I shook my head no. “I’m in if you’re in. My dad will see sense. I mean, we’re going to have an interesting conversation. But I’m the one that’s paying for my college. He doesn’t have any say anymore.” Austin put his blinker on, and before we knew it, we were parking in The Coffee Shop’s lot.

I took a minute to fix my hair and my makeup, and Austin pulled his hair back. He looked at his nails, which were painted black. I grabbed his hand and kissed his fingertips.

“This is okay. Don’t feel self-conscious about it. Promise me this meeting with my dad won’t do damage to you because I don’t think I could live with myself if anybody in my family hurt you after all your family has done for me.”

Austin smiled. “Don't worry. I’ve had to prove myself time and time again. And it hasn’t changed who I am.”

“I’m counting on that.” I leaned over and gave him a kiss.

Then Austin and I got out of the car and headed for The Coffee Shop. As far as I could tell, my dad’s car was not in the lot, so Austin and I ordered some food and drinks for all of us. After we had coffees in hand we picked out a table by the fire. I couldn’t stop tapping my foot, and Austin put his hand on my knee so I wouldn’t spill the coffee with my anxiety. I heard the jingle of the bell on the door and looked up to see my father glowering back at me. Austin stood up, and then I stood up. I came around the table and gave my father a hug and then indicated to Austin.

“This is Austin.”

Austin held his hand out for a shake. “Sir, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Of course, I’ve known Taylor for a long time.”

My dad lifted his eyebrows.

“Young man.” He gave him a man nod.

I waited as the tension trilled between us. “Hey, let's sit down before the coffee gets cold.”

He touched one chair, and then Austin pulled out my chair.

My dad commented, “A gentleman. That’s nice to see.”

I hadn’t told Austin how much my father disliked Brutus, although they had only met a few times at football games. Austin didn’t respond but gave a soft smile. My father started the inquisition.

“So what do you do for a living? And you're Teddi’s older brother? How much older?”

I wanted to be swallowed up into the floor. He just never had that kind of interest in any of the boys I dated before.

I started answering for Austin. “Only four years and how come you haven’t started by telling him what you do for a living?”