Page 72 of The Crafting Con

This morning, as Mom and I were making early morning badge pickups and scrambling to get ready, I really believed I could do it. That I could face Dad here, at OA Con, and not spiral. Only now that the inevitable moment has arrived, I feel anything but ready.

It doesn’t help that he’s cosplaying as a character from the last anime we ever watched together. That once upon a time, I was drawing up plans for a Rukia Kuchiki costume—the same character standing next to him now.

It’s all just too much.

I thought I could do it, but I can’t.

I need to get out of here. I need to…

The fox-eared girl I just finished helping tugs at my sleeve, her voice a whispered hiss. “Is that Jenni Messenger?”

Wait, what? I blink, forcing my tunnel vision to expand from my father’s arrogant grin to the face of the woman beside him. “Holy…” My jaw drops. “I think you’re right. It is her.”

Of course it is. Declan spent almost the entire drive over going on about how she might stop by to check out his work. Something about approving him for some kind of big project he wants to work on with Grady Wells this summer. And now here she is. With my dad. Who’s clapping Declan on the shoulder like they’re old friends—I suppose, on some level, this isn’t entirely untrue. But Declan does not look happy to see him.

In fact…

He looks livid.

“Get out.”

A hush falls over the room in the wake of these two growled words, and there’s a general look of shock on the attendees’ faces. I suspect there’s a similar one on my own.

Dad takes a step back, gobsmacked by the harshness of Declan’s greeting. Jenni looks equally surprised, and lead fills my stomach. This is not the first impression Declan had been dreaming of making. And yet his jaw remains set. His back straight and arms crossed. Unyielding as he stands his ground.

For me.

He’s putting my well-being before his own hopes and dreams, and I honestly can’t remember the last time anyone has done that. Have they ever?

Dad spreads his hands wide. “Come on, now. Is that any way to talk to your former mentor?” He glances at Jenni, gives her a rueful smile. “He used to be so cute. Puberty, am I right?”

Ugh. He is such an oblivious tool.

Declan stretches his hand out, pointing toward the door. His steely gaze boring straight through my father. “You’re not welcome here, Archer. Now leave.”

Dad lets out an uneasy laugh and glances around the room. I duck my head, hiding myself as best I can behind Fox Ears. “Whatever. Just thought I’d stop by and help out an old friend of my daughter’s, but I can see now why she hasn’t mentioned you in years. Acting like some big, tough guy, when you’re just a petulant child. I hope you’re taking notes, Jenni, because I doubt this is the kind of kid you want working for you.”

He turns, robes swishing across the floor. “Let’s go.”

Jenni hesitates, visibly torn, and I hold my breath. Praying she’ll tell Dad to go on without her. That she’ll give Declan the chance he deserves. But in the end, she sighs and says, “Maybe next time,” before turning to leave.

Declan’s shoulders slump, but he holds his ground.

Resolute in his protection of me.

And I love him for it.

“Wait.” The word comes out in a breathless whoosh, too soft to reach its intended target. I stand a little taller. Step out a little farther. Try again, louder this time. “Dad, wait.”

Murmured voices buzz throughout the room, and none of the attendees are even attempting to work on their props anymore. All eyes are bouncing between me and my dad—the famous Archer Aimes.

Sweat trickles down the back of my neck, and I fight the urge to run when Dad freezes, one hand on the door. Then he’s whirling around, his face breaking into a smile that used to feel like the sun itself. Like home. “Ava! I didn’t expect to see you here. Your mom made it sound like you were tied up with prom plans all day.”

I think I’m going to be sick.

Declan takes a step toward me, concern etched across his face. “Ava, you don’t have to do this. There’ll be other opportunities. I can wait.”

I shake my head. “It’s okay, Dec. I can do this.” I shift my gaze back to Dad, who’s looking more confused by the moment. “I’m not going to let him ruin even one more thing in my life.”