Page 103 of Spring Tide

We spend the rest of the night drinking, eating, and carefully avoiding controversial topics. There are plenty of good moments, sure, but her dad continues to make little digs no matter the subject—poking fun at her dating history, her chosen career field, and even her personality as a whole.

Near the tail end of our meal, while waiting for the check, my frustration hits an all-time high.

Harper has just finished recounting a funny anecdote from her childhood, the joy and the laughter bouncing off her in waves. Despite my irritation at the third member of our party, it even generates a chuckle or two from me.

“Harper, honey,” her dad quietly chastises her, his tight smile filled with condescension. “Everyone’s staring at ya.”

“Oh, sorry.” Her laughter dims as she glances around the room, ensuring that she hasn’t caused an actual disruption. There are a few guests looking at our table, of course, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. In fact, they’re probably only looking because she’s fucking beautiful and happy, and they wish they could be sitting with her instead of their boring-ass partners. “I didn’t realize I was being so loud.”

“You weren’t, baby. You’re fine,” I say, staring pointedly at her dad.

“You’re right. You’re right.” He immediately plays it off, taking note of the pissed-off look on my face. “No big deal.”

Goddammit.

I understand exactly where Harper was coming from now that I’ve seen it firsthand. A hundredfold. From my vantage point, it almost seems like she’s a joke to her father. And sadly, I don’t think she’s able to see the true extent of the situation.

She loves him too much to assume the worst.

* * *

Thirty minutes later,Harper and I find ourselves walking down the street toward my car. I parked a few blocks away from the restaurant, while Harper’s dad picked her up from her apartment. It didn’t take much convincing for him to let me drive her home after dinner. In fact, he already had plans to head back to the city tonight.

I’m sure cutting off the detour saved him a few precious minutes.

As we settle into our seats, there’s an eerie silence that washes over us. I can tell she feels uncomfortable, but I’m not sure how to tactfully broach the subject.

“Harper, look—”

She shakes her head, plastering a flimsy paper smile on her face. “You don’t have to say it.”

“Are you sure?” I sigh, long and heavy. “Because I feel like I have to say it.”

“I mean, you can if you really want to.”

“Your dad’s a jerk.” I reach an arm over the center console, shaping my fingers around her thigh. “You’re fucking perfect, okay?”

“I know I told you he doesn’t take me seriously, but he’s not usually that bad. I promise.” She laces the tips of her fingers through the gaps in mine. “Something was just off with him tonight. I think maybe he was trying to act cool around you for whatever reason.”

“Why on earth would he want to do that?” I scoff. “Actually, better question, why would he ever think treating you like shit would impress me?”

“He wasn’t treating me like shit. He was just being clueless.”

“If that’s what you want to believe.”

She blinks over at me, wide eyes shining with forgiveness. “I choose to give him the benefit of the doubt. I know my dad loves me. Sometimes the things we say come out the wrong way ... despite our intentions.”

Again, Harper proves herself to be too damn good for this messed-up world. She’s the most nonjudgmental person I’ve ever met. To be honest, it seems to bring her a helluva lot more joy and happiness than the rest of us.

“I suppose you’re right.”

She turns her phony smile up a few notches, cheeks tightening as it fades into something genuine. “I’m fine, really.”

“Okay ...”

She traces an X over her chest and says, “Cross my heart.”

I drop the subject, mentally searching for some way to change the night’s course. Harper—my confident, sweet, and carefree girl—deserves something to take her mind off the disappointment.

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