Page 38 of The Surrender

He says it like it’s not really weird that after years of never asking, he’s suddenly hitting me with that question. “I’m assuming you mean work.”

He looks up tiredly. “Unless you want to talk about your most recent breakup, and I don’t mean with Nick.”

I wilt where I’m sitting. Dad doesn’t know just how recent my breakup is. And that it’s a whole shiny-new breakup. “I was seeing him. And now I’m not. The end.”

“Him. Who ishim?”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s over. And to be clear, Dad, that’s not a green light for you to start inviting Nick round for dinner again.”

He huffs. “I know, I’ve been warned.”

“By whom?”

“Your mother. Your grandmother.” He smirks up at me. “Don’t tell your mum, but I fancy her even more when she’s mad at me.”

I laugh out loud, and Dad winks. It’s so relaxed. So unlike Dad. And as if he’s suddenly realised, he snaps back into line. “Keep still,” he mutters.

“I didn’t move.”

“So your day?”

I don’t know what’s happened to change his lack of interest in my career, but I appreciate it. “I think I’m in the running to make partner, Dad.”

His head lifts so fast, I’m sure he’s probably going to suffer whiplash. “Partner? At LB&B?”

I nod. “I was invited out for casual drinks with the partners a couple of weeks ago.”

“Well.” He lets out a long, disbelieving breath. “That’s very impressive, darling. Well done.”

I might die of shock. What the hell is going on around here? “Thanks, Dad,” I say, not wanting to make a big deal of this. But it is. It’s huge. “You need to make peace with Mum.”

“I just don’t understand why she wants to go out to work, Amelia. Especially now.”

“She’s a social butterfly, Dad. Being in the shop, she’ll meet people, chat with them. And to Mum’s point, you’re hardly retired if you go to the office every day.”

“I’m just checking things are running smoothly.”

“Control freak,” I mutter quietly, making him gasp his disgust. I smirk. Dad scowls.

“So you’re dating, are you?”

My smile soon drops. “What?”

“Dating. Like on those app things people talk about.”

“I’m not on any dating apps.”

“But you’re dating?” he says, peeking up at me.

This is weird. “I’m not dating, Dad.” I pull my hand away when he’s stuck some tape over the new dressing.

“Then how did you meet the man who you’re no longer seeing?”

I amnottelling him that. “I have to make a move, or I’ll be late for my meeting.” I stand and kiss Dad’s startled face. “Thanks for cleaning me up.” Tugging my bag off the table, I throw it onto my shoulder.

“Are you sure you don’t love him?”

I jolt where I’m standing, my mouth suddenly dry. “What?”