ME: Oh no, I actually would prefer that. I’m taking Austin to meet my dad. We literally just got together for real this weekend, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t brushed my hair yet from our last romp. And I’m gonna have to explain to my dad that he’s gonna have to be okay with Austin.

PEACHES: How do you think he’s gonna take it? Like, what are his issues?

ME: I haven’t honestly spent a lot of time talking to him one-on-one. I don’t know what his opinions are on men wearing dresses and nail polish. I’ve told Austin that it’s non-negotiable for me. Anyone that doesn’t accept Austin will get cut out of my life.

Peaches gave me a surprised face emoji.

PEACHES: That doesn’t surprise me but, man, this is getting deep quick.

I sent a shrugging emoji.

ME: I guess all of this is happening way faster than I thought it would. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled. Austin is a dream come true. But I wanted to finish this weekend and have conversations with him, and now it seems like we have to run a gauntlet, and we’re not even sure who we're running from.

Peaches texted me back a computer emoji.

PEACHES: I heard Milt is on it, and all of his fabulous nerd friends. I’m pretty sure they could tell us what your attacker had for breakfast when they were nine if they put their minds to it.

ME: I agree. Oh wait, I have to go.

My phone rang. It was my father. I answered, “Hey, Dad.”

“Hey, Taylor, where am I meeting you? The dorm?”

“No, let's meet at The Coffee Shop. It’s open and it’s got delicious coffee that you would like. Plus, a full menu for dinner if you’re hungry.”

“Am I going to meet Austin?”

“Yes, you are. He's coming with me and we’re very excited for you to get to know him. I'll text you the directions. Do you have Raven with you?”

“No, I left her at home. I feel like this is a discussion we need to have in private.” I shot a look at Austin. “Well, privacy is at a premium in college, so The Coffee Shop is as good as we’re gonna get with that.”

He grumbled on the other end of the line before agreeing, “I’ll see you there in about a half an hour.”

I ended the call, set my phone in my lap, and put my hands in my hair. “I wish this wasn’t an emergency meeting with my dad. I wanted to savor you in this relationship for a few hours.”

Austin checked his rearview mirror. “Yeah, you sound like you think it might be the end of our relationship with this meeting. Is that what you’re thinking?”