I Shouldn't Love Him
I Shouldn’t Love Him (Book 2)– Chapter 57

LAKE

Mom, Tiffany, Manning and I were all sitting in the dining room when Dad came out of his office.

“Why are we eating here instead of the kitchen?” he asked before even pulling out his chair.

“Because we have company,” Mom said.

Manning looked surprisingly relaxed in his chair, his plate served, the food untouched like all of ours. He looked at my father.

“Dad, it’s Manning,” Tiffany said.

They finally locked eyes, staring at each other, a silent conversation passing between them.

“Thank you for having me,” Manning said.

“I don’t accept you,” Dad replied, placing his chair on the table. “My wife is here. Thank her.

“He already has,” Mom said softly but firmly.

“You’re being rude, Charles.”

He glanced at her and then at Tiffany before taking a bowl of broccoli.

“Have you cooked tonight, Lake?

Even though everyone had started eating, my fingers were intertwined tightly in my lap. I was the tensest of everyone, and it didn’t even involve me .I wanted things to go well for Manning. I didn’t need to give him a reason to stop coming over. I wasn’t sure what was going on between us, but what if we couldn’t replace out before I turned eighteen, so he had to stay in my life for two more years.

“I helped with the steak and dessert,” I said.

“Good,” Dad said. “I like it when you cook .”

“I was just asking Manning about the house,” Mom said. “He’s from Los Angeles.”

“Pasadena, specifically,” Manning said.

“Other than my time at USC, I n ‘never been a big fan of LA” Dad cut his meat.

“Too diverse. Even the neighborhood where the campus is located is dangerous. Too much crime.

“Jesus, Charles.” Mom said. “I already told you, you can’t say these things.”

“Shit, I can’t?” . This is my house.”

“Daddy, please,” Tiffany said.

My father sometimes made comments like that, but never in front of company, mostly because it annoyed my mother. It was the first time that I could hear Tiffany objecting.

Mom turned to Manning.

“He doesn’t mean anything by that. I’m sure you come from a nice home.”

Manning chewed and swallowed.

“It’s okay.” He looked away as he said this.

“Nothing like that.

“ “It’s the result of hard work and investment in education,” Dad said, gesturing with his fork. “Are you going to school?”

“Yes sir. At night.”

“For?”

Manning had a bite of steak, so the table sat quietly while he chewed and then sipped his water.

“I’m going into law enforcement.”

“A cop?”

“Yes.”

“And after that? Do you want to be a lawyer?

“No. I want to help people.”

“If you want to help, go to the top,” Dad said. “The officers have no influence. They just do what they’re told.

Mom cleared her throat.

“Charles -“

“What?” He asked. “And now? These kids need a dose of reality. I’m just trying to be helpful.

I had thought this would happen, that my father would try to make Manning feel small. Knowing how much Manning’s future career meant to him, I opened my mouth to intervene.

“Cops help people,” Manning said before I could speak. “I saw it with my own eyes.”

Dad shrugged his shoulders.

“Okay then. Do that. The world needs police officers.

“More than it needs lawyers,” Mom added.

Manning turned to me, perhaps looking for a way out.

“As – ty makes the salad, too?”

I hadn’t even told him. I smiled.

“Yes.”

“You should try it then,” he said, nodding at my full plate.

I had been so engrossed by a conversation that didn’t involve me that I had barely touched my food. I took a bite of a fresh, crunchy tomato, and the juice was running down my chin. “Where are you on the

list reading, Lake?” Dad asked.

I dabbed my mouth with a napkin.

“The last book.”

“Perfect. I just picked up some more that I think you’ll love, including some nonfiction about perfecting the college essay.

“Maybe it’s time to take a break,” Mom said. “Summer vacation is almost over.”

“That’s what I said,” Tiffany added.

“Don’t be fooled. USC looks just as closely at summer break as it does at the school year. They do not agree to relax.

I heard the same speech every year since I entered middle school. Once it was clear that Tiffany had no chance of making it to USC, my parents turned all their attention to me.

“I know.”

“You want to go to USC?” » Manning asked.

“University of Southern California,” Dad said.

“I heard about it.” Manning was starting to look irritated.

“Private university in LA, rival of UCLA.”

“We’re hoping to start her in a pre-college program next year,” Mom said.

“Already?” Manning asked. Mom nodded.

“These things start early. Years before college applications. And Lake wants it, so we’ll do everything we can to get him there.

Manning looked at me. “

Why USC?” “

That’s where I went,” Dad said.

I sensed by the fact that Manning ignored him that he was looking for a response from me. Throughout my childhood, I remembered my father at his happiest when he recounted his years at USC, as if it were some sort of Disneyland for adults. I had never considered anywhere else. One of the best schools in the country was practically in our backyard.

“USC has all kinds of great programs,” I said.

Dad nodded, picking up his wine glass.

“It’s a top school.”

I smiled at Dad. I never felt closer to him than when we were on this topic.

“They have a football team, a beautiful campus and a great reputation.” I wanted to make my father proud. Calling me a Trojan horse with the same pride as him. “And, yes, my father is a former student. I can’t really think of a reason not to go.

I looked at Manning, and my world slowed down. He wasn’t listening. He watched Tiffany push food around his plate.

“has-gh ever thought about USC?” Manning asked him.

She didn’t even realize he was talking to her. “Tiff?” »

“What?” She looked up and blinked. “Did I want to go?” Me?”

“Why not?”

“It takes hard work, dedication and planning to get into a top college,” Dad said.

Tiffany spent her time at school doing God knows what, but it was none of that.”

“I knew a kid who started at community college and transferred to Berkeley,” Manning said. “Tiffany could do it if she wanted to.”

“That’s what Charles did,” said Mom, raising her glass to Dad.

“He couldn’t afford private, but he worked his way up at community college.”

Tiffany crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair.

“Believe me, I don’t want to go to that stupid school.” It’s like a f*****g cult.

Dad pointed his fork at her.

“Watch your language. You’ll be lucky to be at this school rather than wasting your time here watching TV and spending my money. “

That’s not what I do all day.” She threw a nervous glance at Manning. “I’m looking at schools. I don’t know yet where I want to go or what to major in. ‘

Business,’ Dad said. “I can’t go wrong with that. After you graduate, you might be able to manage a clothing store. Since you like shopping.

She straightened her shoulders.

“Maybe I’ll open my own clothing store.”

“Run your own business? Do you have any idea what this takes? Discipline. Hard work. Start-up capital. That’s just the basics.”

I could see where this conversation was going, and even though I didn’t always agree with my sister, I didn’t want to see her embarrassed.

“What would you say about a designer of fashion? I suggest. Managing people wouldn’t be good for her. She was more creative than us and did better without constraints or rules. That’s how

I heard mom defend her to my dad, anyway .

“You would be good at this.” She ignored me.

“You act like my life is over just because I don’t know what I want to do,” she told Dad. “I could be a lot worse right now, you know. I met Regina Lee at the mall today.

He frowned.

“Who?”

“That girl in my class who got pregnant.”

I remembered the name . The story of her relationship with a math teacher had made headlines. Things like that didn’t happen at our school. That was when I learned the term statutory rape “The

worst thing I “What I did in high school was get bad grades and maybe have a little too much fun,” Tiffany said. “Regina has a baby. She was crying to me about how she is raising him alone.

“What did she think was going to happen?” Dad asked. “She would ride off into the sunset with a pedophile? How long did he have? Three years?”

“I think so,” Mom said.

“Rape.” F*****g ridiculous. They went too easy on him. I would have charged him with actual rape.

“They were in love,” Tiffany said.

“I don’t care.” Dad stabbed a piece of steak with his fork. “I have a lot of friends in the justice system. If it had been Tiffany, the bastard would have been gone for so long, he would come back in another form.

” Oh dear ! » Mom said, looking at Manning.

“How did we get to this topic?”

» She filled Dad’s wine glass.

She knew when and how to steer the conversation, especially when Dad and Tiffany were at each other’s throats.

“You know, Lake is going camping soon. Are you looking forward to it, darling? »

I was about to say yes. As a kid I had fun, but I enjoyed it even more last year as a junior advisor. Young Cubs was a week-long summer camp in the woods with outdoor activities and nightly campfires. But a new thought occurred to me. What would happen with Manning at the end of the summer? I couldn’t replace him in the field during the day. It wasn’t like I could get in a car and go see him, and it wasn’t just because I didn’t have my license. Summer ended in just over four weeks. If I had one in camp, I only had three left with Manning.

“Should I go?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” Mom asked. “You had a great time last year.”

“But yes, you have to,” Dad said. “It looks good on your app.”

Tiffany rolled her eyes.

“Does it all have to be about college?”

Dad looked at her, then at Mom.

“Your girl has more attitude than an entire sorority house.” He laughed about it.

Tiffany scoffed, but she was smiling.

“And whose fault is it?” she asked.

“It’s genetic.”

Dad, finishing his second glass of wine, muttered,

“Attitude is not genetic. There you go, put that on a sticker and stick it on your bumper. Everyone except Manning laughed.

Tiffany had stickers on her school supplies, her desk, her walls, and even a few on her car. They ranged from a glittery pink that said “Be careful: I have an attitude and I know how to use it” to a round black with a striped red “A” in the center. I’d asked why she had an anarchy sticker, and she gave me a funny look and said it was “punk, duh.” Dad said it was to piss him off.

Manning had already cleared his plate and was leaving for a few seconds.

“What is this camp?”

“It’s in Big Bear,” I said.

He nodded in agreement.

“I love it up there.”

“It’s for the kids,” Tiffany added. “I would die of boredom.”

“I’ll be

a junior advisor,” I said,

” All sorts of things. Archery, horse riding, canoeing, crafts, fishing. We spend almost the whole week outside.

Manning listened with his whole body, his brows furrowed. It was almost as if he wanted to go to camp himself.

“I haven’t fished since I was a kid. Are you paid for this?

“I’m volunteering. It’s just for my college applications. But real counselors get paid.

“Are you interested?” Mom asked him.

Manning backed away.

“Do you honestly think he wants to spend a week of his summer with a bunch of kids?” Tiffany asked.

“Believe it or not,” Manning said, “I love kids.”

My heart almost burst out of my chest at the thought. Manning. At camp. During a whole week. With me.

“What about your job?” Tiffany asked uneasily.

She must have been thinking the same thing, except that she would be spending a week away from him.

“We’re going to take a break for a few weeks soon. waiting for some permits,” Manning said. “I don’t have anything solid lined up. Actually, I’m looking for work.

“What are you doing ?” Mom asked.

Manning stopped chewing just as it occurred to me – Dad still didn’t know the truth about how we met Manning. I asked Tiffany for help, but when the realization hit her too, her eyes lit up.

Manning put down his fork.

“I didn’t realize Tiffany didn’t tell you.”

This caught Dad’s attention. He looked up.

“Told us what?” »

“I work in construction at the moment. To put me through school. He nodded behind Dad, toward the garden. “I’m part of the team from the house next door.”

“Pardon?” Dad asked looking at Tiffany. ” What is he talking about ? »

“I’m sorry I didn’t mention it, Dad.” She looked contrite. “I didn’t want you to get angry.”

“I told you to stay away from there.” Dad’s voice rose. “What’s wrong with you, Tiffany?” Everything I tell you, you do the opposite.

“Charles.” Mom touched his arm.

“Stop.” He turned on her. “Didn’t I say it would be a problem?” That transients in the neighborhood are never good? »

“What is a transient?” ” I asked.

“Someone who cannot hold a job because they are not qualified enough to replace work.”

My mouth opened. I knew it was coming, a terrible insult designed to drive Manning away. Tiffany too, but she still invited him.

Manning took his briefcase from his lap and stood up.

“I should leave. Honestly, I didn’t realize it was a problem.

“No.” My mother’s voice cut like a knife through the tension.

“Sit down, Manning. You’re a guest at our house and you’ve been nothing but polite.”

Manning slowly sank back into his chair.

“Polite?” Dad asked

. “He didn’t have the decency to mention he worked nearby. It should have been the first thing he said when he arrived.

“I agree,” Manning said evenly. “I thought you knew.”

“You have to excuse my husband,” Mom said. “Charlie has been so upset about the construction.”

“I understand.” Manning shifted in his seat. “We try to keep it to a minimum outside of work hours. We start early when it’s cool, but we rarely go past five p.m.

“That’s a lie,” Dad said. “I heard you during dinner.”

Tiffany played with his hair and the daisy fell. She tried to force him to to return.

“There’s also work going on on the house behind yours,” Manning said. “Maybe that’s it.”

“It’s a safe neighborhood.” Dad looked between us and him. “We don’t like trouble.”,

“There’s no problem. I’ve been there.” I said.

Dad turned his head.

“When?”

“Last week,” Tiffany replied. She abandoned the daisy and placed it on the table.

“It wasn’t a big deal. I was with her.

“Why doesn’t this surprise me? » Dad asked. “I’ve

asked you multiple times not to bring your sister into your drama.”

“I did not do it.” She balked. “She went there first.”

“Last week,” Dad said from above her,

“Lake was at summer school. She should have been doing her reading, not…

“Tiffany is right,” I said.

It was stupid of me to say that I had gone there knowing how Dad would react. Quickly, I tried to replace an excuse. “He didn’t have lunch, so I…”

“Don’t f*****g interrupt me.”

Manning sat forward. “With all due respect, sir…”

“do you have any daughters?” Dad asked him. “are you responsible for a family?” To keep them safe?

Manning held his gaze, something dark crossing his face.

“No.”

“Then stay out of it.” This field is full of men who could be dangerous. Teenage girls don’t need to be around that, bringing you lunch or anything else.

Manning took a deep breath and hesitated.

“Lake didn’t bring it to me. I entered the house.

“I beg your f*****g forgiveness?”

“I invited him,” Tiffany said.

I nodded, scared, but willing to accept the rap so Manning didn’t have to.

“We both did it.”

“Do you hear that, Cathy? Dad asked, but kept his eyes on Manning. “I’m going to have a word with your foreman.

“That’s enough,” Mom said. “Charles, you’re exaggerating. It’s just lunch for God’s sake, and Tiffany already told me about it.

Dad turned to her.

“You know he was here?

” Briefly. For a sandwich. It’s not the end of the world.” She picked up her wine glass. “Maybe you should go back to your study.” “It’s okay,” he

said, tossing his napkin on the table as he stood up. “Why should I sit at my own dining table and try to have a nice meal? I hope you’re happy, Tiffany.”

Once he had left the room, we turned all to look at Manning.

“I’m so sorry,” Tiffany said.

“He doesn’t hate you,” Mom added. “That’s just the way he is. He works hard and a lot, so he’s grumpy when he comes home.

“It’s okay. I’m just grateful to have a home-cooked meal.

Manning had cleared his plate a second time. He pushed his chair back from the table.

“Thank you, Mrs. Kaplan, but I really think I should go .”

“But the pie,” I said.

I had wanted to make Manning as happy as he had been when he ate the Lake Special the other day. I made it for you, I wanted tell him, but I knew I couldn’t, so instead I just said, “I did it.” “Please

stay,” Mom told Manning. “Lake was so nervous about replaceing the right cake for company. She made it with fresh blueberries just for tonight. Even the crust is from scratch.

Manning hesitated. “But what about Mr. Kaplan?”

“Don’t worry about him,” Tiffany said. “He’s always like that, I swear.”

I got up. “I’ll get the pie.”Manning also took his plate. “I’ll help serve.” It’s the least I can do.”

Together we went into the kitchen. Suddenly my palms were sweaty. I wiped them on my dress and opened a utensil drawer to replace a pie server. Turning my back on him , I said, “I’m sorry to my family.”

“Why?” Manning asked.

“Everything.” I glanced at him over my shoulder. “If my father offended you at At some point, I’m sorry.”

Manning smiled warmly. “Don’t worry about it, okay? I can take care of myself.”

“I know, but I…” I want to take care of you, I wanted to protect him. Comfort him. Feed him – as many servings as it takes to fill him up. I couldn’t think of something more both appropriate and inappropriate to say. A sixteen year old girl taking care of a grown man? It felt completely natural, like I could fit into his life, but I didn’t. Not yet anyway.

“Your father is strict,” he said. “I’m glad he is. He cares about you.

“Why did you tell him you were here?”

“This is his house. I owe him this respect.

I didn’t understand it. Maybe it was a man thing.

The pie was sitting on a cake plate on the island. I discovered it while Manning was looking for plates.

“Use the ones with gold leaf,” I told him. “Mom likes the ones for guests.”

“When you grow up, will you be one of those women who has specific plates just for guests?” I smiled to myself and cut the pie as he handed me a plate. We were already like a couple. A couple who could one day get married, buy a house, own special china. Tiffany would soon tire of him, and in a few years, when I was older, no one would even remember that Manning came here to meet Tiffany’s parents. The real obstacle would be keeping Manning close. I was too young for him, I knew it, and he obviously knew it, but I would be eighteen in two years.