While I wouldn’t wish having a dad like Andrew Young on my worst enemy, there’s an understanding that comes from people who’ve also had to deal with the emotional torment of a manipulative parent. A sort of kinship that allows you to feel seen and less alone. Like they won’t judge you for daydreaming about your father being put in handcuffs.

It’s really nice.

“Well, I hate to break it to you”—Connor swipes at the corners of his eyes—“but I think you might still be able to. Andrew’s phone calls and emails to me have only increased in the last few weeks. I don’t know exact details about what he’s planning, but he seems pretty certain that he’s going to be granted the rights to this property.”

This isn’t a surprise to me. I knew as soon as my dad walked out that door that he’d be back. He has it in his mind that he’s entitled to the Book Nook and he does not like to lose.

What is a surprise, however, is why he’s telling Connor about it . . . and why Connor is telling me.

“I knew he wouldn’t give up that easily.” I point toward the back of the store and Connor nods before I turn to walk to Gran’s office. “I don’t even remember when Gran bought the Book Nook; I just know I can’t remember a time in my life when this building wasn’t part of it. This is where I came every day after school until I was in high school. I spent weekends here helping Gran when business started picking up. I hung up streamers and spent hours assembling balloon arches decorating the nook for the surprise birthday party we threw her when she turned seventy. Gran loved it here. The Book Nook was a huge part of her life and nearly all my memories of her take place within these walls. My dad isn’t in a single one.”

Connor stays in step beside me. I can feel the intensity of his gaze on my face as we walk, but he stays silent, listening as we approach the office. I pause outside the office door and squeeze my eyes shut to fight the stupid tears that always want to fall when I think about Gran for too long. Once I know I have it together, I draw in a deep breath through my nose and plaster a smile on my face. I push open the door and gesture Connor into the tiny office.

“I’m sorry he’s doing this to you,” Connor says, and I think he really means it. “I’m sure you can guess that it’s not exactly company policy to let you know what my client is planning, but something about this really isn’t sitting well with me. You don’t deserve to be blindsided by Andrew.”