Page 95 of Movers and Shakers

“That was just for fun. Besides, I could have done better.”

“Who cares about doing better? It’s just fun, like you said.”

And that it was. Rose seemed to bring that out of me. She didn’t worry about perfection, and after trying to be that for Lila, it was nice to let loose.

“When are you seeing her again?” Liam raised his eyebrows.

“No idea.”

“It should be soon. I’ve never seen you like that.”

I didn’t want to admit it, but I’d neverfeltlike that either.

Ruth: I got Wilfred’s number from Mom. Do you want it?

I woke up to the text and groaned. This was the last thing I needed to deal with.

Barry: Did this have to happen the day AFTER my day from hell?

Ruth: Unfortunately, this is how emotional growth happens. All at once. I also asked her weeks ago, and she was nervous about talking to him.

Barry: I wonder why.

Ruth: Hmm, maybe the lying?

Ruth: Anyway, she told him about you. He was as pissed as expected. But he wants to talk to you.

Barry: Talking to fathers who are pissed has not worked out well for us.

Ruth: Fair enough. You don’t have to message him.

Barry: But I fucking want to for some reason.

Ruth: Then you have his number. Let Tom and me know if you need us.

The number in her text stared innocently at me and it made my skin crawl. I got up, content to ignore the feeling, but it only grew.

I thought about asking Ruth and Tom what they would say, but I knew they would be at work, and I’d already distracted Ruth enough for the day.

I flipped to a new text chain, finding Rose’s name.

Barry: Hey.

Rose: Hey! Fancy another dance night?

Barry: This is more for advice. What do I say to him? My father.

Rose: A simple hi would be good. Maybe say who you are.

Barry: Do you have a good father?

Rose: He’s mostly a good guy.

Barry: What’s it like?

Rose: We hit a rough patch when he decided he wanted to be on the road again and he left me with my mom. But once we got past it, he’s been pretty good. I know I could call and he’d answer.

Her words sounded eerily familiar, like one of Lila’s first songs.

---