Page 54 of Sebastian.

“I know, and I genuinely am trying to do better now.”

We share a moment of quiet understanding, the ambiance of the early fall night wrapping around us as we continue to eat.

Hannah chose an herb roasted chicken and buttery roasted potatoes, and now that the awkward part of our conversation has finished, she eats happily. Between bites, I bring up a topic that will for sure cheer her up. “So, any update about your birthday party? Have you thought about what you want to do before heading to England?”

She considers for a moment before responding. “Yeah, a small dinner with a few friends would be nice. But let's skip the whole 'invite the entire school' thing that Princess Elise did.”

I chuckle at her reference to Elise's extravagant parties. “Alright, a more intimate gathering it is. Now, how about this—can I at least show up for the cake, or would you be too embarrassed to have your old man there?”

Hannah rolls her eyes, feigning exasperation. “Oh, come on, Dad. Do you really have to?”

“Why not? It’s your sweet sixteen, after all. Can’t I just be there for the cake?”

She heaves a loud sigh, clearly displeased by the idea. “Alright, but just the cake. And Mom needs to be present too, then.”

“Sure, I don't have any issues with that.” Of course the idea of Julia being home, celebrating her birthday with us, makes me feel both intensely anxious and happy, but I don’t burden my daughter with that.

We finish our meal in a comfortable silence, the atmosphere between us considerably lighter than it was when we first sat down. The setting sun casts a warm golden hue over the terrace, and I can't help but feel a sense of relief that our conversation took a positive turn. As the evening settles around us, it's a reminder that amidst the challenges we face, there's still room for connection, understanding, and even a touch of lightheartedness.

Just as she finishes, her phone emits a soft ping, and she casually picks it up. Her attention shifts to the message that flashes on her screen. Her laughter rings out, carrying a sense of amusement that catches my curiosity. I’m almost positive I know who she’s texting, and while I approve of the man overall, I don’t know how I feel about him casually talking to my teenage daughter.

So I interject, my fatherly instincts kicking in. “Hannah, I get that you're excited about going to England to meet Johan in three weeks, but can you promise me you’ll both behave?”

At first she freezes like a deer in the headlights, but after she gets ahold of herself again, she raises an eyebrow at my comment. “What exactly are you implying? That I'm going to run wild and sleep with him?”

Now it’s me who’s shocked, and said shock rips through me like a lightning bolt. I choke on a bite of potato, gulping water. Once I’m done coughing, I clear my throat, my intention to have a serious talk momentarily thrown off balance by her straightforward response. “Well, you’re turning sixteen, so….”

Setting down her utensils, Hannah fixes me with an expression that clearly reads, ‘What the fuck, Dad?’. Her arms are crossed in a defiant gesture that needs no words.

I pause, then continue with caution, trying my damndest to not stumble over my words. “Stop looking at me like that. You seem to be getting along with him quite well. Was it him who just messaged you? Or was I mistaken?”

“Seriously, Dad, you're being so nosy.” Her tone’s a mix of amusement and mock exasperation.

Leaning forward slightly, I can't help but to point out, “I know, but you're fifteen, about to turn sixteen, and he's already in his twenties. You can’t blame me for being a bit concerned.”

Groaning, she responds, “Dad, Johan is just a friend, and he's still very much in love with Elise, I can promise you that. He actually bought those tickets for her originally. But since she's with Dan now, she asked him to take me along instead, like a birthday gift or something.”

Oh. Well…that makes more sense, and does make me feel a little bit better. At least Johan isn’t buying tickets for fifteen year old Hannah directly. I admit my ignorance with a nod. “I didn't know that.”

Hannah looks pleased that she managed to pull one over on me, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. “Johan is a perfect gentleman, so you have nothing to worry about.”

“I know, and that's why I'm letting you go on that trip on your own.” A sudden thought occurs me, turning perplexed. “Aren’t you going to be bored, though? You never really took any interest in horses.”

She shrugs nonchalantly. “El is going to give me a crash course before I go, so I don't end up looking like a complete novice at the show.”

It’s obvious Hannah is going because she enjoys Johan’s company and most likely has a crush on him. I just hope it remains as innocent as she portrays it to be.

Halfway through the dessert, my phone rings, pulling my attention away from the dinner table. Hannah doesn’t even look up from her chocolate mousse and iPhone, just dismissing me with a wave that might annoy me at any other time. But right now, I have a feeling that this is a call I need to take.

Checking the caller ID, I see that it’s none other than Julia herself. As much as I want to stay present with Hannah, I know this is a chance that I might not get again. My wife hasn’t exactly been patient with me, not that I blame her. I offer my daughter a quick apology and excuse myself, rising from the table and heading to the library where I can have some privacy to talk.

“Julia, thank you for calling back,” I tell her, my voice carrying a mix of relief and anticipation as I put the phone to my ear.

Her response is curt, brimming with a touch of hostility. “I’m just returning your call. What do you want?”

Shutting the door to the library, I take a breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I prepare to have this crucial conversation. “I wanted us to talk… Can we meet face to face? I miss you and—”

Julia's voice cuts me off, sharp and unforgiving. “You should’ve thought about that before spending the evening with a stripper instead of attending your son's wedding.”

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