Page 67 of Knot Your Romeo

"Ugh. Why doesn't River mind his own business?" Remi grumbles.

"Brotherly love."

"It's still none of his business."

"Remi." My voice carries all the gentle reproach I can manage. "You're playing with fire. Crew's a good kid, but using him to make someone else jealous isn't fair to anyone involved."

She winces, rubbing her thigh again. "I know. I just... I was angry. Anyway, Steele and Crew are leaving tomorrow."

"You seem angry about that."

"I'm not. You're right, I'm too busy, but…" She sighs. "And I'm just tired of feeling like everyone leaves, eventually."

The pain in her voice nearly breaks my heart. I'm about to respond when she suddenly gasps, pressing both hands against her leg.

"Remi? Do you need a doctor?"

"No, it's fine. I'll ice it at home." But she's still wincing as she stands, and I make a mental note to keep an eye on that injury. We gather her things and head toward the parking lot, Remi moving carefully beside me.

Once we're in the car, she settles back with a sigh.

"Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"When are you going to stop using work as an excuse and find someone who makes you happy?"

The question hits closer to home than she realizes. "I'm happy."

"You're content," she corrects. "There's a difference. When was the last time you went on a date?"

"I go out—"

"Business dinners don't count." She crosses her arms, adopting that stubborn expression that means she's not dropping this topic. "I'm talking about actual romantic interests. Someone who makes you smile the way you used to smile."

I'm quiet for a long moment, then: "There is someone."

"Really?" Her whole demeanor perks up. "Tell me about her."

"She's too young. I know I shouldn't pursue her."

"How young are we talking?"

"Twenty-one."

Remi's eyebrows shoot up so high they nearly disappear into her hairline. "Wow. Okay, that's...young."

"Which is why I know it's wrong."

"Is she mature for her age?"

"Remi—"

"I'm just asking! Some people are old souls, and some forty-year-olds act like teenagers. Age is just a number if you're both adults and you genuinely care about each other."

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with an incoming call. Professor Benson's name appears on the screen, and something cold settles in my stomach.

"I need to take this," I tell Remi, answering on the second ring. "Professor?"