I don’t get the rest of the words out because Dad pulls me into a giant bear hug and it’s so unexpected, so… not my dad. But none of this is. He’s here. Not in Albany with Reid. Not schmoozing with Jenny at the meet-and-greet. Not with Reid at the concert prospective students were invited to. Dad was so excited to take Reid to Albany, to network with musicians who have performed in orchestras around the world.

But he’s here.

I pull back from the hug first. “How?”

“Jenny fit Reid in after lunch instead. We made it back as fast as we could. Traffic was a nightmare.”

“You’re here,” I say, still stunned.

Dad frowns. “Of course I’m here. Everything about Melted was phenomenal. Mrs. Mulaney even cracked a smile during the tap number. I’m pretty sure she loved it. You put so much work into this and it all came together. I’m so proud of you.”

I wipe my cheek, catching a stray tear that escapes. “I didn’t think you were coming home until the morning.”

“We wanted to surprise you,” Dad says.

“Consider me surprised,” I say.

Dad scratches his beard. “I’ve never missed opening night.”

“Well—” I swallow “—it’s never conflicted with a Reid thing.”

My cheeks flush, embarrassed that I’m still admitting how I feel, how much I care.

But… maybe continuing to call him out is the first step toward trying.

His expression softens. “Natalie, I’d never miss your opening night, not for anyone or anything. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that I would.”

I study my dad. The creases in his forehead that exhibit worry. His mouth, pressed into a thin line. His eyes, glossy, like he could start crying at any moment—but also urgent. I’d never miss your opening night. He said that.

And he didn’t. He means it.

This time, I’m the one reaching out for a hug, my tearstained cheek pressed against my dad’s chest. I know we’re not going to wake up tomorrow with a perfect relationship, but maybe we’ll wake up understanding each other a little better.

My emotions level off until I hear the words “I love you, Nat” spoken just above a whisper and then the tears come once more.

A few minutes later, makeup fixed a second time, I head to my dad’s car.

Once the cacophony of parent and teacher congratulations concluded, Dad tossed me the keys to his car and Mom said, “Be home by midnight.” Henry and Fitz are already on their way to Chao Down with everyone. We’ll push all the tables together “La Vie Boheme” style and order all the dumplings. It’s an LHS drama takeover, now so much bigger because all the clubs are coming too.

On my way out, Mrs. Mulaney spots me and pulls me aside.