Page 18 of Finding My Charming

I nodded then paused. “Is this what you came in for?”

He chuckled and sat down next to me, facing me slightly. “Not quite. I just wanted to see how you’re doing. I haven’t had a chance to ask how work is going, and your mom told me that the whole situation has been rough.” He pointed to my necklace as if he needed to clarify.

“Work’s great. You know I love Sherrie, so it’s actually been fun.”

“I’m sure you guys are both getting a lot done, too.”

“You sat me next to her! You knew what would happen.”

His smiled grew, and he nodded. “Yes, I did. I wanted you to enjoy this summer even if you were stuck inside while your friends are out traveling and at the beach.”

“Thanks for reminding me.”

“And? How’s the other thing going?”

I laughed at his sudden awkward tone. “You mean dating?”

He cringed. “I’d rather not call it that, but yes.”

I shrugged. “Nothing’s really happened.”

His hands ran over his jeans. It was a nervous habit I’d picked up on when I was little.

“I know your mom and grandma and even Beth think that the necklace is all that matters, but I think there’s a reason you didn’t notice it when it happened.”

“Yeah? Other than I’m an abomination to the family, as April likes to point out?”

He shook his head and waited; finally I met his eyes. “You’re not an abomination. Just because you’re not like Beth or April doesn’t mean you’re any less special or talented.”

I didn’t know what to say. His words sound like what any parent should say to his child, but it didn’t mean it was true.

“You’ve always been the independent one, Elise. You’re brave and determined. Beth and April both rely on your mom and grandma for too much.” He paused and ran his hands through his salt-and-pepper hair. “I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, just that you’ve always been unique and done things your way. Maybe that’s why things have worked out this way. You’re meant to do things differently.”

I let my dad’s words sink in. When he said it that way, it made sense, but it didn’t make it any easier.

“You’ve always been my special girl. You take after me. I’m sorry if it’s hard on you to be different than your sisters, but I think it’s something you should be proud of.”

“Yeah, because I’m like you. Of course you’re proud of me.”

He laughed quietly and nodded. “I didn’t say it was fair or unbiased, okay? I just want you to know that I support you in whatever you do. If you want to do things your own way, now and in the future, I trust you and your judgment.”

“Thanks.” I scooted closer and wrapped my arms around him.

He pulled me in for a tight bear hug.

“I love you, Dad.”

“I love you, too.” He released me and stood from the bed. “I’ll bring up some big trash bags for you and April to put your things in.”

“Thanks.”

He made it to my doorway before stopping and turning. He looked down at my discarded clothes then back at me. “Don’t change who you are, Elise. We already have one April in this house. I don’t think we could handle another.”

I openly laughed and shook my head. “Don’t worry. I’ll go shopping with Ari.”

He threw his head back and stared at the ceiling. “Even worse.”

“Dad! She’s not that bad. I just want to dress a little better when I start school this year.”