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A blush creeps up her cheeks, and I'm struck by her beauty. “This is amazing, Skylar,” I say, my voice filled with genuine admiration. “You've brought this place to life.”
She smiles, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Thank you. It's coming together.”
I look at her, seeing the fiery passion in her eyes, and the unwavering determination in her stance. She's not just curating a show; she's creating an experience, a journey. And I'm in awe of her.
She smiles, leaning into me. “Thank you, Garrett. That means a lot coming from you.”
I pull her close, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. “I'm so proud of you, Skylar. You've poured your heart and soul into this, and it shows. You're going to blow everyone away tonight.”
She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I hope so. I want everything to go smoothly. There's so much riding on this.”
I'm caught off guard when the door swings open, revealing George with his arms full of takeout bags.
Skylar stiffens, her eyes widening in surprise. “Dad?”
George steps into the room, his gaze darting between us. He looks tired, his eyes bloodshot and his normally impeccable suit slightly rumpled. He sets the bags down on a nearby table.
“I thought you both might be hungry,” he says, his voice gruff.
I recognize the logo immediately–it's from Skylar's favorite local Thai place, the one she's been raving about since she got back. The significance isn't lost on me; it's George's way of extending an olive branch.
“Thanks, George,” I say finally, breaking the silence. “That was thoughtful of you.”
Skylar's face softens a bit, but I can still feel the tension in her body. “You didn't have to do that,” she says, but there's a hint of appreciation in her voice.
“I wanted to,” George replies, his eyes meeting mine before focusing back on Skylar. “I know how much you love their Pad Thai.”
The tension in the room is thick as we all stand there, surrounded by the aroma of spices filling the air.
George nods, setting the bags down on a nearby table. “I figured you'd both be too busy to grab lunch. And I, well, I wanted to talk.”
Skylar looks at me, uncertainty in her eyes. I give her a small nod, encouraging her. “Okay,” she says, her voice steady. “Let's talk.”
I watch George take a deep breath, his eyes moving between Skylar and me. “I owe you both an apology,” he starts, his voice rough with emotion. My behavior last night was inexcusable.”
Skylar takes a hesitant step forward. “Dad, I?—”
George holds up a hand, stopping her. “Please, let me finish. I've been up all night, thinking about everything. I was wrong to keep you in the dark, Skylar. I thought I was protecting you, but all I did was put you in more danger. And Garrett...”
He turns to me, his eyes meeting mine for the first time. “I questioned your loyalty instead of recognizing how much you care for Skylar. I had no right to attack you. You've stepped up when I couldn't, and for that, I am truly grateful. I'm sorry to you both.”
The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. I've known George for years, but I've rarely seen him this vulnerable.
“I can't say I'm entirely comfortable with the idea of you two together,” George continues, his gaze moving between Skylar and me. “But I can see how much you care for each other. And after everything that's happened, I realize I don't have the right to stand in your way.”
Skylar's eyes fill with tears. “Dad, do you mean that?”
George nods, a sad smile on his face. “I do. It might take some time for me to adjust, but I want you to be happy, sweetheart. Both of you.”
“Dad,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “I don't know what to say.”
George steps forward, hesitantly opening his arms. “You don't have to say anything, sweetheart. I'm just hoping you can forgive me.”
Skylar steps into his embrace, her shoulders shaking with emotion. “I forgive you, Dad,” Skylar says, her voice muffled against George's chest. “Thank you for coming here, for saying all of this.”
I stand back, watching the scene unfold. This day, already significant for Skylar's career, has become a turning point for all of us.
George looks over Skylar's shoulder at me, his eyes questioning. I give him a slight nod, acknowledging his apology. It's a start, but trust takes time to rebuild.
