Page 35 of Nova

Piper winces. ''Yeah. I tend not to have a filter. It's the truth though. My dad thinks I don't know things, but I do. He's a good guy, though. The greatest in-fact. He's…I don't know. Guarded. He's never let a woman get too close.'' Piper's shoulders slump. ''I think it has something to do with my mom. I don't remember her because she left when I was a baby, but I think she's the reason he is the way he is. Until you. I see it, Promise. You're different. Dad would never have brought you here if you weren't.''

''Hmm. Maybe. The truth is, Piper, I'm not sure what we are yet.''

''That's okay. From what I can tell, dad is sure enough for the both of you,'' she giggles.

''You know what, Piper?'' I grin. ''I see a whole lot of your dad in you, girl.''

''Since I think my dad is the best person in the whole world, I'll take that as a compliment.''

''You definitely should take that as a compliment, sweetie.''

Piper is silent for a minute as she studies me from across the table. ''I like you, Promise.''

My smile gets even bigger. ''I like you too, Piper.''

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