Zane I watched Gina’s car disappear down the street, her taillights fading into the night. This wasn’t the date I thought it would be. Honestly, I expected my father to scare her off. But somehow, it seemed like the opposite happened. Against all odds, the old man might’ve actually pushed her closer to me. I shook my head at the thought. Maybe Papa really was wiser than I gave him credit for. I walked back from the garage to the coffee shop. The main floor was dark, but a light still glowed from the kitchen. I slipped inside to find my father rolling out dough at the counter. “Kind of late for that, isn’t it, Papa?” I asked, leaning against the doorway. “Never too late,” he replied without looking up. “But you’re back too early. Means you messed up with Gina, doesn’t it?” “Quite the

