"No drinking."

Tina scoffs as she brushes her bangs aside for the fifth time. She stands in front of the bathroom mirror, defeated. She wants to go bold, but doesn't want to come on too strong. "Dad, we're sixteen."

Bob lingers in the doorway. His daughter had been going on more and more of these dates than anticipated. In middle school she had lacked the social skills and everyday etiquette that kept the boys away. She wore simple clothes and kept her face free of make up. She liked horses and boy bands more than she did people. Tina was just a little girl back then, bashful and quirky. Here she was now, three years later, in what he is sure is a push up bra and a yellow dress that goes just below the knee. She's not even wearing frames anymore, she asked for contacts for her 15th birthday and she's been sporting them ever since. She keeps putting that black goop on her eyelashes that clumps them together. She looks gorgeous, though, and Bob hates it.

He hates it because a boy who doesn't deserve her gets to take her on a date. He'll tell her a shitty line, buy her a cheap entree at some dive restaurant, in hopes of getting something in return. He'll want to hold her hand, maybe even her waist. Most definitely her waist, Tina will let him. It's Tina after all. They've caged her for so long. She might even let more happen. A lump grows in his throat and it's too much to pass.

"Don't do anything stupid, Tina." He crosses his arms and looks at her reflection. "You're sixteen."

Tina glances at him, then laughs. "Okay, dad."

"I mean it."

"I know you do."

Bob lets a sigh fall from his lips. The pain is excruciating now, it echoes in his chest. He could change his mind. He could put his foot down and not let her go, she was still his daughter that had to obey his rules.

"Tina." His voice almost breaks.

It's enough. She jerks her head back at him and waits for him to say something.

He clears his throat and manages, "Don't have too much fun. You know." He gives her a weak smile. "With Pesto's kid. He's probably an asshat like his dad."

"Dad!"

"I"m just being honest. I've seen the way that kid dances by himself. Way too much confidence. You need a man with no confidence, like your old man." A pause, and then, "And some real facial hair. God, those four hairs on his upper lip make me sick."

"It's actually more like eight. I counted them on our last date."

There's the girl he knew and loved. There's the girl he sort of raised. He laughs and shakes his head a little. "Oh my God, Tina. "

"I couldn't help it," she's laughing too now, "there was a lull in the conversation and he kept staring at me and they were just there-"

"Enough, I get it." Bob grins and tousles her hair. "I guess you're just growing up faster than I planned. Wearing make up. Counting facial hair."

"I'm working on a new walk too. I'm hoping to show it to Jimmy Jr. on my way downstairs."

"Not a good idea."

"It's a great idea."

"Wait a second." He leans in and gives her a quick whiff. "Are you wearing air freshener?"

"I ran out of those sample perfumes that come in mom's magazines."

"So you sprayed yourself with lemon scented air freshener?"

She nods cheerfully, shameless. "I thought it would compliment my dress. I have a summer vibe going on."

"Oh my god."