Page 44 of Unfinished

“That’s a load of bullshit and you know it.”

“Not the ‘I’m fucking up,’ part.”

“Well yeah,” she agreed, letting one side of her mouth tip up.

I put my arm over her shoulder and pulled her close to me, she leaned her head against my shoulder. I let the anxiety and all the bullshit melt away.

“We should go to dinner on Saturday. However, I need you to make me a promise?” I asked and she looked up at me.

“What?”

“If my mom goes all condescending bitch on you, cut her down. Additionally, remember the social scene here in California is different than the one in New York. I have a lot of friends in New York that will absolutely adore you.”

“Okay, and I’ll try to remember that” she said, and then paused, “You should come over Friday.”

“Okay.”

“We’ll have dinner with my Dad.”

My entire body tensed, “He’s going to hate me.”

“Nah, I’ve already told him all about you.”

“My point exactly,” I joked and she laughed.

Chapter 19

Hannah

It was Friday night and I was making California rolls for dinner. We’d had a bit of a heat wave so I didn’t want to make anything that would have me standing in front of a hot oven.

“I know it’s like your job to be protective, but I love this guy.”

“If I scare him away he wasn’t good enough for you anyways,” my dad grunted.

Liam wouldn't be easily scared away by anyone, but still I’d like for everyone to survive the night. If Liam and my dad didn’t like each other that was going to put me in a really awkward position.

Despite being unusually quiet when he got home from work my dad did clean up for this dinner. His black hair was wavy and messy in a purposeful way with gray streaking through it. He didn't shave his five o’clock shadow, which made him look a bit harder. My dad had always been intimidating. He was tall and, since he worked in construction, he wasn’t weak by any means.

“Just don’t kill him,” I begged and he laughed but not in a great joke way, more like, 'I’m not going to make a promise I won’t,' way.

“Daddy,” I scolded him and he smiled.

“Firefly,” he said right back at me.

My dad had a dry sense of humor that a lot of people didn’t catch on to. It was part of what was so intimidating about him. Not to mention he was a single parent for me through all of my teenage years. He was likely to survive anything at this point.

The doorbell rang and I ran off to answer it. I opened the door and Liam was wearing a gray t-shirt and dark jean shorts. His hair was in its usual messy style and I gave him a small nod for keeping it chill tonight. My dad hated suits and dressing up. Seeing Liam dressed casually would help my dad to see him as I saw him.

“Come in.” I opened the screen door and took Liam’s hand.

I closed the door behind Liam and walked with him to the kitchen holding his hand. This was the first time I'd officially introduced a boyfriend to my dad. I was more nervous than Liam was, even if Liam was positive my dad wouldn’t like him. We walked into the kitchen and my dad was opening a beer and looking at Liam.

“Dad, this is Liam. Liam, this is my dad.” I gestured between them.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Meyer.” Liam held out his hand.

“Call me Bill.” My dad shook Liam’s hand and I was mildly surprised when he didn’t give him a threatening look. Liam smiled wide.

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