Page 127 of Toxic Wishes

I run a hand through my hair, trying not to curse in front of Bodie.

“Hey bud, how about we go outside and let your dad and grandpa have a minute to themselves? Besides, maybe you can show me how far you can toss that football, and I’ll show you the surprise I have in my car.”

“Surprise?” I can hear Bodie and Abigail shuffle to their feet from my side view, but I don’t take my eyes off my dad.

“What do you want, Dad?” I say once I hear the back door close. “Let’s just cut the bullshit and get to the real reason you’re here.”

“What? I can’t hang out with my son and grandson. It’s not like you're living a crap life these days, son. Let’s not forget you’ve taken way more from me in the past.”

“For fuck sake, here we go again.”

I start to walk off and begin clearing the table.

“Did you forget how you played a role in taking the one son I had a chance to form a relationship with?”

“No, Dad,” I say with conviction. “You did that all on your own.” I turn the faucet on and start scrubbing the plates vigorously, trying to do anything that will keep me from punching my dad in the face.

“Okay then, tell me something, if it’s all my fault, why haven’t you cleared out Blakes's room? I’ll bet my left nut that the room I could sleep in is still untouched. Why is that, son?”

“Don’t call me that. I’m not your son. You never raised me.” I feel the heat rise to my chest.

“No, I just helped create you.”

“Not a big deal. Anyone can create a kid. It’s keeping them alive that counts. You know, the part that comes after you shoot your sperm into the womb. Or should I say whoever the flavor of the month is for you?”

“That’s not true. At the time, I loved every one of those women, including your goody-two-shoes mom.”

“You mean responsible. Keeping a career to ensure your son is cared for doesn’t make her a goody-two-shoes. It’s called being a responsible adult. Maybe you should try that for a change.”

“What do you think I’m doing here?” He shouts out. I reluctantly look up at him and see the anguish in his eyes. Raking a hand through his hair, he lets out a long sigh.

“Look, I know I’m getting older, and the women these days expect so much more out of you, especially the younger ones, so I’ve been looking at becoming a football coach for young kids. I was hoping you could put in a good word for me at Bodie’s school. It would even allow us to get to know each other better.”

I dry my hands on the kitchen towel and grimace at my dad.

“C’mon, you saw how Bodie lit up when he saw me, and I-I want to be around more. I’m getting older and-” he turns around, and I cross my arms over my chest, leaning back on the kitchen counter.

“For fuck sake, cut me some slack here, son,” he mutters under his breath.

“How much?”

His shoulders slump over, and his head dips down. Before lifting it back up and slowly turning to face me. “Fifteen grand.”

I shake my head in disbelief.

“I promise, I’m done. If you help me out this last time, I promise I’ll pay you back.”

“Bodie will graduate high school before that happens.”

“Please, son.”

“I 'm not your son,” I say through gritted teeth.

“You know, I see a lot of Blake in Bodie, I think he-”

“Don’t!” I raise a hand. “Don’t act like you know my son. How many times have you ever seen him? Six? Is that one time for each year of his life? He’s going to be seven, so save the heartfelt bullshit for someone who actually gives a shit.” I throw the towel on the kitchen counter and start to walk off. I needed to get away from him.

Cliff follows me, and I can feel him on my heel. I charge upstairs, but he doesn't take the hint.

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