Page 32 of New Hope

River looked horrified as he rushed forward and threw an arm around his mother’s shoulder, effectively cutting her off. “Heeeey, Mom! Why don’t you tell us what fun things you have planned for tonight?”

It worked too because she whipped around to face the girls, completely forgetting whatever it was she’d been about to say.

“You girls still want to have a slumber party?” she asked as she plopped down on the floor. Hannah and Ellie sat in front of her, nodding their heads excitedly. “Good because I thought we’d go all out. I’m talking manicures, pedicures, face masks, movies, and of course, junk food.”

The girls looked at each other and squealed. “This is going to be the best night ever, Nana!” Hannah cheered.

Ellie smiled. “It’s awesome! Thank you so much, ma’am.”

Hannah snorted. “Her name’s not ma’am. It’s Nana.”

Helen chuckled. “That’s true. I am Nana, but I’m also called other things, like Helen and Sunshine. Ellie, you can call me whatever you’re comfortable with. We’ll let you decide.” She winked at my daughter who sagged in relief.

I watched as the three of them discussed the finer details of their night together, then Hannah and Ellie took off to find Helen’s collection of nail polishes and pick their colors. Throughout their talk, Ellie had continued to warm up to River’s mother, scooting closer until she was practically sitting in her lap.

We talked for a while, swapping stories about the girls, and getting to know one another. River’s parents were even better than he’d described, making Ellie and me feel like we were not just guests, but a part of their family. After another thirty minutes, River gave me a questioning look and I nodded. I was completely comfortable with my daughter staying with them, and apparently, so was she. Ellie and Hannah practically pushed us out the door in between hugs and promises to be good.

“Think they’ll miss us?” I asked.

“Not a chance,” River answered as they door shut behind us. We shook our heads and laughed when we heard the click of the lock.

A few minutes later, we were back on the road. “There’s something I’m not sure about?”

“You’re still concerned about leaving Ellie?”

“Not at all. Your parents are amazing. I have no doubt that Ellie’s in great hands. But you didn’t let your mom finish what she was saying. So, now, I’m left to wonder, I’m the best thing since…sliced bread? Nah, seems too boring. Maybe I’m the best thing since pizza.”

River rolled his eyes when he saw my wide grin. “Oh, God! Somehow, I knew you were going to bring that up. Look, I only told them that you were a nice guy. And I might have mentioned you helped change my tire. That’s it. So, can we let it go now?”

“Ooooh! Maybe it’s since apple pie.”

“Stop!”

“Reese cups?”

“Shut up!”

“Taco Tuesdays?”

“You’re impossible.” I laughed hard at the exasperation in his voice. River muttered, “Jerk!” under his breath, but I could see him grinning in the glow of the dashboard lights.

We spent the rest of the drive bantering back and forth, the mood between us, light. I wouldn’t trade being a father for anything, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that it felt good to get away from it all for one night. No responsibilities, no worries or stress, just me and my friend, having fun.

“Have you ever been to one of these before?” River asked as we pulled into the lot.

I stared out the window as he circled the lot, looking for a spot to park. The night sky was bright, lit by the huge stadium lights that surrounded Top Golf. The building stood three stories high with one side completely open, so guests could golf off the balcony edge. A monstrous net had been strung between poles, there to stop the balls from going too far and hitting cars along the highway.

“No. There’s one in New York, but it wasn’t close enough for me to go to. Plus, I was a little busy raising my daughter,” I joked.

River chuckled. “I hear you. This one is fairly new. It only opened over the summer, and this is the first chance I’ve had to come.” He pulled into a spot and cut the engine, turning to me with a grin. “You ready?”

“They have food? Beer?” River nodded. “No Disney?”

“Promise.” He laughed, holding up three fingers close together.

I could totally imagine him as a Boy Scout, so I took his word for it. “Then hell yes, I’m ready.”

It was crowded when we got inside, but fortunately River had reserved a space for us, so we didn’t have to wait. We rode the elevator to the third floor where our host, Jeffrey, led us to an open space at the far end of the platform. Wall dividers provided a bit of privacy between groups of guests, and large outdoor heaters kept the area from getting too cold.

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