the wedding.”

“This is exactly why I didn’t say anything.” He chuckled. “Anyway, we’ll be in Knoxville over Christmas, and I’m sure she’s spending it with her family. I don’t even know if we’ll do presents.”

A look of horror crossed her face. “Oh, crap.” She set down the mug of tea she’d just picked up.

“What?”

“I just remembered something. Something you might freak out about.”

“Break it to me gently.”

“In my defense, I didn’t know you were seeing Lizzie.”

“Maya.”

“I committed you to a date with someone from the dating site. You’re supposed to go out with her tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Well, that still gives you time to cancel.”

She was silent for a moment. The kind of silence that makes a dad nervous.

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