Page 43 of Only Ever You

With a deep breath, I close my eyes, snuggle into her chest, and tell her everything, starting with the pact and ending with the falling out we had when he found out about Cade.

“The saddest part? I don’t even know if I want to talk to him.” I wipe my tears with the back of my hand and pull back so I can see Mom. “He kissed Sienna. He’s taking her to the dance, and yet he has a problem with me going with Cade?” My voice cracks, frustration spilling out. “Then he tells me he didn’t think he needed to officially invite me. Like…what does that even mean?” I shake my head, the lump in my throat growing. “Did he expect me to tag along with him and Sienna? Be the third wheel to their perfect couple?”

She lets out a disappointed breath. “Boys can be stupid.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” I huff, crossing my arms.

Snickering, she shakes her head. “I’ll be the first to tell you that if someone hurts you with their actions or their words, they don’t deserve your time and attention. Even Michael. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that ‘he’s mean to you because he doesn’t know how to talk about his feelings.’ That narrative is one of many things that lead to domestic abuse. Because girls are told from a young age it’s a form of love.” She looks away, her fingers trailing over her tattoo of Haku from Spirited Away hidden in peonies.

My throat closes. I know what that tattoo covers up. She and Dad sat me down not too long ago and told me about how her ex-boyfriend attacked her. It was hard for them to bring up the subject, but Dad was still playing football then, and Mom’s ex was too, so it was publicized, and all the information is available online. They were worried I’d stumble upon the story myself, or that someone might bring it up with me when the man was released from prison. Mom has a restraining order against him, and thankfully, he’s never tried to contact her, but she was terrified when she got the news he was eligible for parole.

“I don’t think Michael really wanted to be rude to you. I’ve known him since he was six months old, and I’ve seen him with you and Meg. And with other girls. He’s always been very protective of you, very caring, and very kind. But he has a temper. And he’s a bit arrogant, thanks to Colt’s reputation. Like he feels the need to maintain it for himself.” She gives me a sad smile. “Even I know he and Cade have never gotten along. It’s obvious to anyone who’s ever watched them practice. So I can see him having reservations about the boy, but I also think he likes you⁠—”

“No. He doesn’t.” I shake my head hard, my jaw tight. “If he did, he wouldn’t have asked Sienna to the dance. And then to act like I should’ve gone with him anyway? Like a pathetic friend tagging along because she doesn’t have anything better to do? He made it clear he’d never actually choose me.”

Mom studies me for a long moment, her eyes softening. “I can understand your feelings. And you’ve always had good instincts.” She reaches over and tucks another strand of hair behind my ear. “You know him better than anyone. If something feels off, then trust your gut, even if it hurts. I’m sorry you’re going through this.”

“Thank you.” I smile at her, though a new concern flares to life, and my cheeks heat. “Can you please not tell Dad? About Michael, I mean.”

She zips her lips and throws away an invisible key. Then, she puts her hands on her thighs with a clap and stands. “How about we start getting you ready? You’ve got about two hours.”

With a surprised huff, I snatch my phone from the little table to my left and check the time.

“Will you help me?”

A bright smile lights up her beautiful face. “I thought you’d never ask.” She crouches and ruffles Milo’s fur.

He opens his beady eyes and yawns.

“Hey, sleepyhead. It’s time to go inside. We gotta help Isla get ready for the ball.”

“You look breathtaking,” Dad says, one shoulder propped against the doorframe. “You are the epitome of ‘like mother, like daughter.’ It’s like your mom copied herself, and you were born.”

Head thrown back, I laugh. “You’re so dramatic. Everyone says I have your nose.”

“My nose?” He quirks a brow. “The one that’s been broken at least five times since I started playing football?”

“Dad.” I groan, standing up from the stool in front of my vanity. “Can you be serious for a moment?”

He straightens and takes a deep breath, then exhales. “Okay, I’m serious. I promise.”

With an eye roll, I pad over to him.

He’s in great shape, still all muscle even though he’s retired from the NFL. The tattoos that cover about eighty percent of his body may make him look like a bad boy, but in reality, he’s nothing but soft and caring, especially with us. He’s a constant reminder that looks can be very deceiving.

“It’s my first school dance.”

Dad nods.

“I’m going with a guy from my class, and he’s also…Michael’s teammate.” I shift from one foot to the other, nerves rolling through me. “So you’ve probably seen him a few times.”

“I’ve seen him fighting with your best friend quite a few times, yeah.”

As heat creeps up the back of my neck, I peer down at my feet. “All I’m saying is, please be nice to him, okay?” With an exhale, I meet his blue eyes.

Dad holds my gaze, his expression more serious than I thought possible. But after a moment, a smile breaks across his lips, and he nods. “I promise. The last thing I want is to cause issues before your first-ever school dance.”

I wrap my arms around his torso and hug him tight. “Thank you so much.”