Resisting Ryann(13)
“No, I’m just running behind.” Digging through the last of the DVDs, I finally find it. “Never mind.” I look at the clock. “I’ll be there in ten.” I grin. “I’ll explain when I get there. See you soon.”
“All right. Don’t break the speed limit for me. I can wait.”
“I won’t.” I hang up the phone, with the DVD in tow, then make my way to my car.
Traffic is smooth, and I’m thankful. Ever since the conversation with Gia this morning, my anxiety has been through the roof. I’m nervous about the way things will play out tonight. Dinner’s set for six. Gia told me Logan took the news exceptionally well, and that’s what has me worried. He’s not the type to give up without putting up a fight. So what is he doing? Is he really that concerned over temporarily losing his sexual privileges? My gut tells me no. I pull into a parking space close to the front and cut off the engine. The aroma of fresh coffee and pastries hits me like a tidal wave the moment I step inside. I let my eyes search the room enjoying the scent as I breathe it all in. It only takes a few seconds for me to find him, sitting at a table, alone in the corner. He has a full beard covering his face; it doesn’t suit him. Our eyes meet, and he smiles, then I give him a little wave, making my way to the table. He hands me his credit card.
“Get me the usual. Black. No cream this time.” He’s never let me pay, so I’ve given up on trying. Plus, I think it makes him feel good to finally take the role he missed when I was a child.
I place our orders, and wait ‘til they’re ready before I take the seat across from him, sipping my latte with a grin. “Can I be honest?”
He nods. “Of course.”
“I don’t like the beard,” I say, closing an eye, hoping I didn’t offend him.
“You don’t?” He runs a hand over it, squeezing with his finger and thumb. “What don’t you like about it?” he asks, but he’s smiling like he already knows.
“It ages you,” I reply. “There’s a handsome face under there. Why are you trying to hide it? You never were the facial hair type.”
He shrugs. “I can always shave it off.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “I just thought I’d try something different.”
“Okay, fair enough.” I nod, sipping on my latte. “You could at least trim it up a little.” I can’t help it. It looks awful. A couple of weeks ago when I had seen him, it was just a little more than stubble. Now it’s a full-grown beard.
He laughs, and it reaches his belly. “Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?”
“No. Of course not.” I feel bad. I’m happy to have him in my life again, and in no way am I embarrassed. “I’m just trying to help. You know … with the ladies.”
His eyes crinkle at the sides. “Are you sure?”
“Stop it, Dad. You’re making me feel bad.”
He clears his throat. “Okay. No more teasing.”
Oh my gosh. I just realized I called him dad. Now I feel awkward. It’s the first time I’ve said it to his face.
“Reese.” He places his hand over mine. “Thank you for giving me the chance at being your dad again. I hope one day you can forgive me, but I understand it takes time.” He pats my hand with tears in his eyes. I blink mine away—not ready to talk about our past. I’d rather talk about now; it’s easier. I smile. Thankfully, he changes the subject. “Have you heard from your mother?”
I sigh. “We talked last week—once since I saw you. She seems okay.” I rest my chin in my hand. “It’s hard to tell what’s really going on with her.” She rarely answers her phone and never calls anymore.
He nods. “Did she ask for money?”
“No. I called her.” She only calls me when she needs something.
“Tell her to call me if she does. I’ll take care of her.”
“Shouldn’t that be Tim’s job?” I grumble. I bet he hasn’t worked a day in his life.
Tilting his head, he says, “I’m not sure whose job it is,” he replies. “It shouldn’t be yours.” He leans back in his chair and watches me. I nervously glance to the side. My stomach growls when I spot a blueberry muffin that calls my name—the kind with the frosting on top. My favorite. “I’m going to get something to eat,” I tell him. I dart out of my chair not wanting him to pay for it, then quickly place the order. My mouth waters before I can sit back down. “I forgot to eat this morning,” I tell him. I take a bite and moan—it’s delicious.