Page 59 of Deep Waters
He glowered. “Then you need to fess up the final details, Sun-Rae. That man isnotplaying.”
Alan fanned himself. “He gotquiteprotective.Hot.”
“Is it my turn to be jealous of Zach?” Simon asked, holding his husband’s gaze.
They exchanged smiles. The kind long-term couples gave when they privately acknowledge they’re yanking each other’s chains. I suppressed the flash of envy. Apparently, my man was trying to start fights over me in public. So, we hadthatgoing for us.
“It’s good to see you, Simon.”
“Right back at you, Sun-Rae.”
“How long are you in town for?”
“Just a few days. Alan needed to meet my family. I’ve talked to my dad.” He held my gaze. “And shared your offer. I think we’re on track there.” He smiled. “At the end of the week, we’ve got to get back to our apartment and dogs, but you’ll come visit us?”
I nodded. “You know I will. Thanks for everything, Simon.”
My dad shuffled out of his office, hitching up his pants. His expression was anything but welcoming, but he painted a veneer of civility over it. “Simon Reynolds. That you?”
“Yes, sir. How have you been?”
“Getting along.” His gaze encompassed me. “Wish you hadn’t dropped my daughter like yesterday’s news. It’s got me in a pretty pickle with your dad. Anything you can do to help me with that?”
Simon slid an apologetic glance my way. “Afraid not.”
My dad grunted, gesturing to Alan. “This the new husband?”
“Alan Reynolds,” he introduced himself, holding out his hand for my dad to shake.
Dad tilted his chin, ignoring Alan’s outstretched hand. “Good for you.”
I closed my eyes, as if not being able to watch my dad make a fool of himself would erase some of my shame.
“Sun-Rae, we’ve got to get going, but we’ll see you around.”
My dad pivoted toward his office, not bothering with manners. I hugged Alan and Simon, Simon getting a sad little chuckle from me when he lifted me off my feet this time.
“We appreciate you, Rae. I know it wasn’t always easy, but we’re at the end now.”
My smile faltered at the edges, but I held firm. Simon deserved happiness. He’d fought his own battles. Ones I knew nothing about. I was sure my dad’s behavior was only the tip of the iceberg.
By the time I got home, I was spoiling for a fight. Only to find Gran home alone.
“Where are Zach and the kids?” I asked.
Gran lifted a shoulder, not taking her eyes off her book. “Dunno. Think he sent a text a while back about taking the kids out for ice cream or something.”
“Oh.” If he was hiding to take the wind from my sails, it wouldn’t save him. I’d worked up a head of steam, stewing over what I’d say.
“You going to be home a while?” she asked.
“Sure. I’m going to start on dinner.”
She dropped her book, getting to her feet. “Good. I’ll be back at bedtime. Don’t wait up.”
With that, Gran scooted out the door. I rushed after her. “Wait! Where are you going?”
“I’ve got a date.”
