wait until he and I are standing beside his truck to speak. I keep my voice low, tone even. Cool as a cucumber. “So, hey,” I begin, looking him square in the eye. “I’m gonna be nice to you in front of Ava and Junie, because they really do mean the world to me.” Dan peers at me from the corner of his eye. He’s gripping the door handle of his truck like a lifeline. “Okay.” “But you ever make my girl cry again, I won’t be this nice. Understood?” His eyes narrow, flashing with anger. I notice his grip on the door loosens.
