Mr. McAllister led me to an expensive restaurant on campus. Staff members would greet him everytime they passed by. I always forgot that the McAllister family owned nearly half the school. He stopped and smiled at the hostess. She didn't even ask for a name since he was widely recognizable. The hostess led us to a table on the balcony.

Mr. McAllister would smile and wave at the administrators. He promised to have lunch with them another day since he was preoccupied at the moment. I shifted unfortunately in my seat when he sat down.

He asked me what I wished to drink and I barely got out an audible answer. I was nervously fidgeting with my hands while he greeted some other people. The waiter arrived with my water while he got a scotch.

"Alicia told me that you enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass that our chef made." He stated. "Here's a secret..." He leaned closer. "Their chef makes a better bass than ours." I chuckled with him. "One bass for the lady and the usual for me." He smiled at the waiter.

I didn't know what to do. I just awkwardly avoided his gaze and sipped my water. It was then that I realized this restaurant overlooked the polo grounds. I heard the clearing of a throat, so I focused back on the man in front of me.

"How are you Miss Tonkin?"

"Okay... and Nicola is fine, Mr. McAllister." I murmured.

"Speak up dear." He softly smiled. "And if we are to be informal, then I'd prefer you call me Hans."

"Sure, Mr. McA- Hans." I smiled. "Umm... what did you want to talk about?" I smiled at the waiter who placed our food down.

"I thought it was about time to properly meet the woman who's captured my daughter's heart." He smiled while cutting his steak.

"Umm... about that..." I trailed off because I didn't know how to say that Alicia and I weren't together anymore. "We are-"

"Broken up. I know." My eyes widened at his directness. "I'm here to talk to you about that since my daughter is quite stubborn." He put a piece of steak in his mouth. I was a bundle of nerves as I waited for him to swallow. "My daughter is not perfect... far from it actually." We both giggled at that. "She's become a different person ever since the break up. She's hurting, but refuses to admit or seek help. I found out what she did to you and I'm infuriated. I will reinstate the scholarship on my behalf. You can forego all her ridiculous requirements." He concluded.

"Thank you, but I'm as much to blame for how we left things." I awkwardly chewed on a piece of fish.

"Yet, you had no power to negatively impact her future." He stated. "She went too far and will receive a stern talking." He stopped to stare at me. "I do not know what happened and will not pry. I'll allow my daughter the privacy. All I can say is that my daughter truly loves you. Not loved, loves you. She's still in love with you and that's why she's engaging in vindictive behaviors. I apologize for my daughter. I hope you can find it in your heart to one day forgive her. She's not accustomed to such powerful emotions." He sliced another piece.

"Don't you kinda hate me?" He froze. "I hurt your daughter. You should at least hate me a little. I am the reason she's acting differently." He then placed the piece in his mouth and chewed slowly.

"There is a reason you acted the way you did." He started. "I do not know what possessed you to act in such a manner, but I hardly believe Alicia was 100% innocent. She must've done something to drive that response out of you. Do I hate you? No. Am I upset and angry you hurt my daughter? Yes." I flinched at that. "My reaction is the same that any parent would have for a heartbroken child. Alicia and you need to talk when she's in a better place."

"She hates me." I sighed.

"Hate and love are two sides of the same coin." He placed his utensils down. "My daughter has consistently fought tooth and nail for you. Now, it's your turn to chase her." He picked up his drink and sipped it while eyeing me.

"You're right." I breathed out. "Does this mean you're giving me your blessing to date your daughter?" My eyes widened in shock.

"You're a driven girl. I've known that from our first encounter in the hospital. I'd want nothing more than for my daughter to be with someone of your determination." He called for the check. "I wish I could stay longer, but I have to run to a meeting." He paid for the meal before leaving me alone.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. That was intense, but at the same time... much kinder than I thought it would be. Mr. McA- Hans. Hans was right. I needed to fight for Alicia. It was my turn to show her how much she truly meant to me.