Page 39 of Shifters in the Night

“Well, that’s an interesting thought, sweetheart, but just keep in mind that building something of your own involves more risk, much more personal risk,” Max said.

She nodded, even though he couldn’t see her. “I know that.”

“But you know I’ll support you, no matter what you decide. You’ve worked hard and you deserve to find fulfillment in your work,” he assured her. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

“So what’s got you all tufted up?” Max asked.

“How are you reading my emotions over the phone,” she teased him.

“I don’t have to see you to hear there’s something else happening with you, emotionally. I know my daughter.”

She sighed. “I met someone. And it’s confusing.”

“It usually is when it’s real.”

“He’s kind and funny. And shy. And when I’m with him, I feel seen in a way that I don’t get from other people,” Lia said.

“So, what’s the confusing bit?”

“I think he’s interested in someone else. And if that person makes him happy, I want him to be with that person.”

“Well, that all sounds very noble and self-sacrificing and stupid.”

“Well, thanks, Dad!” she exclaimed, laughing.

“What? I’m all for being a good person and considerate and all that bullshit, but honestly, Lia, I didn’t teach you to roll over and let someone else walk away with what you want. If he’s worth fighting for, you get in there and do the hard work. Don’t just walk away when there are cards to play left on the table,” Max said.

“Are you misquoting ‘The Gambler’ to me right now?” she asked.

“Not intentionally,” he replied. “If he’s worth the effort, he’ll see you for what you are. And if not, you’ll find someone who is.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Now, what’s this young fellow like? Is it one of the League administrators?”

“He’s a boat repairman. Works with his hands, on the water.”

There was a long silence on the other end of the line and her stomach filled with dread. She hadn’t thought of what she would do if her parents didn’t approve of Jon. She knew he wouldn’t meet their expectations, as a non-hind, non-son of one of their friends. But even if they demanded she break it off, she wouldn’t do that. She’d always done what was expected of her. It was a scary prospect to know that she might not have their approval anymore, but … she could live with it. She was tired of people demanding things from her and just being expected to provide them.

Her father sighed and asked. “Does he make you happy?”

Her lip trembled as she smiled. She should have known she could count on her father. “Yes, I think he does.”

“Then I hope you two work things out so I can meet him. Tell me all about him so I can prepare your mom.”

She muttered, “Yeah, if he’s going to meet her, I should probably prepare Jon for Mom, too.”

* * *

Having moved her pitiful few possessions into her new house, Lia sat on the edge of her dock, watching the sun sink into the horizon. She loved the way she could almost hear the sizzle of its fire hitting the water.

Alex had been nice enough to drop by with a housewarming gift – cleaning supplies and a whole cinnamon pie – and now he was puttering around in the kitchen, making coffee. She might have objected, but she was emotionally and physically exhausted from moving out of her trailer. Jeff had stood on his own porch, giving her lists and lists of reasons why moving out was a bad idea. She would be too isolated out here, he’d told her, and she could lose control of her gift. It was a dangerous precedent to set for the other employees, he’d insisted.

Finally, Andy told Jeff to go inside if he was going to act like a distraught mother at freshman orientation, and helped her load the last of her bags into the SUV. Jeff had cast one last sulky look at her and scurried into his trailer.

“You did the right thing,” she whispered to herself, contemplating dipping her feet into the water. “If you end up leaving, Jeff is going to need to learn to get along without you.”

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