Page 89 of A Whole New Play

He opens his eyes. “But I assume you didn’t contact him after the trip.”

“No,” I confirm. “I didn’t.”

“Why not?”

I shrug. “Because I was too busy with work, and it was just meant to be a fling.”

“Exactly.” Dad shakes his head. “You knew you weren’t in the place for a relationship back then, and you’re in no better position for one now.”

I frown. “I understand why you’d think that, but I care about Carter. And he cares about me.”

“But what happens when you need to move for a new job?” He presses. “What happens when the line between being Carter’s nanny and his girlfriend blurs and you adopt a motherly role that you have no business taking on.”

I stiffen. “That won’t happen.”

Won’t it?

Dad shakes his head. “This relationship isn’t a good idea, Valerie. It’s not right for you.”

“Yes, it is.” I believe that with all my heart. Carter and I share a connection I’d only ever read about in romance books. I told myself I wouldn’t fight it anymore, and these have been the best weeks of my life.

“It’s not,” Dad insists. “You’re making a mistake, Valerie.”

I can’t remember a time Dad ever disapproved of me like this. Sure, he didn’t like it when I overloaded my high school schedule with all advanced classes, but he accepted my decision. He believed I knew best. He always does. I’d hoped I get the same reaction here.

Looks like I was wrong.

I lift my chin. “You’re entitled to your opinion, Dad. But the fact is I am dating Carter, and that’s not going to change any time soon.”

Sadness flickers over his features, and his arms fall to his side. “This is a mistake,” he repeats.

“I disagree.”

He shakes his head once more. “I don’t approve, Valerie. I won’t support you in this.”

The words are a knife to the heart.

“That’s fine,” I lie as I fight back tears.

Dad’s disappointment hurts far more than I could have ever expected. He’s never been anything but supportive of me and my choices.

I wouldn’t say I lived my life searching for his approval like I did with my mother, but I could always trust I’d have it. I always knew he’d be there for me.

But now,

The one guiding influence I’ve always relied on feels like it’s torn away when Dad turns on his heel and climbs back into his truck with another disappointed sigh.

I feel like a rudderless ship floating on the ocean all alone, and I don’t know how I’m going to get back on course.

28

CARTER

One Week Later

“So, are you finally ready to talk about the fact you’re dating your nanny?” Corey asks the moment I sit across from him at our favorite barbeque joint in Rose Hill.

I scowl but swiftly adjust my expression when our waitress appears to welcome us and ask what we’d like to drink. I order water with a polite smile. Corey sounds gruff as he orders the same.

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