Page 127 of Just a Little White Lie

“You love her, don’t you?” His voice is deep and gravelly.

I slump down with a sigh, sliding his mug across to him before scrubbing a hand down my face. “Yeah.”

“First big argument?”

“Yup.” I accentuate theP, my muscles coiling just thinking about it.

“Sucks, huh? I always hate arguing with your mother.”

I nod, figuring he’d know. They’ve been married for nearly forty-five years. It’d be impossible not to have an argument or two in that time.

“I can never settle until I’ve made it right. Can’t stand being at odds with my lady.”

My sideways glance is filled with “shut up” pleas that he totally ignores.

“You need to go to that dance thing, mate.”

“She doesn’t want me to.”

“Yeah right.” Dad snickers into his mug before taking a sip. “Of course she wants you there.”

I clench my jaw and grit out, “She’s probably worried I’ll cause a scene with Maverick or something.”

“Will you?”

I close my eyes with a huff. “I want to put that kid in his place. He shouldn’t even be going. You didn’t see her eye, Dad. If Mum came home looking like that, you’d hit the roof.”

“Look, I get that protective caveman thing. You’re right. I’d hate it if someone hurt your mum. But it sounded like an accident to me.”

“Because he lost his temper. It’s not fair that he’s getting away with bad behavior!”

Dad sighs, letting my little outburst rest before quietly speaking again. “You’ve always had a really strong sense of justice, and I know you’ve been burned by unfairness before. It’s a sensitive subject for you, and I respect that. But you’ve got to stop being so black-and-white over this whole thing. Life is full of gray spaces.” He wipes his mouth and looks at me. “Have you thought about the fact that Lauren might be one of the only people who has ever shown Maverick any kind of grace or mercy?”

I dip my chin, struggling to speak past the swelling in my throat.

“He screwed up, there’s no denying that. And yeah, maybe it’s not fair that she’s fighting for someone who hurt her. But aren’t you proud that she is? She’s going to bat for a kid who probably doesn’t have anybody else in his corner. If that’s not a reason to love her, I don’t know what is. I’d be proud as punch if I were you.”

My insides writhe as I run a hand through my hair. Guilt clings to me in ways it never has before.

“You’ve had a good life, mate. Parents who love you. Family. Friends. And yeah, that dance thing in Australia was brutal. But you’re bouncing back. And now you’ve got this amazing woman who you’re at risk of losing if you don’t get over yourself and get your butt to that competition. I don’t care if she told you not to come. If you walk in the door and she tells you to get lost, well… you can. But I bet you all I own that she’ll welcome you with open arms. And so will those kids. Go on.” He nudges me with his elbow. “Be the man she deserves.”

With a thick swallow, I lift the mug to my lips but can’t take a sip.

“You won’t regret it.” Dad winks at me again before letting the silence settle over us.

I can’t say anything and finally start shaking my head with a self-deprecating laugh.

He’s right.

Dammit. I hate how often he is. But I also love him for it.

Standing up, I fling my arm around his shoulder and pull him to my chest.

He chuckles, slapping my side, then pointing at me when I go to walk away.

“Oi. No driving until you’ve had some sleep. Go get some shut-eye first. Don’t want you crashing on the way down.”

“Yeah, all right.” I don’t want to, but I walk back to my room, determined to get some sleep.

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