Page 14 of Holly Jolly Rebel

We were Theo and Elle. Superglutes and Mother of Hatchlings.

We could do anything.

Seven

Theo

“And what timedo you call this?”

Adeline’s green eyes—my eyes—went as wide as a puck. She took a look at the floor, cocked her head in that funny way Elle did, and met my gaze.

That creaky floorboard got ’em every time.

“You’re still up, Dad.”

“You bet I am.” The white lights on the Christmas tree twinkled brightly, casting shimmers over the room. “You skipped out after the game pretty quickly.”

“Rosie wanted to head out and she was my ride.”

“Uh huh. That was three hours ago. Everyone’s asleep, even your great-gran after she binged ten episodes of Law and Order: SVU. Olivia Benson still rules.”

“Agreed.” My daughter took a seat beside her dear old dad. “You played great. Especially that stretch in the third period. Kept the game alive.”

True, I’d had a good game. But I’d take a dive in a heartbeat if it meant my daughter would be happy.

“You sort things out with Rosie and Esme?”

“Sort things out?”

I shrugged. “Yeah, like talk out your problems and your plans in a way that’s satisfactory?”

She chuckled. “You’re usually more direct.”

“I’m trying for a sneaky end run. How am I doing?”

“Not bad.”

I skimmed a hand over her head. “You know I’m your number one fan, right?”

“Oh, Dad.”

I was always embarrassing her with my feelings. I didn’t care. She would have to get over the fact that I loved her more than anything.

“I guess that’s why I worry about letting you down.”

“Impossible to happen.”

She sighed. “I hate the idea I might disappoint you. You know I haven’t taken to the whole college experience as smoothly as everyone hoped.”

“Addy, this isn’t something you do for other people. If you’re not happy, then we need to figure out how to fix that. Tell me, is this about some guy?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, Dad.”

“Girl?”

“That’d be a negative.”

“Come on. Whose ass do I need to kick?”

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