Page 160 of Tarek

“Father,” I see him moving toward me. I am confident that I will age gracefully. At 50 plus my father looks better than most men his age. Standing at 6’5 my father’s stride is filled with power. As is the norm, women look as he passes. Even more now that his whole head has turned white, with a faded cut and a diamond earring in his ear.

It doesn’t help that his eyes are as silver as mine, or his beard is thick and white. Against his tan suit my dad looks like a regular heartbreaker.

He smiles and winks as he stroll past a table and every woman at it giggled.

“Old man,” I call him that just to provoke him.

“You love to think of me as old right.” He pulls me in and as expected he smells of expensive cologne and money.

“I have some questions for you,” I say as I pull away.

My father rubs his hands together. “I know you do son. I will explain everything after. Join me.”

It’s like he comes into a room and instantly begins to rule it.

“This is not your restaurant. Follow me.” I step in front of him as he raises his hand in surrender.

I don’t know why he sponsored Archer, but I suspect there is more to this that meets the eyes.

As we reach the door, I hold the handle, and I can hear voices raised.

My father tugs my shoulder and for the first time I realize he is nervous. “How do I look?”

I pull back. “Like you own shit.” I shake my head and lean into the door pushing it open.

Archer smiles, and the conversation stops, instantly Archer steps forward and shake my father’s hand.

“Mr. Jacobs it’s a pleasure. Please allow me to introduce you to my mother Mrs. Miranda Holt,”

My father’s eyes never once met Archer’s. From the moment we stepped inside, they have been locked onto Penny’s mom.

Penny’s mom stands and fixes her clothes and turns around with a full smile and it drops.

“Mom, this is my sponsor Mr. Dereck Jacobs.” Archer still oblivious to what’s going on squeezing his mom’s shoulders.

“Miranda,” my father whispers. I’ve never heard desperation in his voice, never heard him whisper like that…until now. I see Penny’s eyes and I realize that she is about to cry. Not caring about anyone else I move past Archer, she drops her head and wipe her eyes.

“Hey. What’s going on?” I ask.

“I just want to leave,” she whimpers.

“Dereck Jacobs. You are still lying to get your way?” Miranda says.

My father stretches his hand out to her. “Sticks let me explain.”

Miranda begins to pick her bag up. “Don’t call me Sticks. Does he know?”

My father drops his arms in defeat. “No. Miranda, please.”

“You abandoned me,” she yells, “And now you want my son?”

A staff member passes and thankfully closes the door behind my dad.

“I never abandoned you,” my father cries.

“Yes, you did. You can’t have him. Do you hear me Dereck? You can’t.” Miranda hiccups as she wipes her tears.

“He is my fucking son of course I can!” my father shouts, and the whole room becomes silent.

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