“Everything okay?”
I explain what happened and how she’s trying to figure things out.
“Have you approached this guy yet? What kind of man picks on women?”
My fists clench. “Not yet because Angie is hell-bent on keeping me away. I haven’t even seen the dude yet, but she’s worried her roommate, who is her boss, will make it so she doesn’t get the job when she’s done with school. So, without asking me not to, she’s keeping me away.”
“I would have already found out where he works and gone to confront him there.”
“I think he’s a college student.”
“Hm. I’m sure you can find him.”
I snort. “Pretty sure Mom would disagree with you.”
“Oh, for sure. But still, I would do the same for any of you.”
“Not if it meant losing our jobs or something.”
“Eh, maybe,” he says. Though, I do feel he would ruin someone for us, no matter what. I have that same desire, and the only thing holding me back is Angie. Her job is extremely important to her, and she has worked so hard for it. I don’t want to ruin that for her.
“But because she feels they need some space since London is a bitch and isn’t listening to her but they still have to work together, she wants to find somewhere else to live. But she can’t really afford much since she’s interning and not getting paid. She’s relying just on her scholarship money. God forbid I try to pay for her. She’d lose it.”
He laughs. “Independent, I see?”
“So independent.”
“Are Lucy and Benji broke? Pretty sure Lucy just scored decorating Aiden and Shelli’s nursery, and she’s not cheap.”
I snort. “Angie wants to do it on her own,” I say, instead of going into details. “Which is why I offered my place.” I’m met with silence. “Dad, come on. You lived with Mom before you two were married, and we all know I’ve been having sex for a while.”
“I could have lived many lifetimes without ever hearing that comment,” he teases, and I laugh. “But yes, all that is true. But you’ve never lived with a girl before. Much less a girlfriend.”
“No, but it’s fine. I like Angie, we—”
“Vibe? Yes, I’ve heard this sentiment,” Dad teases more, and man, I miss him. “But my point is, you’re young, you’re living with friends, and you’re a rookie. Enjoy life. Don’t tie yourself down.”
I pause, making a face. “Funny you say that when both your daughters were married and pregnant in their early twenties.”
“They’re girls.”
“So?” I ask, my face twisting even more. “I don’t think that’s fair. So, you’re saying because I’m a man, I need to sow my wild oats?”
He laughs. “I mean, yeah. Don’t tie yourself down. Girls love love and being in a relationship—”
“And I do too,” I admit, cutting him off. “You do realize this is your fault.”
Dad scoffs. “Me? What the hell did I do?”
“Dad, for real?” I ask, almost shocked he doesn’t know. “I watched you be in love with Mom, married, and just plain happy. It wasn’t like my friends’ parents’ marriages. Y’all’s marriage is like watching a romantic comedy twenty-four seven.”
“Owen, come on. We have our issues.”
“Yes. But together, you two always prevail,” I remind him. “You made me believe at a young age that I needed my other half to face life. I’ve always believed I couldn’t be truly happy until I met the person I would spend my life with.”
“Son, that’s crazy. I didn’t find your mom until later. So, you’re right, we’ve had a great marriage and I love her more than life itself, but I lived my life as a bachelor, and I was happy too. It’s a different kind of happy, but still happy.”
“Yes, but I think we kids are different.”
“How so?”
“We all want what you two have. And all of us grew up a little sooner than others. We were exposed to a lot, with Shelli in New York for her Broadway career, Posey doing Posey things, Evan and me traveling for hockey, and Quinn a genius. We’re different from other people, I believe. We weren’t coddled or babied. We were held to an Adler standard, and in my opinion, we are all pretty damn impressive. Even with Evan’s mental illness.”
Like me, my dad’s protectiveness rings in his voice. “Evan’s mental illness isn’t an even or a note by his name. The great Robin Lehner said, I’m mentally ill, not mentally weak. And if that doesn’t define your brother, I don’t know what does.”
“Exactly, Dad. We’re a different breed. So, no, I won’t go sow my oats. I’m gonna chase my happiness, and that path leads to Angela Paxton.”
At that moment, I see her pull into a spot two in front of me. She gets out of the car in some nice fitted jeans and a flowy green tank. Her hair is up in a no-nonsense bun, and her glasses are blue. I haven’t seen her in anything but scrubs, sweats, or that dress, so it’s easy to say I’m speechless.
Damn, she looks good.
My dad clears his throat. “I don’t know when you grew up, but I don’t like it.”
I grin as I shut off the car. “Sorry. You told me I had to.”
“I did,” he says as I throw the door open and get out. “I’m proud, Owen. Really.”
I smile widely, feeling all important and shit. My parents love hard, always have been that way. One would think I would be sick of being told I’m loved and that they’re proud of me, but each time is like the first. They’re special people, and I want a love like theirs.
That love, in my opinion, leads to Angie Paxton.
“Thanks, Dad,” I say, shutting my door. “But Angie just got here, so can I let you go?”
“Yeah. I love you, son.”
“I love you,” I promise, and we say goodbye just as I reach Angie, grinning from ear to ear at her.
Her lips curve up in a grin as she eyes me. “What?”
“You’re gorgeous.”
She scoffs. “You’re like the ninth person to say that today.” Her eyes dance with mine. “I guess, when you dress in real clothes, people notice.”
“As long as none of those people were men, we’re good to go,” I say, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and kissing her cheek. “I’m glad I convinced you to go shopping.”
She beams up at me. “Me too. I feel good, even though my life is a complete mess.”
I kiss her nose. “Well, good thing I’m here to distract you.”
She holds me close. “You got that right. You’re the only stable thing in my life.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say, and I realize I say it more as a promise than a statement.
A promise I have no problem making at every turn.
As long as it’s only for her.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Angie
* * *
“Use the card as much as you need, honey. You don’t need to check in with us.”