Test Drive - Samantha Chase Page 0,55
to happen. Sitting in a chair in an office and taking notes is the safest place for her. Trust me.”
Wow. Just…wow.
“I think you’re wrong.”
Another mirthless laugh. “I don’t really care.”
“Okay, this is getting us nowhere. What would make you feel better? If Willow just took a job with a psych practice? Even if it made her miserable?”
“Life isn’t about things being all sunshine and unicorns, Mr. Sullivan. Life is about being responsible; about taking care of yourself financially.”
Ah…now we’re getting somewhere…
“Look, as far as I know, Willow hasn’t asked you for money, and she hasn’t asked for any help from you to help her find a job. She has–repeatedly, mind you–told you she’s not interested in joining your practice or any practice. You’re not going to intimidate her and you’re not going to bully her and bend her to your will. Why not just be a supportive parent? Maybe with a little encouragement, Willow can find the perfect career for her.”
“Is that what your parents did for you? Offered encouragement so you can just do whatever you want?” Paul sneered.
“As a matter of fact, they did.”
“And I’m sure they’re so proud of their son, the bartender.”
Ducking his head, Levi hid a smirk before looking up again. “You seem to be fixated on my career choice. I think it’s comical considering our conversation last night.”
Target hit!
Paul paled slightly, and, at that moment, Levi decided to do something he had sworn he’d never do.
“Well, they’re proud of the fact that I’m happy. And when I was just a bartender, they were supportive of that too.” He took a step toward Paul and lowered his voice to a gruff, menacing tone. “And they were equally supportive of me when I became the owner of that pub. You see, that’s what parents do–their love isn’t based on the level of career I chose, just on the fact that I’m their son and that I’m doing okay. Maybe you should try that sometime.” He turned to walk away but stopped. Looking over his shoulder, he added, “Maybe one of your fancy textbooks can offer a study on the importance of loving your child where they’re at rather than where you want them to be. You should look into that.”
This time he did start to walk away, but at the door to the lanai, he said, “Or maybe you should find someone to talk to about it–your incessant need to control your daughter. You know, like a psychologist or something.”
Then he opened the back door and walked back into the house.
It was after midnight, and Willow was breathless beside him. They had gone to bed over an hour ago, and the minute the bedroom door had closed, she had pretty much attacked him.
And he hadn’t put up much of a fight.
It had been wild and frantic and…mostly quiet. Willow had put her hand over his mouth and warned him not to be too loud; otherwise Gammy would be knocking on the door wanting to know if they were having fun.
Just the thought of that was enough to keep him from uttering even a small peep.
“Not that I’m complaining,” he said, still trying to catch his own breath, “but what brought that on?”
“You are a total knight in shining armor,” she said quietly, resting one hand on his chest. “I thought that about you the day we met, and this trip totally confirmed it. Especially today.”
Levi had refused to discuss what he and Paul had talked about out in the yard, but the difference in the man’s demeanor when he rejoined the group had been hard to miss. He apologized to Willow and his mother before asking his wife what she wanted to do for the rest of the day. The look on Marilyn’s face had pretty much said it all–that was something her husband never did.
He felt like a damn superhero.
Even though no one talked about it, the look of appreciation he received from all three Andrews’ women told him everything he needed to know.
And he loved it.
Especially what was happening right now.
“I really didn’t do anything, Willow.”
That’s it. Sound modest…
Turning her head, she looked at him. “I’m not going to ask you for specifics, Levi. But you accomplished more in those five minutes alone with my father than any of us have accomplished in…well…my entire life! I swear, I think he’s finally let the idea of me moving to Seattle go! I feel like a ginormous weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and