Page 33 of The Last Love Story
I plop down on my bed, then crawl over and grab my tablet off the bedside table.
I chew on my lip as I quickly text my dad and ask if he’s up for a video call. He needs to know right now. Mostly because I need his reassurance. If he’s angry or thinks this is the worst idea ever, I need to know.
I wasn’t actually trying to flirt with Justin earlier when I said I’m a good girl. It’s the truth. I think it’s partly because I always had such an open relationship with my dad. We talked abouteverything, and all he ever asked of me was that I put in my best effort and always tried to make good choices. It was rare that I got in trouble, and when I did something wrong, whether I got in trouble or not, I always felt horrible about it.
Putting myself out there as an author was hard because of all the negative reviews that made me feel like I did something wrong. I finally stopped looking at them, and my mental health is better for it, but still, I don’t like making mistakes or hurting others. And the last thing I ever want to do is disappoint my dad.
My phone goes off with a text from my dad saying he’d love to video chat with me, so I grab my tablet and quickly video call him.
Knots form in my stomach as he answers.
What if this is the wrong decision?
Why does the thought of it being wrong make my stomach hurt? Why do Iwantthis to work out?
“Hey, kiddo.”
“Hi, Dad.”
His brow furrows, and he leans in toward the camera. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing exactly. Uh… okay, so this is probably going to sound crazy, so I’m just going to say it all, and then you can give me your honest thoughts.”
“Okay…”
So I tell him. Everything. Except the parts about me getting off to the thought of Justin. We have the appropriate boundaries.
When I’m finished, he doesn’t look angry, so that’s a good sign. He’s remarkably calm, actually.
“Is this something you want to do? Do you feel coerced in any way?”
“No. No coercion.”
Do I want to do it? That’s a tricky question to answer. Not because I don’t know, but because I’m worried my dad will think I’ve lost it if he finds out exactly hownotunsettled the idea makes me. It’s going to be weird. And a big change. But it doesn’t scare me the way it probably should. I like Justin, and even if we end upmore friendly or just playing the part, the idea of sharing my life with someone—if only for a little while—is something I’ve been afraid to want for a long time.
“As for wanting it… I think it will be beneficial, and Justin is a good guy.”
Dad stares at me for another moment, then a sly smile grows on his lips. “And is this Justin the one you’ve been texting?”
Shit.
My lack of answer makes his smile grow.
“Hm. I thought so. Well, you have my blessing, not that you need it.”
“This is weird,” I say quietly.
“What is?”
“This might be my only wedding, and you won’t be here to walk me down the aisle.”
Tears well in my eyes. This is stupid. It’s not real.
But the marriage certificate will be. The rings and the dress will be.
“Well, sweetheart, I have a feeling that one way or another, this won’t be the last wedding you have. But even if it is, know that my heart will be with you, and I’ll be watching from a video call, okay?”
I sniff back my tears and nod. “Okay. I love you, Dad.”
