She leans her back against the counter beside me, with her mug cradled in her hands, and offers me a sweet smile. “It wasn’t hard to come up with a story. The two of you do banter an awful lot. If you guys were in a romcom, that would totally be construed as flirting.” Before I can argue that Brenden and I don’t flirt, she continues. “And what I said about you always being there for me and my dad wasn’t a lie at all. I hope you know how much he appreciates everything you do for us. We both appreciate it.”

Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I admit, “I like seeing both of you happy.”

“My dad likes to pretend he’s always happy, but I’m not a little kid anymore. I can see through him.”

Okay, yeah. This girl is too perceptive.

“But when he’s around you, he really seems the happiest,” she adds. “So if... well, if you two actually did want to start something between you, I’d be cool with that. Just so you know.”

Just so I...

Fuck.

Can she see through me as well as she can see through her dad?

It’s nice to know she’d be okay with the idea of me and him dating. But hearing her suggest that something really could start between us only reminds me that my dad not knowing I’m gay isn’t the only reason I’ve kept a leash on my feelings for Brenden. There’s also the fact that he’s a father. And despite having May’s approval, I can’t stand the idea of dating Brenden and ending up hurting him somehow, because I know that would hurt May too.

I could never do that to this girl who trusts me so much.

In a slightly pathetic attempt to change the subject, I ask her if she wants to help with breakfast.

She gives me a concerned look. “You know my cooking skills are on par with my dad’s, right?”

I laugh. “I bet they are, but I happen to be a pretty good cook. I’m sure I could teach you some things.” Like my grandfather taught me.

For a moment, she’s quiet, peering down into her coffee. But then she lifts her head to meet my gaze, and a broad smile takes over her face. “I’d love that.”

Despite being someone who’s never been great with kids, or even liked them all that much, I find myself smiling back at her. Because yeah. I think I’d love it too.

CHAPTER NINE

BRENDEN