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I can’t even claim it’s the thought that counts when she clearly put absolutely no thought into it whatsoever. One glance at me would’ve told her that would never fit me.

It’s disappointing, but I’m used to it. She’s disappointed me my entire life.

Her parents are amazing people—at least I got them out of her.

When the gifts are all open, we relax by the fireplace, drinking and enjoying ourselves before the family starts dispersing. Mostof my cousins have kids now, so there are some tired children here.

I pour myself one more glass of Merlot to wind down, thankful that I’m just taking a cab to Cole’s later. I’ve already had too much to drink, so I’m not driving anywhere.

My dad finds me in the kitchen, walking over to join me.

“I’m sorry for earlier, Rory.”

I let out a breath. “Thanks, Dad.”

“You know why I feel that way, though.”

“I do, but that doesn’t mean I’m okay with it. I’m not going to pretend to be okay with it, either. I want to make my own choices. It’s not like I’m going after one of the players-” A blatant lie, of course, “-but I don’t want my dad to dictate who can and can’t be with me.”

“You’ll understand when you get older,” he sighs.

I turn on my heel, spinning to face him with a scowl. “When I’m older? I’m not a fucking kid. I’m a grown woman.”

“A grown woman that won’t tell her dad when she’s seeing someone.”

My hands are on my hips now. “Do you think there might be a reason for that, Dad? That maybe I don’t want to open up as long as you try to control what I do?”

“I’m not controlling you, Rory. I’m looking out for you.”

“Call it whatever you want to make yourself feel better.”

My dad sighs and takes a moment to gather his composure. “Look, I know it seems like I’m being overprotective, but it’s out of love. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

Tears prick the corners of my eyes. “The only one hurting me right now is you.”

“Rory…”

I down the rest of my wine in a large gulp. “If you ever want me to be honest and open up, you’re going to need to back off. I’m an adult woman, and I want to be treated as such. Until then, I’llbe keeping things to myself.” I start walking off before deciding not to let the anger overtake me entirely. “I love you, Dad. Very much. You know I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. But this is something I won’t compromise on.”

He follows me out of the kitchen and into the entryway, where I shrug on my coat and pull on my hat.

“Are you really going to leave like this?” he asks, pleading with me to stay.

I wrap my scarf around my neck before kissing his cheek. “Merry Christmas, Dad.”

And I slip out the door.

thirty-five

Cole

“I can’t take youseriously when you’re wearing a damn Santa hat,” Ari laughs from the other end of our video call.

“It’s called being festive, dick,” I chide, stirring the pot of sauce.

“It’s called trying-to-impress-your-girlfriend,” he chuckles. “You’ve been together for like two days, and you’re down badder than bad.”

“It’s been five days, thank you.” Ari just rolls his eyes and laughs under his breath. “Aren’t you supposed to be helping me with this?”

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