Page 13 of DILF

You were sleeping and I didn’t want to wake you. I’m leaving for the Hamptons with Randy and his family a week early. I’m sorry about everything that happened last night. I love you and it’s hard to see you dating even though I sort of threw it in your face the other day. I don't know if I can handle walking in on you with another woman, so I’m going to take off for a few weeks to think. I’m not mad, though. I forgive you for last night and I love you.

XOXO,

Charlie

And just like that my mood shifts.

She forgives me? What in the actual fuck? I’m her goddamn father! She doesn’t have a say in when I can date. Or who I date. Or how I date. I’m single, I never cheated on Mia, and I can do whatever the fuck I want. My reaction last night may have been harsh, but it was completely justified. To top it off, this Randy guy with his family money and trips to the Hamptons is reminding me too much of Mia and her stuck-up family. By the time the coffee is brewed I’ve thoroughly worked myself up from angry to livid. I send Charlie a quick text: Got your note. Call me when you get to the Hamptons.

Then because I’m a sucker, I quickly add: Love you, Charlie. Drive safe.

It’s a warm, sunny day. I’m feeling horrible, but I refuse to sit at home and do nothing. I decide to work on my bike. It’s something I’ve started doing more often now that Mia doesn’t have a say in the shit I do. I move my bike out to the driveway and begin to spread out some of the parts. I’m installing some new ape hangers on my Harley when I hear voices behind me. I look back, and it’s Lily’s parents closing the back of the U-Haul. Marie is crying, and Bob is hugging her. I’ve known them for twenty years. I wouldn’t say we’re close, but we’re certainly friendly, so I don’t feel out of place when I make my way over to them.

“Everything okay?” I ask. Marie steps away from her husband and wipes her face with the back of her hand.

“S-sorry. Just got a little emotional, is all.” She walks to me and throws her arms around my neck. “I’ll miss you, Lincoln. You’ve always been a great neighbor and friend. Please give Charlotte a hug from me.”

Feeling awkward, I hug her back before she pulls away. Bob extends his hand. “Don’t mind her. She’s been a wreck all week. She’ll get over it.” After we shake hands, he reaches into his pocket and takes out a paper. “I was going to go over before we left to give you this. Marie was adamant that you stay in touch. I hope you will,” he says, and I look down to see their new address on the paper.

“Of course, Bob. You all drive safely.”

“New handles?” he asks, looking at my driveway.

“Yeah, ape hangers,” I correct. “They’re going to be a bitch to install,” I say, looking over my shoulder at all the shit I have spread out on the driveway while trying to ignore the throbbing in my head.

“Good luck, buddy,” he says. “The new owners are set to move in at the end of the month. Meanwhile, Lily will be here for the next two weeks and then she’s back to school. ’ppreciate if you keep an eye on my girl.”

Oh God. If the man only knew…

“Yeah, sure,” I say, because what the hell else can I say?

“You forgot this, Dad.” I hear the familiar voice yell from somewhere behind the U-Haul. “Dad?”

“Over here, honey,” Bob says and begins to walk away at the same time that Lily walks around the big truck, and fuck me—does she not own normal fucking clothes? Again with the braless shirt that shows too much shoulder. When the fuck was showing too much shoulder a problem? And then there’s the small cotton shorts that don't even begin to cover her ass. She looks as if she just woke up. When our eyes meet, I see she’s schooling her reaction. It’s subtle, but I can tell. Her back is just a little straighter and the smile she has for her father is a little twitchy. I can see her throat move as if she’s swallowing, which of course makes me think about all the things her mouth can do, and whether, in fact, she would swallow. She’s a hellcat and doesn’t like to be told what to do. I’m guessing she’s not a fan of swallowing, but it’s something she could learn to love. And the fact that I’m thinking that is so wrong on so many levels. “Morning, Mr. Edwards,” she chirps.

“Lily,” I reply with a nod.

“Dad, your coffee.” She hands him a thermos. “Mom’s ready to go, she’s doing a final walk through.”

“’kay, honey. This is your last chance to hitch a ride with us. You can always fly back a few days before school starts up again.”

“Can’t. I have that paper due, plus I want to spend some time with Charlotte before the new owners move in.” Maybe she doesn’t know that Charlie has already left for the Hamptons and will probably be gone most of the time she’s in town. I find it strange since those two tell each other everything.

“I don’t like you staying alone. At least Linc’s nearby to help you with anything.” He looks at me expectantly.

I clear my throat and croak out. “Yeah, sure. Whatever you need, Lily.”

With a brow arched high and a smirk on her face, I know, I just know that she’s going to throw that little promise back at me as soon as she has the chance.

“We’ll miss you, honey.” He pulls his daughter in for a hug, and I feel awkward just standing there watching them say their goodbyes. I quietly turn and go back to the bike.

It’s hours later and the U-Haul is gone and the house seems quiet. Lily probably went back to bed. I’m feeling terrible. My headache has worsened and my stomach is churning. Maybe it’s the heat, I think. I lug the bike and parts back into the garage and decide to call it a day. I never just sit around and do nothing, but right now I have nothing to do. I have no one to cook for, since Charlie’s gone. The house is clean, thanks to the cleaning lady and Charlie. I take a quick shower, pull on a pair of gym shorts and fall onto the couch for some television.

When I open my eyes again, it’s night time. My stomach is rumbling and the headache is now blinding. I gulp down a glass of water, ready to call it a day. I begin to close the blinds when I notice an unfamiliar car at my neighbor’s house. A brand -new yellow Audi with a big stupid-looking spoiler on the back.

Without much thought, I head over and knock on the door. Immediately thoughts start to process: maybe Lily has a guy over? Maybe someone’s robbing her house? I knock again, harder this time.

I hear the deadbolt and chain, and then she opens the door wearing one of those long, flowy casual dresses that have no straps to hold it up, and go down to her ankles. I notice she has make-up on and her hair has been carefully done. It’s not in a style or an up-do or anything, but I can tell from years of knowing her she worked hard on it. She looks fucking breathtaking. I pinch the top of my nose hoping this fucking headache will go away.

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