Page 132 of Anyone But Her

"Do you love her?"

"More than anything."

"But she doesn't love you back?"

"She does, but her dad doesn't approve of us being together."

He nods. "Is she an adult?"

"Yeah, she's 19."

"And you treat her well?"

"As well as I know how. I'd do anything for her."

"Then it doesn't really matter what her father thinks."

"It's more complicated than that."

I go on to tell him the story, explaining how Albert died and how I ended up living with Taylor's family and how I'm broke and how my dad is trying to blackmail me for money.

"Lou's been great to me," I say. "And then I went behind his back and dated his daughter. So I can't really be mad at him for kicking me out. He did what he said he'd do."

"It won't last. He'll get over it."

"He won't. Lou is stubborn. When he says he's going to do something, he does it and doesn't look back. Some people say that's why he was such a great golfer. He'd make a decision and move forward. He didn't dwell on his mistakes. He only looked forward, not back."

"Are we talking about Lou Tuckerman?"

"Yeah. Sorry, I thought I mentioned that. Taylor is his daughter. She plays golf at college. Cal, his son, used to play pro but—"

"He choked. Couldn't handle the pressure."

"Yeah, which is too bad because he really is a good golfer."

"Well, shit, I didn't know we were talking about Lou this whole time."

"Yeah. Why? Does it make a difference?"

"Sure it does. I used to cut Lou's hair when I was a barber. His dad's too."

"Really?" I smile. "When did you see him last?"

"Oh, it's been years, at least ten, maybe more. But what I remember about Lou is that he's a big softy, especially when it comes to his little girl. He'd do anything to make her happy."

"Maybe in the past but not now. He doesn't want me anywhere near her. He doesn't even want me talking to her."

"But you didn't listen to him, right?"

"I couldn't. I love her. I can't let her go, no matter what her dad says."

"Then what are you so down about? You still got your girl."

"But I may lose my golf career. My dad's going to ruin it. And even if he didn't, I don't have the money to keep playing and paying for my coach."

"Money has a way of showing up when you need it. I wouldn't worry about that. As for your father, maybe you just need to talk to him."

I laugh. "Trust me, that wouldn't work. He doesn't listen."

---