Beautifully Awake(91)
That’s probably why he liked Chase so much, or at least the idea of a strong alpha male taking care of his little girl. So it was easier to let him think we were still together.
“It’s okay, I know how busy you are with your job. I just thought you might like to know ... um...”
“Dad, what is it?” I sensed my dad’s hesitation.
“Well, it’s two things. Really good news, I guess. Someone finally got Roy Wayne’s wife to speak up. Heard she testified yesterday and confirmed everything you had said happened all those years ago. About friggin’ time, if you ask me. Anyway, that prosecutor lady stopped by the shop today ... said they were just waiting on the jury to come back, but looks like that sick bastard is going away for a long time.”
Wow. So justice was going to be served after all. I didn’t know how to feel. I probably should have been relieved or vindicated, but I wasn’t. I was definitely happy for the little boy. No more life full of fear. But as far as I was concerned, I was ... numb.
“That’s good news, Dad.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t make up for how that damn Reed kid treated you in court.” Dad sounded like was getting himself all worked up. That was the last thing I wanted.
“Dad, really I’m fine. Please, calm down. What’s the other news?”
“How’s Chase doing? Better be treating you well. I like that man. Well, aside from not knowing his ass from his elbow when it comes to hockey, that is.”
“Um, Dad. He’s fine. Why are you changing the subject, though?” Ugh. I chanted little white lies don’t count to myself.
“Yeah, well the other news has to do with-” He didn’t need to finish. I knew exactly who he was talking about. My dad and I had similar coping mechanisms. We both adopted the I’ll be damned if I utter his name again in this lifetime approach.
“What about selfish fuck-face?”
There was a small pause. I guess I forgot to let Dad in on Chase’s replacement name, selfish fuck-face. My dad never heard me curse.
“Looks like the whole fuck-face family is heading to Texas or some shit like that.” My lips turned up slightly at how quickly my dad adopted his new name. “Not that we care. Good riddance. As far as I’m concerned, China’s too close.”
“What? Why would they move?” The Reed family was as Wrangel as they come. Owners of a family restaurant, passed down from generation to generation. They were the epitome of the town motto. Born in Wrangel. Die in Wrangel. And Selfish was the poster boy for ambitionless. Why try if Mommy and Daddy paid your way?
“Seems they can’t afford to renew their lease on the pub. Gonna try their luck down south. Because Texas doesn’t have enough BBQ joints?”
“Dad, that’s crazy. Not that I’m complaining. Good riddance is right. But Reed’s pub has been there forever.”
“Yeah, I know. But heard they’re planning on re-doing that whole shopping center, breaking the pub into a few smaller shops ... one of those cell phone stores and a fancy Chinese joint with the half dead fish.”
I smirked at my dad’s rendition of Japanese food.
“Japanese, Dad. And it’s called sushi.” Even the mention of freaking food made me think about Chase.
“Whatever the hell you call it, I’m sure as hell not eating it.”
“Dad, you’re too much. It’s not bad. Trust me ... you should take Sharon. I bet she’d love it.”
“That rich doctor of yours feeding you that crap?”
I wished he was still mine.
“Dad, I’m just walking in the door. I was out for a run. Mind if I call you later?” I wasn’t in the mood to lie to him a second time tonight, and I couldn’t foresee a way out of a Chase conversation.
“Of course, babydoll, but you better not be running yourself into the ground. You get any thinner and you’ll be skin and bones.”
“I’m not, Dad, promise.”
“All right. I love ya, babydoll. You be safe.”
“Always, Dad. I love you too. Tell Sharon I said hi.”
“Will do.”
“And Dad ... thanks for letting me know ... it helps.”
There was that same pause. I hated the silence, picturing my dad on the other end trying to not crack and be my rock.
“Just make sure you explain the difference between the NHL and minor leagues to that boyfriend of yours before I see you guys next.”
“You got it, Dad.”
What else was I going to say…
With the shower quickly approaching and Dodd away on business, Sierra and I bonded over take-out and shower plans most nights. After the upcoming baby shower weekend I decided I was going to call Chase. Sierra was not on board and made it clear, and I quote, “That fucker should be banging down your door, no way he’ll go that long without your...” I definitely cringed and turned beet red. That girl literally killed me sometimes.