Page 39 of Risking it All

“Depends on what there is to tell.”

I nibbled on my bottom lip as I weighed my options. “Can you not tell Dad, at least not now? Because it’s new and I don’t quite understand it myself. But if Dad finds out, he’ll demand that he comes to the door so Dad can meet him, then Dad will make everything a big deal and I’m not ready for this to be a big deal.”

“How do you know this person?”

This was where things could get tricky because if Mom learned Relic was in my therapy group, I had a feeling she’d be super unhappy. Dad grew up in rough neighborhood, and he made it clear I wasn’t allowed in certain areas—and that wasbeforeFebruary. The market where we dropped Relic off at was one of Dad’s no-fly zones. So, did that no-fly zone include my hanging out with someone from that neighborhood?

“We go to school together.” That was the truth. “And he began working at the park this summer.”

“Does he treat you well?” Mom asked.

I smiled without meaning to, thinking of all the wonderful things he had done for me since we met. “Yes.”

“It’s good to see you smile,” Mom said. “I’ve missed it.”

“He says something similar.”

“Then he sounds like someone who notices you. That’s something special, Macie. Not everyone possesses the ability to see past themselves.”

So true, but my stomach twisted. What did that say about the before-February-me? “He noticed me before I ever noticed him. I don’t know how to explain it. Things look different to me now. I see things I didn’t before.”

“I understand.” And I believed that she did. “But while I understand what you’re saying about not wanting to tell your father about your new relationship—”

I tossed a hand in the air. “Not a relationship.”

“Regardless, I can’t keep this a secret for long,” she said. “It would hurt your dad if he found out I kept this from him. Plus, you know your Dad’s rule—he wants to meet anyone you are dating. Is it really a big deal for your dad to meet someone interested in you?”

“Yes,” I stated plainly. “Dad will make a huge deal out of this. Right now, it’s simple and I want it to remain simple. I haven’t had a lot of simple and I deserve simple.” Because Dad would ask Relic a million questions, and they would all lead back to the same place: where do you come from and what are your intentions with my daughter?

Relic’s intentions were the same as mine—our mutual beneficial relationship of a ride, time spent together, and then kissing when we wanted. I had a feeling at least two out of those three were not on Dad’s acceptable dating behavior. How did one explain to their parents that you’re in a friends-with-kissing-benefits non-relationship and that this was exactly what you wanted?

“Your dad would only want to meet him to make sure this boy will treat you well.”

“He does. He’s respectful, he makes me laugh, and I like being around him. Can you talk to Dad and see if he can let loose onsome of his dating rules? I’m going to be eighteen soon. I should be able to make my own dating decisions without his input.”

Mom tapped a finger against the granite as she mulled my request. “That’s a big ask.”

She was one hundred percent right, yet I said, “Please?”

Mom sighed heavily and I practically bounced as that meant I won. “I’ll talk to your dad about the rules,” Mom said, “but that doesn’t mean he’ll give. You inherited your stubbornness from him. There are only so many miracles I can work.”

“You can do it.” I stood, taking my teacup with me. “I know you can.”

“Sleep tight, Macie,” Mom said as I went to leave.

But then I turned at the doorway and looked at Mom. “He kissed me tonight.”

Mom’s eyes widened with shock, but then she gave me a gentle smile. “How was it?”

I took a sip of tea to hide my embarrassment. “It was an awesome first kiss.”

“Thank you for sharing that with me. I’m glad you had a wonderful night.”

I loved that I had the type of relationship where I could share this with my mom. “Good night.”

“Good night, baby girl. Have all the best dreams.”

Chapter seventeen

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