Page 148 of Rush
We're quiet for a while, then Diesel says, "I talked to him today."
"I know. He told me."
"He told me about his father, about Ruby, about what really happened with Octavia."
"And?"
"And it doesn't excuse what he did, but it explains it."
"Does that change how you see him?"
Diesel takes a breath. "A little, yeah. He's not the same kid from the file. I can see that. He's trying to be better."
"He is better."
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean I trust him yet."
"I'm not asking you to trust him. I'm asking you to trust me."
His expression softens. "I do trust you, sweetheart. That's not the issue."
"Then what is?"
"The issue is you're my daughter and if he hurts you I'll destroy him. And I need you to understand that."
"I do understand that. But, Dad, you need to understand something too. I'm an adult and I make my own choices. You don't get to control who I love."
"I'm not trying to control you."
"Yes, you are. You flew out here to intimidate Rush, to test whether he's good enough for me. That's control."
He's quiet for a second, then he nods. "You're right, I overstepped."
The admission shocks me.
"I'm sorry," he continues. "I should have trusted your judgment instead of trying to make the decision for you."
"Thank you."
"But, Everly, I'm still your father. And if Rush ever hurts you, if you ever come to me broken because of him, I will make him pay. That's not a threat, it's a promise."
"I know."
"Good. As long as we're clear."
We finish eating and I clean up while my dad sits at the table watching me.
"This place suits you," he says.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. It's independent, practical. It’s very you."
I smile despite everything. "Thanks."
"You've built a good life here."
"I'm trying."
