Page 33 of Stuffing His Stocking

Too embarrassed to speak, I’m relieved when Dylan does it for me. “I’m sorry about that. Honestly, I don’t know what to say.” He chuckles while rubbing the back of his neck.

“Thank God for noise-canceling headphones,” Mom quips.

“Aside from that…” Dylan grimaces. “Are you really okay with me and Liv? I mean, I get what my father is saying, butthat’s not how I see it.” He grabs my hand and kisses the back of my knuckles before lacing our fingers together.

“I don’t see it that way either, honey. You’re a good man, Dylan, and I’m happy my daughter chose you,” Mom tells him, as I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Trust me, she’s dated some questionable characters over the years.”

“Mom,” I whine before changing the subject. “But what do we do about Bruce?”

She thinks for a moment before responding. “I’ll come to you and we’ll sort this out. I think the four of us need to discuss this over dinner.”

Dylan and I exchange uncertain glances. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I ask.

“Trust me,” she says. “I know how to handle Bruce Kane.”

As we end the call, I turn to Dylan. “Well, that went... better than expected?”

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “You’re lucky to have a mother like her.”

“I know, and I don’t take her for granted.” I lean into him, grateful to be in his arms. “Think this crazy plan will work?”

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “With you by my side? What could go wrong?”

13

DYLAN

The atmosphere at Forty-Eight exudes luxury as soft music hums in the air mixed with the clinking of expensive silverware against fine china. My mouth is parched and my stomach is tense while Liv tightly holds my hand beneath the table.

Let’s get this shitshow on the road.

Carol leans toward us, her kind face creased with concern. “Dylan, honey, try to relax. Whatever happens, it’s going to be fine.”

I know she’s right, but I’m always like this whenever I have to see my father. I’ve come to accept that we’ll never have the typical father-son relationship, so I’ve minimized my time with him over the years. Besides, Mike has been more of a parent to me than either my dad or my mom ever has been.

I glance toward the main entrance and my attention catches on the tall, masculine figure walking in our direction.He’s here. My father has always been a distinguished gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and bespoke suits. His commanding presence garners attention from everyone as he strolls through therestaurant, following the host to our table. When he arrives, his piercing blue gaze narrows in on me.

“What’s this?” he demands, glimpsing at Carol and Liv. “When you asked me to dinner, I assumed we’d be alone.”

I struggle to keep the disdain out of my voice. “We need to talk.Allof us.”

He scoffs, but reluctantly takes the seat between me and his ex-wife.

The tension between us is thick when our server approaches the table. We quickly place our orders, sending him on his way, so we can finally get down to the reason we’re here.

“I don’t appreciate being ambushed like this,” my father snaps, his voice dripping with anger. “Are you not man enough to face me on your own?”

I bite back the familiar irritation that seems to always be present whenever he’s around. Instead, I focus on keeping my tone steady. “You can save the barbs for another time. You know exactly why we’re here.”

He sits back in his chair with his jaw clenched.

Our server returns with the first course, oblivious to the intense mood. Time seems to crawl at a snail’s pace as we wait for him to leave again.

As soon as he’s out of earshot, my father turns to Carol. “I’m surprised you condone this... arrangement.” He acts disgusted, but we all know this has nothing to do with his morals. I’m not sure he even has them anymore.

Carol’s eyes flash with anger as she responds. “Cut this bullshit, Bruce.”

I must admit I’m taken aback to hear someone speak to my father this way, especially her. My former stepmother is usually so sweet and pleasant, but I’m not surprised there’s some grit hidden beneath her elegant exterior.

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