“Oh.”
“I should be done in the afternoon, but I will have some schoolwork to do then. Maybe we can at least meet for a little while in between?”
“That would be awesome if you can swing it.” Ethan pulled me close to him for a moment, then let go. “I should get going.”
I nodded reluctantly, and Ethan got up and pulled his clothes back on. I wrapped myself up in a robe and walked him to the door.
“I know I have lunch with Dad tomorrow,” I told him. “If you let me know where you are in the afternoon, I could come meet you somewhere. I’ll have my car with me.”
“Works for me!” I was blessed with a full-on smile to match his bright, sparkling eyes.
“I’ll call you if I have to change anything at the last minute,” I said. “You never know with my dad.”
“Well, let me know what you decide to do.” Ethan kissed the side of my mouth sweetly and then opened the door behind him. “I know the next couple of weeks are going to be really busy for you, but I’d like to see you whenever you do have the time.”
“Definitely,” I agreed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I watched him walk down the hall a little ways before shutting the door and leaning back against it with a sigh. A sudden feeling of genuine relief washed over me, almost bringing tears to my eyes, and just as quickly, a feeling of dread replaced it. I was going to have to do what I told him I would do. I was going to have to tell everyone about my new boyfriend, starting with Mr. Miles Draganov.
Chapter 22—Position
“Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?”
I glanced up at my father and then quickly looked back down to my chic sushi lunch. I must have been too quiet because it was rare for him to notice when I was off-kilter. I decided on the straightforward approach, and figured I would just spit it out all at once.
“Well…”
“Something up with school?” he asked. “You know you don’t have to worry about your GPA at this point. You’ve got the job.”
“No, nothing like that,” I said, trying to reassure him. I took a deep breath, but I still couldn’t find the words.
“I should warn you,” Dad said, “Vanessa has already begun making preparations for your graduation luncheon. She said she didn’t expect you to prepare a speech, but you might want to think about saying a few words. You don’t have to deliver a dissertation. Nothing more than thanking everyone for their support and all.”
“I’m sure I can do that.”
“Graduation in order and job secured, so what else could you possibly be worried about?”
I opened my mouth, but no words emerged. So much for just spitting it out. I could get through this—I had to. I couldn’t continue to hide Ethan from my friends and family. It wasn’t right, and I had promised Ethan I would come clean to my father today. I wasn’t going to go back on my word to him, so I had to find my voice.
“It’s just…well, I’m seeing someone.” My heart began to pound and my stomach went into a free fall. The words were out, and now I was committed to the dreaded conversation. I squared my shoulders and gripped my chopsticks tightly.
“Are you now?” Dad raised an eyebrow and gave me a little grin.
“Yes.” I took a long, slow breath, trying to calm myself.
“Does he have a name?” Dad glanced around the cafeteria as if he were looking to spy the family of the man I might be dating.
&
nbsp; “Of course he has a name.”
“Do I get to hear what it is?” Dad leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers against the table.
“Well, yes, of course.” I paused and stared at my California roll.
“Spit it out, Ash.”
I took a deep breath. I couldn’t delay this any longer, and there was no taking it back now. With one last, deep inhale, I spit it out.