Page 121 of The Love Playbook

Stunned into silence, Garry’s lips part while I give myself a mental high-five for being fucking awesome, all while sliding a hand beneath the table and intertwining Lettie’s fingers with mine.

“Okay,” my mother says through a breath. “Why doesn’t everybody take a deep breath, and we can talk this out. Garry, darling, let’s have another glass of wine, shall we?” She raises a hand, motioning for the waiter. But Garry turns, his expression thunderous, and she drops her arm.

“What the hell will people think when they find out our kids are dating?”

My mother grins. “They’ll think my son has good taste. Just like his mama.” She takes his hand and gives it a little squeeze. “Is it really the worst thing?”

Unable to sit by and watch anymore, I push back my chair and rise to my feet. “Garry, can I speak to you outside for a moment? Man-to-man?”

Garry turns to me, his gaze questioning before he answers with a curt nod.

“Chris,” Charlotte reaches out, “you don’t have to?”

“I’ll be right back,” I say into Charlotte’s ear before I press a kiss on the side of her face, not giving a shit if Garry’s watching or whether he likes it or not.

Straightening, I cross the wide expanse of the restaurant’s dining room and make a beeline for the doors where I step outside into the chilly evening air. Behind me, Lettie’s father follows, the sound of his feet at my back.

I whirl around to face him. “Sir, I think there’s something we should get straight.”

Garry raises a hand to stop me. “Chris, I was out of line. It’s ok?”

“I’m in love with your daughter.”

Garry’s words die in his throat, his expression shell-shocked as he stares at me unblinking, mouth slightly agape. A bomb could go off and I doubt he’d budge an inch.

“I’m in love with your daughter,” I repeat, in the hopes it’ll sink in. “And I know that probably seems fast, but it didn’t happen overnight, and I don’t have any ulterior motives. I’ve wanted Lettie since freshman year, and though I can’t speak for her, I know she feels the same. Though I understand how this might be a little weird, considering you’re engaged to my mother, our intentions are pure, and I just want you to know that as a man, I’ll treat her right.”

Garry blinks, saying nothing for a moment, and instead, tucks his hands into his pockets, his breath forming a plume out in front of him on an exhale. “You mean that, don’t you?”

I nod, allowing my emotions to play over my face, because I’ve never meant anything more. “Yes, sir.”

“And you’re telling me all of this because . . .?”

“I’m telling you this because I have zero intentions of hurting her.” I step forward and slap a hand over his shoulder. I respect Garry, like him even, but I’m also not going to be his little bitch and stand down when I need to stand up for my girl. “And Iknow your relationship with Lettie is a little complicated, but you should know that accusing her of emotionally manipulating others around her when all she wants and needs most is love and support, is probably a shitty way to repair your relationship, and a good way to force the wedge deeper.”

Chapter 30

CHARLOTTE

My hands fist in my lap as I watch my father follow Chris out of the restaurant. I’ll be the first to admit I have little experience with serious relationships. I’ve never had to bring anyone home to meet my parents because I’ve never allowed myself to grow attached to anyone, which means I have little point of reference for how my father would react in such a situation. Still, I never imagined he’d point the finger of blame and accuse me of dating Chris for sport. The accusation stings more than just a little.

I bring one fisted hand to my chest and massage the lingering ache beneath my sternum. I’m well aware of how my relationship with Chris could complicate things for him. If we have a nasty breakup, it could cause tension in his marriage, not to mention future family gatherings would be more than alittle awkward. Would our parents feel the need to choose sides? Add to that the fact others might judge us, and I can see how it’s not the most ideal situation. Even though there is zero blood relation, people will talk. Lockport is a small town. Even the new soda vending machine on the corner of the drugstore made headlines. I can only imagine how people will froth at the mouth over news I’m banging my stepbrother.

“Charlotte, honey . . .?” I glance up at the sound of Barb’s soft voice, accompanied by her gentle touch, and I still. “Your father’s just surprised in the same way you were when we told you about our engagement. Give him a moment, and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled. He worries about you, and believe it or not, this has been a lot for him because he so desperately wants your approval and involvement.”

I sigh, shifting my gaze to the table, unsure of whether I believe it. The truth is, when it comes to me, I’m not sure how my father feels. If he worries about me, he has a funny way of showing it. “Right.”

I’m sure he doesn’t really think I’m cold enough to toy with a man’s emotions as a means to manipulate him.

“I, for one, am elated that you and Chris found each other. I knew the day you came to the house and spent time with the boys that you were a keeper.”

My gaze finds Barb again and my heart swells at how genuinely happy she looks, and it’s not lost on me that she’s been nothing but kind since the day we met, despite my reservations. But if today has proven anything to me, it’s that she’s too good for my father. My initial suspicions were correct: they’ll never last. She’s just another one of his women, a balm to soothe whatever demons remain from the divorce.

My thoughts flick back to the day Barb tried on wedding gowns, and I think about how my father warned me not to tell her about our conversation, about the money. At the very least,she deserves the truth, even if I stretch it little to make her see how wrong my father is for her. She deserves to know what kind of mess she’s getting herself into.

“I appreciate that,” I say, while anger at my father bubbles just beneath the surface. “I also appreciate how great you’ve been since the day we met. You’ve been pretty wonderful.” Barb’s cheeks flush, her fair complexion turning a rosy pink. “Which is why I’ve been meaning to thank you.”

“Thank me?” Barb beams, an inquisitive smile splitting her lips.

---