"Such a good show, honey," Mom exclaimed happily.
Dad looped his arm around her shoulder in a show of support, but I understood it was more his needing to rest on her than a show of affection. "Your kids are all so talented, Lilly Flower. You should be proud."
"I am," I answered just as Sophia's voice rang through the auditorium yelling my name in the way only Sophia could. I turned and instantly sucked in a deep breath at the way Quinn's eyes were eating me up, the green depths turning dark with want. I could say with certainty that the feeling was totally mutual. I'd never seen him in a suit before, but damn did he wear it well.
"Miss Lilly! Did I do good!?" Sophia came to a halt only after her arms wrapped around my legs. Quinn stopped two feet away, and I noticed he wasn't alone. His parents were standing right behind him, both looking happy to have seen their granddaughter up on that stage.
"You did amazing, Little Miss." I smiled affectionately and leaned down to give her a hug. "And look," I poked her bun with the tip of my finger. "Your hair stayed in place perfectly."
She beamed proudly. "That's 'cause Daddy used a whole canna hairspray!"
I let a giggle loose as I looked at Quinn, but his eyes were darting back and forth between my parents, and he suddenly seemed to tense.
"I wanna be a sugarplum fairy again next year, Mrs. Lilly? Can I, please?"
From the corner of my eye I saw my mom and dad smile down at the adorable little girl. Yep, everyone who ever came into contact with Sophia was instantly smitten.
Sophia looked from me to my folks and asked, "Who's that?"
"These are my parents. Mom, Dad, this is Sophia, she's one of my best students." Sophia sucked in a breath, the compliment I'd just paid her making her glow. She loved hearing that just as much as I loved watching her reaction.
"You were a wonderful sugarplum fairy, sweetheart," my mom told her, making that glow so much brighter.
"Best I've ever seen," Dad added.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Wonderful show, dear," Mrs. Mallick spoke up.
"Thanks." I smiled and offered up introductions between the adults. "Mr. and Mrs. Mallick, this is Will and Elizabeth Mathewson."
The foursome shook hands then broke apart, allowing me to continue. "Mom, Dad. This is Quinn, my-"
"Hi," Quinn interrupted, his hand shooting toward my dad. "I'm a friend of Lilly's."
Every muscle in my body grew tight. I did my best to school my features to hide the utter disappointment that was suddenly flowing through me, but judging by the quick glance my father gave me, I hadn't masked it in time. A friend of Lilly's. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do more, scream or cry. However, I couldn't do either in front of an audience.
The fact he'd cut me off hurt like hell, because not only did he not want anyone to know what was going on with us, but also he didn't trust me not to throw a label on whatever we were the first chance I got. It was as if he'd expected me to just spit out that he was my boyfriend right there in front of his daughter. It was just another reminder, slapping me in the face that he was nowhere near letting me close. It was like he'd allowed me to include myself in every part of his life except his heart. Some days I felt like an integral part of his world, then something like this would happen and put everything into painful perspective.
"Nice to meet you, Quinn," my mother replied politely. Dad followed suit, holding out his hand to shake Quinn's, but I could see the questions dancing in his eyes. Unfortunately, I couldn't give him those answers, especially when I didn't even have them myself.
"We were just talking about going to grab a bite to eat at that fancy new steak place that opened up just outside of town," Mr. Mallick stated. "Why don't the three of you join us?"
I was trying to form a quick excuse in my head to get us out of a big, cozy family dinner, when my father spoke up to say, "That's very kind of you to offer, but I'm afraid I'm not feeling my best. I think I should probably be getting home."
I spun around, concern for my dad overshadowing the fact that Quinn had managed to hurt my feelings yet again. I stepped close to his side, opposite my mom and whispered, "Are you okay?"
He smiled, but I could see the pain he was trying so hard to hide. "I'm fine, Lilly Flower, just tired."
I chanced a quick glance at my mother and saw she was just as worried as I was. It appeared my father was no longer on the upswing and had taken another turn downhill. I hated that he was suffering so much.