Page 152 of Don't Let Me Break

An olive branch has never felt so sweet, and I let out another slow, controlled breath, terrified of spooking her like a baby deer.

“Yeah, Haze,” I murmur. “I’d like that.”

“Miley’s gonna be there too,” she says. “So, it’s not like a big deal or anything.”

I smile at the defensiveness in her voice. “Okay, Haze. Not a big deal. But I feel like I should clarify something…” My voice trails off, another wave of fear humming beneath my skin as the words catch in my throat.

“You’re not going to break up with her, are you?”

“No. I’m not,” I answer honestly. “Do you still want to meet somewhere?”

“Yeah,” she returns. “Wherever’s fine. Well, maybe not Rowdy’s.”

I chuckle. “Still have PTSD?”

Her light laugh washes over me. “Ew, don’t make it weird, Dad.”

Dad.

Pretty sure I’ll never get over how sweet the word sounds.

“How ‘bout Dotties?” I offer, mentioning the small diner we used to go to when she was little.

I swear I can hear the smile in her voice as she murmurs, “Okay. I’ll tell Miley.”

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Meet at 9?”

“In themorning?” she nearly screeches.

“Uh, yeah?” I laugh. “Isn’t that when most people eat breakfast?”

“Let’s do eleven.”

With a grin, I shake my head but let it go. “Okay. Eleven it is. Love you, Haze.”

“You too.”

The call ends.

48

MACKLIN

Breakfast is good. A little awkward here and there, but good. I find out Miley has a boyfriend named Court, and Hazel is busy with work and writing college applications. She wants to go to LAU and plans to pursue a degree in marketing or graphic design.

I toss my used napkin on the plate and settle back into the booth as I take in Hazel and Miley on the opposite side.

“He’s doing it again,” Miley chirps, glancing at Hazel.

“Yeah. Seriously, old man, you gotta stop looking at us like we’re ghosts or something.”

Not bothering to hide my amusement, I shake my head as I sit forward and rest my elbows on the table. “You’ll have to cut me a little slack. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you guys. Thanks again for inviting me today.”

“Sure thing. I’ve been”––Miley gives Hazel another pointed look––“wanting to do this for a while now.”

“All of us are different,” I interject, defending my oldest. “And that’s okay. I’m glad you guys waited until you were ready. I know this doesn’t mean everything is good on all fronts, but it feels like a step in the right direction to me. What do you guys think?”

With a grin, Miley lifts her glass of orange juice as if toasting me. “Definitely.” She takes a sip of the tart liquid.

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