Page 92 of The Barkeep and the Bro

I took my hand back. “I think we get along well.”

“You’re fun. You’re a lot of fun. But my dad isn’t the type who messes around. He’s built for a serious relationship.”

“I can be…” Breath left my body.

“One of the benefits of this awkward situation is that I know what it’s like to date you. It’s fun, but it doesn’t go beyond that. Things can only go so far. You’re like a rocketship that just can’t break through the earth’s atmosphere into outer space.”

I wish I hadn’t dropped that astrophysics class sophomore year.

“My dad’s been through a lot. It sounds like you care about him, but you have to know deep down that isn’t what he needs.” She patted my knee, and now I was the one with the cold look. She thought she was being helpful and diplomatic, but her words were a consistent kick in the nuts.

“Look, Charlie, my dad doesn’t have many people in his life. I need to look out for him. I don’t want him to get hurt when you decide to move on.”

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but what if she was right? This was why I sucked at relationships. I couldn’t be serious. I was destined to a life of little flings.

A firm, familiar hand clapped my shoulder and massaged the pain out.

“Ellie.” Mitch’s deep voice bellowed in this narrow hallway. “I don’t need you to decide who I get to be with.”

“Dad!” She froze like any adult child does when reprimanded by their parent. That feeling never went away.

“I know you’re looking out for me, but you don’t have to.” Mitch gazed down at me, his lazy smile sending my rocketship into the stratosphere. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Dad. This is weird,” she said.

“I know, I know. It wasn’t expected or planned, but I like him.” He gave me a wink. “I really like him.”

I stood up and interlocked our fingers.

“Things are serious between us. Whatever your experience was with Charlie in college, he’s changed. He’s mature and caring. And if he does decide to move on, I’ll handle it. I’m not some piece of glass you need to protect.”

“I’m not going to move on,” I said.

“You seemed different this morning. Quieter. I didn’t know if I did something wrong.”

“I got scared. You said it yourself.” I pointed at Ellie. “I was terrible at being a boyfriend. People only saw me as some fun-loving idiot. Soon that’s how I saw myself, too. I figured all I was good for was being the court jester. I wasn’t worthy of anything real.” I tilted my head back to look up at the guy I had fallen for. “But you don’t make me feel that way.”

“Because you’re not.” His thumb smoothed over my cheek. “You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. You’re incredible.”

A sniffle broke our gaze, and Ellie wiped tears forming in her eyes.

“I guess this is quite a shock,” Mitch said. “I should’ve said something to you before I danced with Charlie in front of everyone. I didn’t give it much thought beforehand.”

“I can’t believe this. This is–oh, my God. My dad and my ex-boyfriend. Oh, my God.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. I didn’t want to cause a rift between father and daughter.

“Ellie, I’m sorry,” I said, then whipped my head to Mitch. “I mean, I’m not.” Then back to Ellie. “But I am. You guys know what I mean, right?”

“Ellie Bear.” Mitch massaged her shoulder, breaking through her icy protective shell. “What do you want most for me?”

“I want you to be happy,” she said through tears.

“I am.” His voice cracked with emotion. It was alarming to hear but also incredibly sweet how much he cared for me and Ellie and everyone else in his orbit.

“Dad, I wanted to make you proud so you knew your sacrifices were worth it. But I see this light coming out of you, this genuine light. It’s so beautiful. That’s all I ever wanted for you.” Ellie squeezed Mitch’s hand.

I reached for her hand, but she didn’t take it. We weren’t there yet, but I would work to get us there eventually. I was in this for the long haul.

“I’m going to be okay, Ellie.” Mitch radiated pure love. I was getting misty-eyed, too.

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