Page 220 of Remy

“Sounds perfect.” I smile. “I can check out vacation rental websites tomorrow.”

He opens one eye to peer at me. “In the meantime, will you do me a favor?”

I purse my lips. “That depends on what it is. You’re now a man with a track record of choice decisions. You no longer have the green light for favors.”

“But this one is important.” He drags in a long, contented breath. “I’ve had a great week, fragolina. I couldn’t have asked for better. The only thing that could top it off would be knowing you’re out kicking up your heels with Allison and Ivy tonight.”

I shoot him an overly dramatic scowl. “You’re guilting me into going dancing again?”

“Last weekend’s installment was a great success, was it not?”

My face heats.

Thankfully he’s yet to ask any more questions about me and Remy. But maybe he hasn’t needed to. I’m sure the chemistry between us in that French restaurant was hard to deny.

“Please, Liv.” He leans forward, tilting his recliner back into the upright position to punish me with a hopeful smile. “Go out with Ivy and Allison. Let your hair down. Drink. Be merry. Shake your?—”

I sigh. “Dad, you know I don’t like the club scene.”

“But the girls need it. They’re itching to have a wild night but won’t go out anymore because they think it’s in bad taste to be enjoying themselves while I’m sick.” He clasps his hands in prayer. “Pretty please. Be their leader and show them it’s okay. Teach them that they shouldn’t put their lives on hold for anyone. Especially not an employer.”

The downplaying of his role in their lives hits me with a pang in the chest. “You’re more than their boss.”

“I know.” His expression turns somber. “But you understand where I’m coming from, don’t you? They can’t hit pause because of my struggles. If anything, they should be grasping life tighter around the neck and wringing it for all it’s worth.”

I agree. I just wish I didn’t have to be involved in the wringing.

“I want to end tonight knowing you’re out there living your life.” He smiles fondly to himself. “I want to picture you dancing again, your anxieties eased with a few cheap club drinks. It’ll be fun. But more importantly, it’ll be for me, which is all that matters.”

I roll my eyes. “If only they gave Olympic medals for emotional manipulation.”

He grins. “It’s the skill I never knew I had.”

I chuckle. “Fine. I promise to text the girls and see if they want to go out for a little while. But if they aren’t interested, I’m not forcing them.”

“You won’t need to.” His widening smile crinkles the skin around his eyes. “Because they’re already preparing. You’ve got—” He checks his watch. “—roughly an hour before a car will be at your house to pick you up.”

My face slackens. “What?”

His expression brightens with deviousness. “I leveled them with a similar dose of emotional manipulation this morning. They agreed and said they’d pick you up around nine.”

“Dad.”

“You’re welcome.”

I push to my feet. “No. It’s not enough time.” And I’ve waited all week to see Remy.

He chuckles as I panic. “You’ll be fine. You’ve never been someone who takes three hours to get ready.” He struggles to rise from his chair, and I quickly rush to help. “You’re beautiful without all the accessories and makeup. Just like your mother was.”

“They do say a father’s love is blind.”

“Don’t be like that.” His humor fades with each passing breath. “You’re a blessing, Liv. In every way imaginable. Never forget that.”

My skin prickles at the detour into sentimental territory.

I’ve waited a long time for the opportunity to bring up the truth, but it never seems like the right moment to drop the bombshell. Now is no different.

I’d prefer him to remain blissfully unaware of my knowledge. To rest easier, thinking he’s done his best to shelter me in that protective, fatherly way of his.

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