"You want to paint a perfect picture, baby. Bad first impressions are more detrimental than you think," He crossed the room, crouching before me so we were at eye level. His smile was warm and affectionate. "Now, be my good little princess and be on your way, okay?" His knuckles brushed my cheek in a featherlight stroke.
"But, Dad… I don't want to go," I gave my resistance one more shot, even though I knew what response awaited.
"You have to. You'd love Jaden. He's a good man," Dad said. "Make sure you make a good impression and make us proud."
