Page 20 of Hooking Her Up

Wincing, I answer truthfully. “I did. The proofreading is done.”

“You should have started the next task,” he says. “Not gone to the fair with that person.”

“Are you spying on me?” I demand.

“I don’t need to. Unfortunately, someone saw you making a spectacle of yourself, and let me know.”

Mom sighs, but I feel violated. My cheeks burn as Dad recounts some of the things his informant saw.

“I was having a good time with a guy I like.” It feels like a betrayal to Liam since he’s so much more than that. “So what?”

“It makes Benjamin think you’re not interested in his son,” he shouts.

“I’m not,” I shout back. Poor Mom is edging between us. I grab for my journal. “I’m not dating Brent.”

“You are. We’re all having lunch at the golf course. You’ll be there and be civil.” When I make another lunge for my notebook, he steps back and starts to read it. “What are you hiding in here? More plans to defy me?”

“Oh, honey,” my mom says, but as usual she makes no move to get it back from him. She loves me, but she values harmony and civility, and deep down, she agrees with him.

Dad’s face grows purple as he reads the last three pages. I got so lost in the fantasy, I really spelled it all out. I want to fling myself out the window, but keep my chin up until he tosses it to the floor and sneers at me.

“Are you even my daughter?” he asks, making my mom grab his arm. He continues. “Are you that much of an ungrateful fool?”

“I’m grateful,” I argue. “But I want to do things my own way.”

Kicking my journal, he scoffs. “You have no idea how hard it is to start with nothing. I do, which is why I’ve given you everything—”

“I don’t need everything, just your support,” I interrupt.

“Well, you’re not getting another dime if you think I’m going to let you date a grimy tow truck driver.”

Of course he thinks I mean money. “I’m an adult. You can’t tell me who to date or not date.”

With a bitter laugh, he turns away, pulling my mom toward the hall. “Be ready in an hour to go to the club.”

“No,” I say.

He stops dead and turns, fire in his eyes. “Then get out.”

Mom gasps. “Stop now. This is getting out of hand.”

“She’s already gotten out of hand. Let her see what it’s like without rent money, car payments, or tuition given to her.”

He storms out. Mom gives me a look that’s pitying and irritated at the same time, not noticing the tears streaming down my face.

“You’re letting him kick me out?” I ask.

“It’s only lunch, Kayla. Don’t be so dramatic.”

“I really like— I think I love Liam, Mom.” I reach for her, pleading for her to understand.

With a sigh, she shakes her head. “If you’re determined to defy your father, you better make yourself scarce until I can calm him down.”

She leaves and I dissolve into sobs. Sinking to the floor, I call Liam. He instantly notices my ragged voice.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need you. Please.”

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