Page 179 of Tangled with the Tight End

“Okay. Well, that seems cut and dry. Is there anything else you think I need to know?”

I know what she’s really asking. “She’s a small town girl. No background issues.”

“How did you meet?”

“She was my home health nurse’s aide.”

“Is she private?”

“She and I talked this morning. She was the one talking me off the ledge. She’s not looking for the spotlight, but she’s surprisingly comfortable when my job interferes with our relationship.”

“Do you anticipate things with her continuing?”

“I do.”

“Okay, then. I think this is a non-issue for now. Let’s hope it stays that way.”

“Thanks, Kate.”

We hang up and I open Patrick’s text next.

Patrick: Saw the photo. Well, Daisy saw it and showed me. Just checking if you’re okay.

Declan: I’m good. We had a nice night out. Someone decided to share the joy.

Patrick: I don’t envy you, living in the limelight.

Declan: It has its perks and then there’s stuff like this.

Patrick: Well, I’m glad you had a nice night out.

Declan: Thanks.

I take a deep breath and open the texts from my parents. I only read the first one from my dad and then I’m dialing them.

Dad: Saw the picture, son. Who is the woman?

Dad picks up on the first ring.

“Declan.”

“Dad.”

“You’re not even back in the game and you’re making headlines.”

“Just took a woman on a date.”

“Who was she? Your mother and I didn’t recognize her as someone we should know. And the media is stabbing in the dark at her identity.”

It’s not lost on me that he’s met her twice and been at town halls with her far more often, and yet he doesn’t recognize her. Makeup or no, she’s not a face most people would forget.

I take another steadying breath, almost like I do when I’m at the line before a snap. “She’s my girlfriend.”

There’s a beat of silence and then, “Girlfriend. I was unaware that you had a girlfriend. Is this new?”

“It’s been almost six weeks.”

My dad can do basic math. “We’ve seen you since then. At Boston’s birthday party.”