Page 190 of Mountain Daddy
I toss my wet paper towel into the trash and move out of the way, catching the door before it closes.
Keeping my eyes down, I avoid looking at anybody as I make my way back to my seat.
I can do this.
I can get through tonight.
Dad shoots me a pained smile as I pull my chair back. “You gonna be alright?”
I shake my head as I sit. “I’ll probably need to take Monday off. For recovery.”
Dad hums. “I’ll need to see a note from a doctor.”
I pick up a cold fry and gesture with it. “I’m sure one of these fine folks is an MD.”
Dad furrows his brows. “I think you’ll need an optometrist.”
“Actually.” Jessie holds up her own fry. “I think you’re looking for an ophthalmologist.”
We both look at her.
“What’s the difference?” Dad leans his elbows on the table.
Tuning them out, I blink a couple times.
My eye still feels irritated, but I don’t want to touch it.
“I’m sorry.” Luther’s quiet voice rolls across the table.
I force my gaze up from my tray. “It’s not your fault.”
His jaw moves, like he’s biting his cheek.
And then Ireallytake him in.
He’s handsome, of course.
Still filling out his clothing like it’s his job.
But beneath it… He looks miserable.
He’s not teasing.
He’s not grinning.
His stance is rigid. Bracing.
And I hate it.
I don’t want to see him.
I don’t want to talk to him.
Not now.
But I also don’t want him to look… like this.
“I’m fine,” I tell him.
