Page 12 of Just Once

“I’m not sure. I’m still in shock,” says my mom. She looks over at my dad. “Ron?”

My dad is just sitting there. Simmering. I’ve never seen him look so pissed.

“Dad?” I say.

“This ends today,” he spits out.

Then he stands up and walks out of the room.

Chapter Six

Dante

My heart sinks when Ron reacts the way he does. But I guess I don’t completely blame him. If I was in his position, I’d probably react the exact same way.

I stand up to go after him, but Angel’s mom stops me.

“Leave him be, Dante,” she urges.

I figure she knows best, so I don’t go any further. I glance at Angel, then say, “Maybe I should go.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Angel says, quickly getting up and pulling me by the hand toward the door. When we reach it, she wraps her arms around me and sighs into my chest.

“It’ll be okay,” I assure her. “We’ll figure this out.”

She gazes up at me. “Do you still want to be with me?”

“Of course,” I tell her.

“Even if my parents stay pissed like that?”

“Yes. Even if your parents stay pissed like that.”

“Okay. Good. Because I still want to be with you, too.”

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep working with your dad, though.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” I say. “It’s just a job.”

I give her a quick kiss, tell her to call me if she needs me to come back, and then I head out. I feel pretty awful as I head home, and I continue to feel awful for the rest of the day.

Finally, Angel texts me.

My dad’s still really upset, but I think he’s accepted the fact that I’m not going to break it off with you. Ditto for Mom.

Okay, I text back.Keep me posted. I’m proud of you for talking to them.

Thank you. I love you.

I stare at her text. Angel loves me? Even in the form of a text, the words immediately make me emotional.

Suddenly, my phone rings. It’s her. I pick up.

“I love you, too,” I say.

Angel starts laughing and crying. “Oh, Dante. I can’t believe I told you I love you for the first time over text. Can I have a do over? Can I say it now for the first time instead? I love you, Dante. I’m so in love with you.”