Page 46 of Return on Love

“Sure,” I say.

“What?”

“I’ll come along. We can actually discuss some work-related stuff too, with no distraction, y’know.”

He gives me a quick kiss and within minutes, we’re seated in the Mercedes and are on our way to meet Jen.

“So, what’s the deal with your dad? I heard you say you don’t wanna meet him. I’ve met him a few times, with Alex, and didn’t find him unmeetable, if that’s even a word.”

I shuffle a little in my seat. I don’t like to talk about Dad. It’s a sure-shot way to spoil my mood.

“I didn’t mean to pry. It’s okay if you don’t wanna answer that,” he says, sensing my discomfort.

Somehow, I decide to tell him. “He’s okay with most people. It’s only with me he’s like… him. My therapist said it’s probably because he lost my mom soon after I was born and I remind him of her. But well, it’s been over two decades and he’s still not over it. So, if he can’t deal with his emotional issues, I don’t want to be traumatized by his rude behavior to me.”

I look at him and he just nods. There’s no judgement in his expressions. “So what does he do? Like scream at you?”

“I wish. No. He just ignores me, ignores my existence. And when he does pay attention, it is to demean me or belittle me. He does all he can to make me suffer. For example, when my Gramma was ill, he didn’t even let me go see her and then she died soon after. She was the closest person to me, one who loved me unconditionally, like a mother. I can never forgive him for that. So sometimes I think his ignoring me is the better of the two evils.”

“But if he wants to meet you, he obviously isn’t ignoring you, right?”

Why is he making sense? “Whose side are you on?” I ask him, flicking him on the shoulder.

He laughs. “You know what? Since you’re helping me out today with Jen, I can return the favor tomorrow with Mr Jones. I can come with you and make your visit less annoying.”

“What? You wanna meet Dad?”

“Not in the meet-your-parents way, obviously. But just like a friend. I mean, it’s not like I’ve never met him. And Alex is a friend. So, why not? You can say we met outside the restaurant and I joined in when you told me he’s there. He won’t have an option but to invite me to stay over for lunch.” He winks at me.

I laugh. “Sure. If you willingly want to put yourself through the torture, be my guest.”

Chapter 15

“Truly wonderful, the mind of child is.”—Yoda

Soon Ryan turns into a lane with cute white houses on both sides of the street, each flaunting its cute little garden out front. He parks in front of one of these carbon copy houses. By the open door stands a woman rocking long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes—has to be Ryan’s sister, Emily. A small girl is standing beside her.

“Uncle Ryan! Uncle Ryan!” the girl screams and jumps as soon as the car comes to a halt, her pigtails flying up and down.

Emily waves and gets into a car parked by the curb. She already has her engine running by the time we’re out of the car.

“Hi. Eva?” she asks as soon as she looks at me.

“Yeah. How do you know?” I ask, but she is already driving off.

“Ryan’s told me about you. Sorry, I’ve to leave now. Emergency. We’ll talk later,” she says, waving her hand and zipping away.

Ryan has told his sister about me? It couldn’t have been good. I remember all the shit I’ve spoken to Alex about Ryan. Why does it make me conscious? Why do I care what he’s told her? I’m here just for a week more. I’ll probably never even meet her after today. A strange feeling engulfs me, and I don’t really want to think more about it right now.

I turn around to find Jen riding on Ryan’s shoulder, who is making his way to the front door of the house.

“Who’s the pretty lady?” asks Jen loudly. “Is she your girlfriend?”

Ryan looks at me, and I shrug. Children can be difficult.

“She’s a friend and is helping me at work. Her name is Eva. You wanna meet her?”

Jen nods and Ryan puts her down. We’re all inside by now. Jen jumps over to me and introduces herself. She gives me a kiss and says I’m pretty. I already like her.

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