Page 22 of The Final Straw

“Today?” she squeals. “We already had plans for dinner at Galentinas!”

“Yes, Barbi, today. Dinner can be canceled since we’re meeting today. In fact, I want you to meet me at The Mash House at eleven and please don’t be late.”

“Fine,” she barks before the line goes dead.

I have enough time to shower, stop by the cleaners, drop off mine and Grady’s suits, and then head to the restaurant. Maybe this will be the time my daughter actually shows up on time.

Two hours later, Barbi finally strolls in twenty minutes late and not a care in the world.

“You’re late,” I scold her when she sits down at the table.

“What does it matter, Dad? It’s not my fault you wanted to meet me last minute, and not to mention, you’re bringing me to this dump.” She looks around the place, her nose turned up in the air as if she smells something rancid.

The only foul thing I’m smelling is her piss-poor attitude.

“Barbi, this is a fine restaurant. It’s time you grew up and became something more than this person you’ve turned into. It’s why I called you here today.” She goes to open her mouth, but I stop her. “NO! You’re going to let me finish. I’ve stood by while you acted like a prime cunt. The behavior you have toward Grady and myself is no longer acceptable. From now on, you either accept us and our relationship or stay clear of our lives.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “Surely you don’t mean that, Daddy.” Barbi makes her voice high-pitched and sickeningly sweet.

“No, I mean every word of it. Not only will you accept us, but we are seeing someone. If things go well with her, she will be a permanent fixture in our lives.”

She glares at me, not saying a word as the waiter sets the salad I ordered earlier in front of her.

We eat in silence. A painful, awkward silence.

The main entrée comes out and still not a word. It’s honestly the best lunch I’ve had with her in a long time. But the silence has me waiting to see what she’s going to say next.

“Will there be anything else, sir?” the waiter asks as he steps up and takes our empty plates away. Well, my empty plate. Barbi just pushed the majority of the salmon around on hers.

“Just the check.”

“Yes, sir.” He turns and rushes away.

“Well, Barbi, what’s it going to be? Are you going to accept me and who I love, and get rid of this attitude, or are we done?”

“I don’t know. I’m going to think about it.” An evil glint appears in her eyes as she curves the corners of her lip up in a smile. It’s then I know she’s the lion, about to pounce on its prey. “You know Mommy is still upset you left us. And for a man, nonetheless. You embarrassed her and tore our family apart.”

I groan in frustration, already seeing this may be the end of my relationship with my daughter.

“Barbi, I didn't just leave your mother. She cheated on me repeatedly and I deserved better. Which you are perfectly aware of, yet you only choose to believe your mother’s warped version of events. You could have gone with me, but chose to stay with her.”

“She had a nicer house!” she yells.

That’s it, I've had enough. I look at the bill, pull a hundred out of my pocket, and toss it on the table. I’m done.

Standing up, I don’t say another word and walk out of the restaurant.

Chapter 12

Van

I can feel them laughing at me. It’s fucking embarrassing. The only bright spot is that Bre is here, supporting me while I make the report.

“You said you had a video?” the middle-aged male detective asks.

“Yes.” I open my phone and go straight to the message strand, pulling up the video and handing it to him.

Bre reaches out and takes hold of my hand, squeezing it, giving me the strength I need to do this.

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