Page 55 of Finding Out

Daddy Wilson: I think Caffrey needs you to come over tonight.

Me: You said that yesterday.

Daddy Wilson: I am not above using your love for my dog as an excuse to get to see my girl.

Me: At this rate I might as well be living there. I haven’t spent a night at home in over a week.

Daddy Wilson: I am not opposed to the idea. And we both know Caffrey would love it.

Me: We have to tell people before we can even joke about that.

Daddy Wilson: In a few weeks, that won’t be an issue anymore.

Me: And here I was thinking that in a few weeks, it’s going to be a major issue.

Me: I know, I know, you’re rolling youreyes at me.

Daddy Wilson: You know me so well. And since you haven’t said no, I’ll order dinner.

Me: Yes, please. Don’t cook.

Daddy Wilson: You never used to give me so much shit about my cooking.

Me: Because back then, eating at your place was one of only a few ways I could see you. Now I get to do that without choking down bad food.

Daddy Wilson: Don’t sass me, baby girl.

Me: What if I like the punishment?

Daddy Wilson: You’re going to kill me.

I scanned the crowded room.The co-ed shower was going better than I’d thought it would when Avery told me about the idea. I expected it to be nothing but presents and stupid “don’t say bride” games that no one wanted to play. I hadn’t factored in that Wren was planning it. She created a casino night, and all the money the house won went to Chris and Avery as a wedding gift. They were donating it all to Blondie’s Birds, the charity Chris had started for the Boston Zoo’s birds.

Chris and Avery already lived together, and since they didn’t need things for their place, gifts were adventures for their two-week honeymoon. Dinners at restaurants she’d picked out, honeymoon suites, and couples’ massages. My girl was creative, and not a single present had to be opened.

It had been entertaining. I’d played a few rounds of blackjack and some craps while trying not to watch my girl flit around the room in that gold dress, making sure everything was organized.

Not one moment was boring. Sure, it was a bit torturous watching her and not being allowed to touch her. But she was coming back tomy place after she was done here, and I’d have the entire night to enjoy her. And my daughter was happy and full of smiles. So I had nothing to complain about.

As the night began to wind down and there were only about twenty of us left, I sought out my ex-wife, Kristine, and her husband, Dave, who were sitting at side-by-side slot machines.

“Got a minute?” I asked when I sidled up next to Kristine.

Her long blond hair tipped over her shoulder as she looked up at me. “For you, I’ve got exactly five minutes,” she teased. Beside her, Dave chuckled.

“Need a refill?” I asked, pointing to his beer. “It’s almost last call.”

He lifted his chin. “Thanks. I’ll make sure no one steals your win, babe.”

Kristine smiled. “Aw, my hero.” She stood and wandered toward the bar with me. “What’s up?”

“I’ve been seeing someone.” I cleared my throat. “And it’s serious.”

“That’s…” She gave me a small smile, though her brow creased in question. “Great.”

Twenty-some years ago, when she and I had this conversation in reverse, it had made more sense. We had a five-year-old, and bringing Dave into Avery’s life was going to affect her. Although Kristine hadn’t been the most consistent parent in the world, she loved Avery and the two of us co-parented well. But now Avery was twenty-nine, so my ex-wife was probably wondering why the fuck I was talking to her about this. But Avery’s initial reaction might be hurt or upset, and I wanted her to have someone to talk with about it. Someone who already knew and had already had time to process it.

“I’m worried about how Avery is going to take it, so I was hoping for some support.”

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