Chapter 6: Love on Trial

Couldn’t stay away. When Julian heard the truth, he rushed over. My dad was in the kitchen, apron on, cooking for me. Julian brought gifts and shot me a look as he entered.

Awkward. I scratched my nose, feeling guilty. “Hello, sir. I’m Julian Graves, Savannah’s boyfriend. We’ve met before.”

Tables turned. It was the first time I’d seen Julian look nervous.

Cold. My dad didn’t even turn around. “Oh, Savannah’s friend, Julian.”

Julian was instantly awkward. I tried not to laugh, pretending nothing was wrong. My dad really knows how to play with words.

We were on our best behavior. With my dad in charge, neither of us dared make a move. When a dish was done, my dad turned and said, “Standing around is tiring. Go wait in the living room.”

Tension. Then he looked at Julian. “You…”

Trying hard. Before my dad could refuse, Julian rolled up his sleeves and got to work—washing, chopping, cleaning.

Trap question. At dinner, my dad asked, “Julian, do you think I’m old?”

He was sweating. Julian swallowed nervously, forcing a sincere smile. “Sir, you’re still young!”

My dad gave him a half-smile. “Really? Funny, I’ve been dreaming lately that someone’s been calling me an old man.”

Help. Julian looked like he was sitting on pins and needles, shooting me a desperate look: Are you really going to just watch?

But not enough to step in. Honestly, I did feel a little bad. I tried to keep a straight face. “Dad, Julian’s here to apologize.”

“Is that so? Can’t he say it himself?”

Me: …

Not with you intimidating him!

Julian hurried to apologize. “Sir, please don’t blame Savannah. It was my fault. I thought…”

He poured on the flattery, but my dad wasn’t having it.

Reality check. After dinner, I walked Julian to the door, worried. “Julian, what if my dad never accepts us?”

That’s my guy. He looked at me, determined. “I won’t give up!”

Back in my room, I sighed. “Dad, how long are you going to test him?”

He was serious. He gave me a look. “What, feeling sorry for him? My daughter isn’t easy to win over. If he really loves you, he won’t mind a challenge.”

Fair point.

…