Page 23 of Sidelined Love

“Everything okay with you, Dad? You look tired.” The words slip out before I can stop them. I know it's a result of me being partially concerned and feeling guilty for not checking in on him more.

He shakes his head before he says, “I'm fine, sweetheart.”

I want to press further because there's something behind his casual dismissal that feels off. But we’re here to catch up and enjoy each other’s company, not dwell on anything too serious. At least not yet.

I decide to let it slide for the moment and change topics. “So, have you been to any interesting places lately? Any new hiking trails?”

Dad's eyes light up, the tiredness momentarily forgotten. Hiking is something we tend to do together, more so before I left for college. “Actually, yes. I discovered this beautiful trail about an hour away from here. Not many people know about it, so there wasn't too much foot traffic when I was there. The trail is a rather easy hike as well.”

“That sounds great. Maybe I could join you next time?”

“I'd like that,” he replies with a nod and then adds with a raise of his brow, “Would give us a chance to spend some more quality time together.”

I playfully roll my eyes, but the guilt is still there. “You're hilarious.”

He chuckles just before he sobers up and pats my hand. “On a serious note, I feel like I rarely hear from you, kiddo. I'm trying to give you space as you continue to grow and become your own woman, but I miss you.”

Our conversation is interrupted by our waitress returning. She sets down the glasses with a gentle clink, the lemon slices bobbing slightly as she does so. She also brings some warm rolls I can't wait to dig into.

“Here you are,” she says warmly. “Are we ready to order or do we need a few more minutes?”

I glance at Dad, and he gives me a nod, indicating he's ready to place his order. “I think we're ready,” I reply, closing the menu. “I'll have the grilled chicken salad, please.”

“And for you, sir?” The waitress turns to my father.

“I'll go with the rib eye steak, medium-rare, and the baked potato on the side. Oh, and could you bring some extra sour cream?”

I'm surprised Dad ordered it given the price it is listed at. We usually do our best to not spend too much money, especially with me in college. I don't say a word, but the look on my face must have given me away because Dad turns his attention to me.

“Are you sure that's what you want? This is my treat by the way.”

“Yes. I'll keep the grilled chicken salad,” I say as I hand over my menu and watch my father do the same.

“Of course. I'll get those orders in for you right away.” The waitress collects our menus and walks away.

Silence falls between us as I take a sip of water and take a bite from one of the rolls. Dad is studying me again, his expression thoughtful, but he doesn't say a word.

Once I'm done chewing, I speak first. “Back to our conversation. I know I haven't been talking to you as much as I should be, and I promise to be better.”

“Thanks, but also don't feel as if I'm pressuring you to call your old man every day. I would just like to hear from you more to make sure you're okay.”

“Of course. That makes complete and total sense.”

A moment of silence passes between us, the weight of our words lingering in the air between us. It's not an uncomfortable quiet, but I'm grateful when Dad’s light laugh breaks it.

“You know, I've been thinking about getting a dog,” he says.

“Wait, what? A dog? Since when are you a dog person?” I ask. Surprise is an understatement because I've never heard Dad mention anything about dogs.

He shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips. “I thought it might be nice to have some company around the house. Plus, itwould give me an excuse to get outside more, even when I don't feel like hiking.”

“Any particular breed in mind?”

“Well,” he replies as he lightly taps a finger on the table. “I've been looking at some rescue sites. I don't know which breed or age for that matter, but I figured I'd know the right one when I see it. A lot of older dogs need loving homes, and I've been thinking why not?”

“That’s great, Dad.” My heart swells at the thought of him opening his home and heart to a furry friend. “If you want me to come with you when you go and visit a shelter, I can do that too.”

His face lights up in almost the same way it had when I arrived. “That'd be wonderful,” he replies.

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