Some of my anger dies with the shock of his cordial greeting. Even if he were to ever make a phone call to tell me happy birthday, there was always a thread of indifference in his voice. I’ve always been an obligation, never a priority. When I’d visit him, I learned to ignore the sting that came with being an afterthought to the rest of his family.

“Drew.” Connor, who to my knowledge had enough common courtesy not to have his shoes on my furniture, unfolds his body from Ethel’s rocking chair. “It’s so nice to meet you. Your father has told me so much about you.”

He crosses the space and I can’t help but give him a once-over. He’s a good-looking man. His skin is fair in a way that makes me think he spends more time indoors than out, and his blond hair is slicked back in a professional but still attractive way. He’s tall, but not as tall as Jasper. Not as built either. He’s cute in a boy-band way where Jasper’s hot in a superhero way. His brown eyes sparkle with humor, but not with warmth. And even though he’s only said a handful of words to me, I don’t trust him.

He’s a good liar, I’ll give him that. It’s just that my father couldn’t have told him much about me because my father doesn’t know much about me. But how was he supposed to know that?

“Connor Walsh?” His name sounds so familiar, but I’m unable to place it. “Have we met before?”

“I don’t think we have.” He stops a few feet in front of me, outstretching his suit-covered arm to shake my hand. “I’m pretty sure I’d remember you.”

I don’t want to be flattered. If this is a man my dad considers a friend, acquaintance, or business partner, that’s all I need to know to want to stay far away from him. I don’t need to know specifics to know this visit to the Book Nook does not bode good things for my future. But even understanding this, I still feel the all-too-familiar sensation of a blush rising in my cheeks.

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good compliment.

I’ll take “Daddy Issues” for six hundred, Alex!

“That’s nice of you.” I place my hand in his, frustrated that I can’t remember where I know him from, but letting it go for now. “Now, what can I do for the two of you?”

I don’t actually care. However, I’ve dealt with Andrew Young enough in the past to be aware of how this is going to work. Playing along only makes this annoying process move a little faster.

Connor opens his mouth, but my dad speaks over him.