Page 33 of Storm in a Teacup
“Can’t,” I say, handing him my borrowed boots. “Linny and I are going to see her Dad.”
“Is this your first time meeting him?”
“Aye, so I need a shower beforehand.”
Paul nods as though I am truly a boyfriend trying to make a good impression on his girlfriend’s dad.
I pull out my phone to give Linny an update on my timeline. There’s a text waiting for me, but it’s not from Linny. It’s from David.
DAVID: So, for dinner this week, I was thinking I could bring Callum and you could bring Linny? I met her briefly at the soft opening, but I’d love to get to know her better. I didn’t realize then you were dating
Yeah, me neither. “Fuck,” I murmur.
“Something wrong?” Paul asks.
I sigh. “Naw. Nothing.”
Nothing except that David has clearly invited Callum and Linny to our supper because he’s afraid to be alone with me—using our partners as a shield.
Paul stands up, and I follow suit. We trail behind the other guys as we leave the stadium.
I text Linny as we catch up.
ME: What time are you thinking for your dad’s?
LINNY: I’m heading over there at 6
ME: Then I won’t be far behind
CHAPTER EIGHT
Linny
I admire my lavender nails as I wait for my dad to open the door. This is a great color. Well chosen, me. I ring the bell again. Then again. Come on.
My finger is poised on the bell as he swings the door open with a huff. Thin, wire-frame glasses rest on his nose as he peers down at me. “Impatient today, aren’t we?”
I move in for a hug. “It’s cold out here.”
He gives me a tight squeeze and ushers me in as I shove a hand in my cardigan pocket, pulling out a tiny, clear quartz crystal. I place it in his palm and say, “It can help with your headaches.”
“I’ll sleep with it taped to my forehead.” He doesn’t give me a chance to explain that that is not what he should do before he inquires, “I thought you were bringing a boy?”
I groan as I close the door behind myself and follow him toward the front room. “I told you Imightbe bringing my friend, who is aman. We’re not dating. We’re only pretending for this weekend.” I take a seat on the couch. “Ben’s on his way.”
“Hmm,” my dad muses as he takes the seat opposite me. “Lying is never a good idea, Linny.”
“It’s only a fib to keep Atti off my back. It’s fine. It’ll be over before the wedding.”
“Atti. Uck. Never liked that Atti.” He’s lying. He loved Atti. Until I told him why we broke up. Hasn’t been a fan since. “You see him last night, then? Hope you showed off that old right hook of yours.”
“We both know I am not coordinated enough to get in a good punch. Anyway, I don’t need to hit him.” I lean back. “Even if he deserves it. He was an ass for the entire night. I broke a glass because of course I did, and he commented that it wouldn’t be the first time he had to tip a waitress on my behalf.”
“What a prick. Well, as I’ve offered, my fists are open for commission.”
“The answer is still no on the physical violence.”
He seems disappointed by that, but moves on. “Want a drink? I’ve a whole bar. Or wine. You like wine.”
