Page 248 of Power Play

I stepped closer. “Let them give me a chance.”

“You don’t understand.”

“Then explain it.”

“They say they want to try, and then my father asks if I’m sure. My mother asks whether I’ve thought about what Flint means long-term. Then they apologize again and say maybe they judged too quickly.”

“So?”

“It’s exhausting.”

“I’m sure it is.”

“They’re trying.”

“Great.” My voice sharpened. “Then let them meet me.”

Her expression tightened.

“If they meet me and don’t like me afterward, I don’t give a fuck.”

Charm blinked. “You say that now.”

“I’ve had people hate me for less my entire life. Your parents aren’t special.”

“That’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking. I lived that shit on repeat for almost a decade. I don’t give one fuck whether Lance Harlen likes me.”

She started pacing toward the kitchen, and I followed.

“If they meet me and decide I’m an asshole, fine. I usually am.”

“Ryan.”

“If they decide they hate tattoos, hockey players, Mexicans, poor kids, foster kids, or whatever other category they want to shove me into, that’s their problem.”

“They’re not racist.”

“I didn’t say they were.”

“You implied it.”

“I listed the shit people have judged me for.”

“You’re doing exactly what you accused them of doing.”

“No. I’m telling you I don’t care which reason they pick.”

She stared at me.

“They don’t get to choose who I’m with, and they sure as fuck don’t get to choose who you’re with unless you keep handing them a vote.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Neither is this.” My voice rose despite my attempt to control it. “I have spent weeks watching you disappear inside whatever happened at that dinner.”

“I didn’t ask you to.”