Dare by Celia Juliano

those years ago? And keep what you’ve known since from me?” He faced Grandpop.
    Ariella stiffened, turning. She leaned her back against the island. “Joey—”
    “Yes, I did,” Grandpop said. “I promised her I’d keep her secrets.”
    He ground his teeth together. A part of him respected that Grandpop had honored Ariella’s wishes. But a bigger part felt betrayed, and angry that Grandpop’s usual meddling “I know best” ways hadn’t included keeping Ariella home, and safe. She’d been a hurt young woman who wasn’t making good decisions. He shook his head.
    “Joey,” Ariella said in a tired voice, “I don’t want to cause problems.”
    “You didn’t cause this.” He waved a hand toward Mom. He kissed Ariella’s forehead. “You were a confused teenager. They were the adults who’d promised to look out for you.” He’d tried, he’d wanted to. He still did. But she was a woman now, and she had to forgive herself. Good advice, maybe for him too.
    “I made my own choices.” Her voice was stronger.
    “Yes, but they should have supported you.” He gazed at her.
    She kept her head down. “Grandpop did support me. It was my choice to leave. I don’t want my past to cause problems in your family. You love your family.”
    He glanced at Grandpop and Mom. “Aren’t either of you going to apologize?”
    “We both did what we thought was right,” Mom said.
    He shook his head. “Ariella, do you want to leave? I can take you on my way to work.”
    “No, thanks. Layla’s having a good time. Can’t you stay a few minutes?” She took his hand, gripping tightly like a scared little kid. But she didn’t sound scared, or look it. Her gaze was steady now, her voice stronger still. “We need to resolve this.”
    “I don’t think that’ll happen today. The issue isn’t really with them.” He motioned to Mom and Grandpop. “It’s with you, feeling ashamed.”
    She nodded. He glanced at his watch. He couldn’t do this now. He didn’t know what to do, besides take her in his arms. But that hadn’t helped her forgive herself before.
    “I can’t be late. I’ll see you in a few days.” He could see her before then, but it seemed like they both needed time to figure out how to let go of the past, and where they wanted to take what was happening now.
    He caressed her arms. She kissed his cheek. “I’ll still be at Grandpop’s. Stay safe.”
    “Joe,” Grandpop said.
    “Gotta go.” His job could be stressful. He didn’t need manufactured stress. And he shouldn’t be going to work angry. He wasn’t hearing apologies, or anything to cool his temper. He’d have to do that himself. Like Ariella had to forgive herself. But more could’ve been done to keep her here, and safe, before. He could’ve done more. “Say bye to everyone for me.” He strode out. Felt like he was most angry at himself for not having had the courage to tell Ariella how he’d really felt, for not comforting her in a way that worked, for not being the man she needed.
    Was he doing the same now?
    He rolled his shoulders then hopped in his car. Nothing to be done now. His job was important to him too. He was needed there. Hopefully he’d have time for both.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Twelve
     
    Ariella watched Joe leave. The front door shut. She glanced at Sophia. “Sophia, I’d like to talk.” She drew herself up. She’d put on a brave mask when all she’d wanted to do was crumple into Joe’s arms and cry all her unshed tears.
    Sophia shook her head. “Another time.” Her voice choked. She brushed her hands on her skirt and walked out.
    Her cheeks stung, as if Sophia had slapped her with her rejection. She turned to Grandpop. “I don’t want this—stress and strife.”
    Grandpop threw up his hands. “What family doesn’t have stress and strife? We’ll pull together.” He placed his hand on her arm. “Joe’s right, you need to forgive yourself. We’re all here. You and Layla are