Page 60 of Shattered Dreams

Richard

I caught that the boys were calling me Richdad instead of Richard, and I liked it. But Tyler calling me “dad”?

My heart was full.

I traded my wet clothes for dry ones and the four of us went back to the other room as Jo came out of the bathroom in dry clothes as well.

“So? Pizza?” I looked around at the kids and then back at her.

“Yes!” Tyler did an arm pump.

I tucked a key card into my wallet and opened the door for everyone to file out. We went down in the elevator and motioned for them to wait where they came in at.

“Why?” Harrison looked at me, confused.

“So you all stay dry.” I winked.

“Got it.” He smiled and took Briar’s hand as they walked towards the front desk.

I dashed out into the downpour and got into the van without getting completely soaked and drove around under the pavilion to get my family.

Myfamily.

Jo opened the side door, and the boys helped get the girls strapped in before taking their seats. We drove around to see what was available in the area and decided on a pizza place that boasted an arcade with all you can eat pizza.

The rain slowed to a drizzle while we got the kids out and into the restaurant, and I helped Jo get them set up with food before we got our own.

I had to contain my laughter while we ate, because the boys stared longingly into the game room. When I was that age, I would’ve killed to have the opportunity to go play, so I pulled out my wallet and handed them each a bill.

“Go get some quarters.”

“Mama?” Harrison looked at the five in his hands. “Can we?”

“Go.” She laughed. “You’re spoiling them.” She pinned me with a playful glare.

I gave her a nonchalant shrug and waved the server over, ordering a beer. “Is that okay with you, baby?”

Jo looked confused as the waitress went away. “What?”

“Will it bother you if I have a beer?” I scratched my beard. “I probably should’ve asked you first.”

“Oh.” She giggled nervously. “You’re a grown man, if you want to drink …”

“I’m not him.”

Jo took a deep breath. “I know.”

I moved to sit beside her and wrapped my arm around her. “Might not be what we planned, but this is good, too.”

“I feel like we’re on a date.” She laughed.

“Would that be a bad thing?” I nodded at the waitress when she came back with my beer.

“I’m a separated housewife with five kids. No one wants to date me.”

“You’re wrong.” I took a sip of my drink and almost choked when she spoke.

“Oh yeah? Prove it.”

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