Page 32 of Broken Boss Daddy

Jessica rolled her eyes. “Smartass.”

And just like that, we were back to being our normal, annoying selves.

We spent the ride to the restaurant like we always did—listening to Jessica’s questionable taste in music. By the time we arrived and found my father waiting for us, the moment in my apartment was long forgotten.

Sort of.

My father stood up from the table, polished and professional.

“Grant,” he greeted me. But instead of the handshake I went in for, he hugged me.Hugged. This was surely going to be a weird night.

“Dad.” I patted his back. “This is Jessica. Jess, my father Paul.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Adams,” Jess said, taking my father’s hand in hers.

I could see the surprise and approval in my father’s eyes at the fact that she did that.That’s my girl.

“The pleasure is all mine. This is my wife, Maureen. Then you have Jack, Libby, and Sally. Please, have a seat,” he introduced the rest of the family to Jess.

Jack and Libby looked like their mother with the same ginger hair and brown eyes. Sally had some looks of my father and me, but I was clearly the odd one out. Not wanting to think about that, I pulled out Jessica’s chair for her and then took my own.

My father regarded my date with a skeptical eye. Sending him a look that clearly told him tochill out, I took Jess’s advice about trying with them and started a conversation about Jack’s university career so far.

The dinner started off smoothly. Halfway through, I patted myself on the back for bringing Jess. Being the attractive presence she was, she had my father’s family hooked and even had him relaxing. It was a miracle all around.

They continued conversing about various topics, and I took the chance to observe all of us around the table.

Growing up, my mom never fully recovered from the split with my dad, which left me thinking about him and his side of my family in a negative light. But the divorce wasn’t anyone’s fault. My parents just weren’t meant for each other.

I think I finally realized that I still had some growing up to do.

“Jessica.” My father caught my attention while he addressed Jess. “What do you do for a living?”

“Oh, I’m an elementary school teacher.”

“A teacher.” I could sense the disapproval in my father.

The sudden urge to defend Jessica to him was so strong, it nearly blew over all the newfound thoughts I’d had. I opened my mouth to give him a piece of my mind when I felt Jessica’s comforting hand on my leg, rubbing tiny circles as a sign that I should calm down.

She’s got this.

Jessica sat up straighter, meeting my father head-on and not daring to back down. “With all due respect, Dr. Adams, there is a longer list of qualities that a teacher brings into this world than a doctor. Teacher’s shape a child’s life in more ways than one. Neither you, nor Grant, would be the successful doctors you are if it wasn’t for teachers. Don’t degrade my profession, one Iworkedfor, just because it doesn’t make as much money as yours.”

Our entire table held its breath.

She didn’t deliver her response in a condescending tone, but with one that was calm and professional with determination backing it.

We waited for my dad’s reaction and I asked whoever listened that he wouldn’t blow up in front of all these strangers.

He cracked a smile.

Jessica’s wide-eyed look nearly had me rolling on the floor with laughter. I didn’t know whether I was in shock that my girl took on my dad or over the fact that he enjoyed it.

After that, it was semi-smooth sailing. Sometimes my father mentioned something that made my defenses go up, but Jessica continuously worked to keep me grounded. I was actually enjoying myself—mostly—until the strangest thing happened.

“Tell me about your family, Jessica,” Maureen asked.

The strange part was how hard Jess tensed up. She was like a stone wall—impenetrable.

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