Page 106 of Falling Offsides

“Normally, I only go out with Delilah. So it was different. Enjoyable, though.”

Dad chuckles, reaching across his desk to move my hair from my face. “Great practice for your move to New Orleans. Making new friends and… yeah, good on you, honey.”

The proud smile on his face hits me square in the chest. Wrenching at my insides with the proof that not all men are the same. This man is exactly how he’s always been—good. Like his judgement.

And he cares for Auguste. A lot.

“You okay, kiddo?” Dad’s face cants into my line of sight when I focus on the tupperware in front of me. His hand hovers over mine on the desk before he places it next to mine.

“Mhmmm… yeah. Totally. It’s been a whirlwind five weeks. But I’m glad I came,” I add so he knows I’m grateful for the opportunity he gave me. “It’s been good to get hands-on experience outside of the college gazette.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

“Me, too,” I say, moving my hand over his with a little squeeze. “I’m glad we’re doing this, you know?”

He nods, then quirks an eyebrow. “Maybe you can come visit more often, and I can visit you in New Orleans during breaks and holidays.”

“I would love that.”

Gosh damn, my eyes are getting teary at the shift the conversation has taken.

Dad smiles, turning his palm up to mine. “I saw the studio you sent me. It’s very quaint, but the area doesn’t have the best reputation. I know you want to support yourself and be a grown up on your own…”

There’s a but coming, and he’s pulling that tentative grimace that says I’m not going to like it.

“Look, I know you’re probably going to say no. Before you do, just think about it, okay?”

“About what?”

“I’d like to get you a place closer to The Crescents’ facilities. A nicer apartment with an actual bedroom…”

“Dad…”

“Please just think about it. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy and you can choose the place. Let me just make sure that you’re safe…”

My mouth dries at his words. Similar words to the ones Auguste said last night.

Let me make sure you get home safe…

I smile, trying to cover up my overwhelmed emotions. “Daddy… you’ve done so much for me already. This job, the apartment… the meals you sent my first week here. That was so sweet and?—”

“Meals? What meals?” He looks at me, confused.

“The UberEats orders. I thought...”

My voice trails off as I recall the note.

Oh my God.

The ‘R’ could have been a rushed B… or even an A. It was just a freaking squiggle.

The realization hits me like a sucker punch. The UberEats meals were from Auguste. Another thing he hid from me, anothernicething, a kind gesture and he didn’t say a thing. Asked for nothing in return. When there and then, his actions meant the world.

“Honey, are you sure you’re okay?”

I quickly dismiss his concern. “Yes. Absolutely… still lagging from the late night. No more partying for me.”

“That’s what your twenties are for,” Dad says, sitting back in his seat just in time for the knock on the door to have him sit upright again. I start clearing up our mess from lunch as he announces, “Come in.”