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I’m with my dad right now.
I sent him the message and then set my phone aside.
“That him?” Dad nodded toward the screen.
“Yes.”
“You like him.”
My heart stumbled. “What are you talking about?”
“You’ve been friends forever, but you like him as more than that.” He stated it so matter-of-factly, as if he’d always known the truth.
I nodded because the lump in my throat made it difficult to speak.
Dad leaned forward so that his elbows were on his knees; the roar of the crowd in the game on the TV was a comforting background noise. “Does he know how you feel?”
I nodded. “He does.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “And he still kicked you out?”
“You know it wasn’t like that. Not exactly. Brandy showed up without any warning, and apparently, she’s used to staying at his house. I’m sure it’s easier for Ember, and I doubt she can afford other arrangements.” It wasn’t about me, or at least that’s what I’d been trying to tell myself. But the hurt was still there, a constant physical ache in my chest.
“You’re making excuses for him.”
“I love him, Dad.” I hadn’t told Sebastian how I felt, but it was easy for my feelings to grow and expand into a romantic love. I had a feeling they’d always be present, just under the surface. These last few weeks were amazing, and it allowed me to let go of any reservations and just feel.
“Does he feel the same way about you?”
“I think so.”
Mom bustled in with two cups of tea. “Are you giving her a hard time? Can’t you see she’s hurting?”
Dad leaned back in his chair. “I know she is. I just want her to be aware of what’s happening.”
“I’m aware. I can take care of myself.” I wasn’t sure what my plan was. Sebastian said he wanted to talk, which was a good sign. But I couldn’t stop thinking about Brandy staying in the guest room and being in the cabin. Were they spending time together now? Would she make a move on him because she was worried about me and wanted to mess things up for us?
I wouldn’t put it past Brandy to do something drastic to get Sebastian’s attention. I was confident he didn’t want her, but the image of them together didn’t sit right with me.
Mom patted my knee. “Hanna’s always been a strong girl. She’ll be okay.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Dad leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “It’s not that I don’t think she’ll be okay. I just want to—”
“Protect her,” Mom finished for him. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but she’s a grown woman. She’s harbored feelings for this man for a long time. They have history. A friendship. This is something she needs to deal with on her own. She doesn’t need you getting into her head. This is between her and that young man.”
I appreciated Mom’s support, but my mind was elsewhere. “I wish he’d deal with Brandy differently. Not let her disrupt his life like he does.”
“Maybe he will make changes,” Mom said, with her positive outlook on life.
“I hope so.” The thing was, it had to come from him. I couldn’t be the one who told him to make a change.
“We’re happy to have you home for a few days. But what are you going to do about your living situation?” Mom asked.
My heart sank. I didn’t have an apartment or a place to go to. I was living with my parents again.
Dad tipped his head in my direction. “You can stay here as long as you need to. We’re here for you.”
