Page 435 of Ruthless Court

Dad laughs.

“You don't like that.”

“I hate it.”

“Because they take advantage?”

“Because Eli asked her to date him.”

Mom nearly spits out her coffee.

“What?”

“He was kidding.”

“Was he?”

“I threatened him.”

“That sounds healthy.”

“It works for us.”

I take another bite.

Then get quieter.

“She went home for Christmas because she wants to fix things with her dad.”

Mom watches me.

“And you let her.”

“She asked me not to come.”

Dad looks over the rim of his cup.

“Why?”

I hate how quickly the answer comes.

“Because he'd stop seeing her.”

Neither parent says anything.

I stare down at the icing melting across my plate.

“If I walk into Coach Goodwin's house, I know what happens.”

Dad nods.

“He knows you.”

“He knows Kane Haverhill.”

“Different thing.”

“Exactly.”