But I don’t listen. Instead, I twist my hands in front of me and say, “I know what you must be thinking.”

“Oh?” He moves so now he’s in the archway of his bathroom door. “What is it that I’m thinking, Myla?”

“That you . . . uh, that you feel sorry for me, that you think my life is a total disaster and that I’m probably not worth sitting through another one of those attempts at a dinner.” I glance away, unable to look him in the eyes. “I, I don’t know what to say about my mom other than I hate her. I hate that she has power over me, that she makes me feel so weak, so unwanted, that some of the things she said were true—”

“I’m going to stop you right there. Everything your mom said tonight was a blatant jab to demean you. Crush you. She attempted to poke every single wound you have, and it was spineless. People like her love to control others. They will do everything they can to make sure they continue to hold that power.”

“Well, she does, and now she’s dragged you in. So I can understand if you just want to . . . I don’t know, go our separate ways—”

“You’re joking, right?” he asks, his eyes narrowing. “Are you really attempting to tell me I can break up with you?”

I toss my arms up in the sky. “I don’t know what to do, Ryot. You’re clearly angry, everything that she said was humiliating, and this was a total disaster. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to walk away.”

“I’m angry because I can’t believe a mother can speak about her daughter like that. I’m angry because your dad barely interjected to stop her yet, you think he’s the greatest thing that’s walked this planet. I’m mad because instead of spending one of my nights off with my girl, I had to spend it with two people who can’t see the goddamn beauty that I see in you every day. I’m not angry with you, Myla. I’m angry with the people who should be loving you, supporting you, defending you, and rooting for you.”

“Oh,” I say.

“And yes, was the night a total disaster? It was. But I brought you back to my apartment for a reason because I know you see it as a safe place. And that’s where I want you to be, safe.” He takes a step forward and then another, and then another until he’s inches from my face. He grips my jaw, his thumb extending to tilt my chin up. “Everything I said, I fucking meant. You have captured me, Myla, in all the best ways. And despite what your mom might think, I feel like I’m the one who is out of your league. I feel like at any moment, you could walk away and find someone better, someone more suited for you. I know the disadvantage I have in this relationship. I know that your heart, your mind, and your wit far exceed what I have to offer.”