Page 98 of Painting Her Fate

“Is that your boyfriend you are texting?” He cocks a brow and heaves another fork full of potatoes in.

I glance over my mobile at him, “There is no boyfriend, dad.” I try giving him a small smile and bury my face back behind my screen. Did he catch the hint of disappointment I tried desperately to cover up? The way he is looking at me tells me he did.Damn it, I never could hide anything from this man.

“Zander seemed like a nice young man; Tamara says he is better than that othertwat, her words exactly. Why don’t you date him?” He tries acting casual, but I know this has piqued his interest.

I think being stuck inside has gotten to his head. And since when did he talk with Tamara? She is such a blabbermouth.

“Dad, I’d rather not talk about guys with you, it’s a little weird. Zander and I are just friends.” I stand from the chair to busy myself with the box of cupcakes, macaroons, and the sponge candy.

With the empty takeaway container set aside and no other distractions for him to focus on, his radar mode has kicked in.

“You sound like there is something bugging you; just get it off your chest. Don’t lie to me, Lili. I know you, so no bullshit. Did he hurt you?”

I come back to the table with the treats and pluck out a lemon cupcake with homemade blueberry icing and take a big bite, delaying my response. I’m then subjected to his hard stare. He will wait, however long this will take. He’s not going to let me leave without answers.

Taking my time to savor the sugar, he clears his throat asking me to get on with it, “Alexander has been nothing but a proper gentleman.” At least I’m being truthful. Having had time to think over recent events, I see where my actions were, shall I say, excessive. I overreacted.

“I’m glad, I’d have to hurt him otherwise.” He takes the white cupcake with buttercream frosting, groaning in pure pleasure when he chomps his first bite. “These are good.” He states on a mouthful. We finish our cupcakes in silence, the steady stream of rain our music. Nature at its finest. Thinking that is more than enough sugar for the both of us, I close the box and take it to the fridge for safe keeping.

“Lili.” His gentle tone is back, his arms are crossed over his chest, biceps more prominent in this pose. “You would tell me if something was bothering you, right? You can tell me anything, sweetie.” Well, if that doesn’t put a spanner in the works.

I feel the blood drain from my face as my hand reaches for my throat. There is no way I will ever tell him my deepest, darkest secrets. He knows I’ve kept something from him all these years. I believe he’s wanted me to speak openly to him for some time now, his patients are waning. My dad has never been this forward with me, usually he is the‘go with the flow’type of parent. I have to get him out of this house, he’s had too much time on his hands to think about things.

He studies my stance but doesn’t give any indication of what he is discerning. Why is it I have a tough time reading him? The same can be said for Zander.

I know somewhere in the back of my mind Zander would always protect me, so why am I second guessing everything when it comes to him?

Could it be I’m afraid to let another person in? Or is it my hearts way of telling me he’s right for me?

Gran’s words come back to me in that moment, *Strong Scottish* “my heart sang to your grandfathers, and his heart answered in perfect harmony. You will experience this someday, my sweet.”

The notion that I’m too broken to find a love like Gran, haunts me. Is there a person on this Earth who can harmonize with me? Too many pieces of my heart, mind, and soul are shattered, unable to be mended. No amount of glue can fix this, fix me. What if my heartissinging a tune to Zander and I’m unable to accept it?

I can hear Gran now,Give Alexander a chance my dear. His song is a mighty one. Give an answer back, you may be surprised.

Oh Gran, I could use your insight right about now.

“Lili. Earth to Lili. Hey." He waves a hand in my direction; I find him once more as I bring myself back to the present. His lips twitch, the only sign of his amusement, “You’ve been in your head a lot this past week. Anything good in there you'd like to share with your old man?”

We laugh together as I comment being in his mid-forties is not that old, then my mood sobers, “I must be stressing about the gala is all. I'm fine dad, really. No need to worry.” Not sure he bought that but let us see.

He sighs and shifts around in the hard dining chair, “You need to give yourself more credit, sweetie.” His eyes met mine, “But if you were to date-

“Dad!”

“Hear me out. If you were to date,” he held his hand up when I was about to protest a second time, “If you were to date, Zander would be someone who would care of you. I know you would be in good hands with him.” He lowers his hand, “unless he hurts my girl. Then it’s over for him.”

This Marine isn’t one to jest. What he said will remain firm.

This statement coming from not only someone whose been in the military but also from a person I admire and look up to in my life, maybe that is the answer I’ve been waiting for. Approval from my dad, my protector.

Time to lighten the atmosphere.

I wrap my arms around his shoulders in a gentle hug and land a kiss to his cheek, “Thanks dad. I love you.” The three words I have only told to five people.

“I love you too.” He gives me a quick peck on my cheek as Grandma Claire strides into the room complaining about the rain.

Dad is in for a treat. He is to pack a bag and stay at his mum’s for the holiday. He’s none too pleased.

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