Page 75 of A Better Place

I rub my forehead and scrunch up my face. “Oh good grief. Those two are worse than women!”

“Well, at least they tell me stuff! You keep her all to yourself.”

“Not true! I just haven’t told you all the details. I didn’t want you to think anything weird when you two met over Christmas break. I had planned to.”

“I think it’s wonderful, Dad. You already know I love her. She’s awesome. And most of all, she makes you happy. That’s enough for me.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief. I knew Lily would be excited that we were finally officially going on a date, but I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear her say it.

“Thank you, baby girl. What about the house?”

“What about it?”

“Well, it’s your childhood home. Are you upset I’m selling? Did you want me to keep it? Maybe for you to live in?”

“Yeah. No. Not so much. Dad, I loved our home. I loved being in that home with you. But it also leaves some pretty crappy memories, you know? Sell it. Liberty is our home.”

“You sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“You’re the best. Now, how do I calm these nerves for tonight?”

“Where are you taking her?”

“Oh, you’re gonna love this.” I slap my hands together then rub them a few times.

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