Page 65 of The Main Event

“You’re supposed to meet her,” Levi replied. “It’s your dad. He didn’t wait this long to bring around a bimbo. She’s probably very nice.”

“But … I like things how they are.”

“Which is your problem. You like things how they are at the hotel, too. The mere thought of any big changes freaks you out. It’s not the end of the world if things change, though, Daisy. In fact, it’s good for you to absorb change now and then.”

I was close to exploding, I was so annoyed with him. “Levi?—”

“No.” He was firm. “I know that what happened between your parents freaked you out as a kid and you swore you were never going to let that happen again, but sometimes change is good. Go over there. Meet her. Your father deserves some happiness. Do you want him to be alone forever?”

“No. I was just kind of hoping the three of them would figure out a way to be a throuple.”

Levi burst out laughing. “As much as I would love to see that, I don’t think it’s realistic. Just … give your dad a chance, Daisy. He’s not going to disappoint you.”

And, because I knew he was right, I gave in. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess right now. I’m just afraid that I won’t be able to keep my promise to George.”

“You can’t control everything, Daisy,” Levi said. “Just … take a breath. Let your dad introduce you to her. I’m sure they’ve been dating forever because he wouldn’t introduce you to just anybody. Get to know her, remember that your father has beenthe best father in the world despite what happened to him, and unclench.”

I hated—absolutely loathed—how reasonable he sounded. “I don’t think I like you being the level-headed one in this friendship,” I groused.

He chuckled. “Don’t worry. You’ll be back to being the mature one before you know it.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so. Just … take a breath and remember you can’t control everything. Every once in a while, you have to adjust to others.”

“I adjust.” I didn’t like his tone. I especially didn’t like that he was right. “Sometimes.”

He chuckled. “I’ll see you after dinner. Text me, and I’ll meet you. It’s going to be okay.”

“It had better be. I really am at the end of my rope.”

“You’ll be fine. Trust me.”

I hoped he was right. Still, when I shoved my phone in my pocket, I forced myself to get it together. I was not a child, and what Levi was saying about my father was true. He deserved a chance to be happy. I needed to give him that chance.

I was a calm and friendly woman by the time I rounded the bar and approached the table. I hoped that my smile came across as pleasant and not creepy. “Hello.” I smiled at the woman as if we were already old friends. If I had to peg her age, I would’ve guessed she was about fifteen years older than me. So, still younger than my father, but not so close in age to me that things would be uncomfortable. “I’m Daisy.” I shoved out my hand like an idiot.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my mother and father exchanging looks. They were either surprised by my greeting or amused that I was coming across as a dork. It was hard to tell with them.

“Hi. I’m Sherry.” She took my hand to shake, and I couldn’t ignore the quiver I felt in her fingers. She was just as nervous as me, which had me calming down just a smidge.

“It’s nice to meet you.” My legs felt rubbery as I sat in my chair. It was the nervous look on Sherry’s face that undid me. “My dad has kept you a secret for a long time, hasn’t he?”

Surprise registered on Dad’s features. “How did you know?”

“You were cagey about some stuff. Like … it used to be when you went to a business dinner that you would tell me all the boring details to watch my eyes glaze over.” I found, as I talked, I became more comfortable. Levi was right. I was the problem here. Change freaked me out. I didn’t like it. The world had to change to keep spinning, though.

I had no choice in the matter.

“The last few months, you’ve just said you had dinners and drinks and never gave me the details,” I continued. “Levi and I have been making jokes for weeks.”

Dad’s smile was soft. “Well, I wanted to ensure it was something before making introductions. This isn’t the easiest situation.”

“I happen to think it’s a great situation,” Mom argued. “There’s no reason we can’t add more people to our weird little family. I mean… Levi is already a surrogate member. I’m surprised he’s not with you.”

“He went out for drinks with the guys,” I replied. “Actually, he’s out with our new boss. Jesse and his brother are there, too.”

“Errol?” Mom smirked. “I love him to pieces. I can’t wait until he finds a woman to knock him on his ass, though. Nobody needs an ego that big.”

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