Page 5 of Unpredictable
The front door opened, and Olivia rushed inside, waving at me as she spoke to the hostess. My smile split my face. She was always in such a hurry. Always busy chasing her goals and making her dreams come true. I was proud of her, though. So damn proud.
“Oh.Right,” the woman said, drawing my attention once again. I’d almost forgotten she was there. “Of course. I’ll leave you to your lunch date. Thank you again,” she said before she made her way to the exit.
“Livie.” I smiled, pulling my daughter in for a hug.
I held her close, soaking in her sweet scent. Reveling in this brief moment where she was safe in my arms. Where I could hold on to the illusion that I could still protect her from everything.
She brushed her ponytail over her shoulder, waiting while I pulled out a chair for her. “Sorry I’m late. I know you have a meeting with Talia after this.”
Talia was my agent—whip-smart and a marketing genius. She ran a small but successful sports firm that had previously belonged to her father before his retirement. Much as I loved her dad and appreciated everything he’d done for me, I enjoyed working with Talia even more. She’d revamped my career at a time when it should have been winding down, helping me transition seamlessly from player to color commentator. And she’d always encouraged my philanthropic interests.
I took a seat across the table from Olivia, assessing her appearance. Her chestnut hair was smoothed back into a ponytail, her suit tailored and impeccable. She seemed happy, excited—even more so than usual. And I wondered at the cause of it.
“It’s fine, really. Her office is just down the street.” I smiled to reassure Olivia as the waiter came to take our drink order before disappearing again. “So, what’s new with you?”
Even though we shared a meal once a week, it never felt like enough. I was grateful to have such a good relationship with my daughter, but she was busy living her own life. She had a successful career at an up-and-coming publishing house. She was dating a guy I actually liked. And even though I was busy myself, I always had time for her.
She updated me on her job but kept fidgeting with something in her lap. It wasn’t until the waiter left again that she said, “Dad, I need to tell you something.”
I tried to keep my expression neutral, even as my heart raced, anticipating what she was going to say. She might be twenty-seven, but she’d always be my little girl.
She sipped her water, glancing around. Every second that ticked by was killing me. I considered myself a patient man, but alarm bells were sounding in my head.
“Olivia.” My tone was firm. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She straightened. “I’m great. I’m just…” She swallowed. “I have some news, and I’m not sure how you’re going to take it.”
I placed my hand over hers, peering into her green eyes that were so like my own. “You know you can tell me anything, I promise. Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together.”
“Dad.” She laughed, her voice like a birdsong. Something in my chest eased, but I remained alert, nevertheless. “I’m fine. More than fine, actually. I’m great.”
She placed her hand on the table, and a sparkling light caught my eye, pulling my attention to the ring on her finger. I glanced from her hand to her face, where I found a blinding smile. “Connor asked me to marry him.”
I frowned, glaring at the engagement ring the size of Texas. Engaged?Engaged?My vision blurred, spots dancing before my eyes. She was getting married?
“Dad?” Her voice came to me as if from afar. “Say something.”
I lifted my head, meeting her eyes. Eyes I’d stared into countless hours when she was a baby. She’d peered up at me with so much love and trust. I’d always been her hero, and now…
“Dad?” She waved her hand in front of my face, the diamond glittering, casting rainbows all over the fucking table. “You’re really starting to freak me out.”
“Married?” I spluttered, my mind struggling to catch up. “You barely know this guy.”
“Thisguy?” She blinked at me, leaning back with a forced smile as the waiter delivered our meals. We thanked him, and then she asked, “You mean Connor?”
“Olivia—” I reached for her hand, but she pulled it back. “Calm down. I just want to make sure you’ve really thought this through.”
“What is there to consider? I love him, and I want to marry him.”
“For starters, you’ve been together less than a year.”
“True, but we got to know each other before we ever met. We established a solid friendship first. Not to mention, he saved my life.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”
“Marriage isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Over fifty percent of them fail.” My own included.
“Yes, Dad,” she sighed. “I’m well aware of the statistics, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
“You know, your mom and I dated for two years before we ever got engaged. And we still ended up getting divorced.”
