The One For Me(47)

“You’re not the only one that done something because it felt good, Katy. That’s why we’re in this mess right now. Because I done something that felt right at the time. It was wrong and I regret it. But, your mom and I wouldn’t have worked anyway. We haven’t been in love for a long time now. I hate that we put you through this. I hate that you’ve suffered this way…but I can tell you right now that everything is really going to be okay. No matter how bad life gets either one of us down. It’s going to be okay.”

Dad leans on his hands and stares at me, while I pour the Hamburger Helper mix into the pan. It’s the only thing I know how to cook well. For the first time in a while, I smile at my dad and mean it. Because, this time. I know everything really is going to be okay.





Chapter Twelve



The week went better than planned. I spent most of my time on the beach, lying on the sand watching the waves and relaxing. It was calming. Dad took me out to different places to eat; we went to Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum, and shopping.

He bought me a few things. I think it’s just because of the situation; he isn’t normally that big of a shopper. Or a money spender for that matter.

“You ready?” Dad asks, standing in my doorway. I zip up my suitcase and nod.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I laugh. “I didn’t think I would be saying this, but I’m kind of bummed that I’m not staying. It was fun, I can’t wait to come back.”

Dad smiles. “You only have a few months to graduation, you could think about coming to college down here? Visiting during the holidays. Take another break after graduation and spend the summer here.”

That sounds great, actually. “Yeah, I’ll definitely have to look into doing that.”

Dad walks toward me, and then wraps me in a hug. It feels like it used to, before the separation. It is the same. “You just needed a break. You feel better, right?”

I nod into his shoulder, smelling his Ralph Lauren cologne. “I do.” A little. “I feel better, Dad.”

“That a girl.” He pulls back. “Let’s get going, we don’t want to miss your flight.” He grabs my suitcase and I follow him to his SUV. We ride listening to music and signing on the way to the airport. Dad has the windows rolled down and is tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. I will miss this. I’ll miss my dad. He looks over at me, smiling. He is a great Dad. He just made a mistake.

I blush remembering what I said to Beth. “Will you tell Beth I’m sorry,” I whisper.

He smiles. “I really don’t talk to her. I won’t see her anymore, but if I do I’ll let her know for you.”

“She is the one that you…um, ya know with, right?”

“Yes,” Dad says.

“And you don’t talk to her?” I ask.

“No. Your mom walked in during the only time I’ve ever kissed another woman. But, it’s the fact that I let myself do it”

I bite my lip and twirl my fingers around a piece of string on my jeans. “I know you’re sorry and I forgive you,” I say. “Is that okay to say? I know you didn’t cheat on me but…

“I did. I did cheat on you, you’re my daughter and I cheated on my family. It’s a terrible thing I done and I’m glad you have forgiven me.”

“Mom has, too,” I say.

“I know. I’ll always appreciate her forgiveness, because I didn’t deserve it.”

“Everyone makes mistakes,” I say. I just wish Liam would forgive mine. He forgave his mom for leaving him. Why not me?

Dad pulls up to the airport and helps me get my baggage through the system. I stand by the door and look up at my dad. He smiles down at me, running his finger through my hair. “I’ll miss you, Katy bug.”

I hold back a sob. “I’ll miss you, too, Daddy.” I squeeze him into a hug and stand there holding my dad like I’m five years old until they call over the intercom that our plan is going to leave soon.

“Better get going, I’ll see you soon. Call me when you land, okay? I love you.”

“I love you, too,” I whisper. I grab my carryon and walk into the terminal.



I fall asleep on the plane. I can never stay awake on those things. It’s terrible. When I wake up a little kid is staring at me. “That girl is drooling, Momma.”

“Shhh,” her mother says, pushing him along and giving me an I’m sorry look. I groan and wipe the drool off my mouth.

“Great, “I mumble. I just hope I don’t look half as bad as I feel. I exit the plane, get my suitcase. My phone vibrates. “Hey, Mom,” I answer.