Page 186 of Mountain Daddy
While he introduces me, I try to keep an eye out for the oversized man who regularly haunts my dreams.
I’m not right for you.
I swallow and tuck my hands into my pockets.
Focus on tonight.
Focus on the now.
You can feel the bad later.
I pull in a slow breath through my nose and plaster a small smile on my face.
About half the chairs are filled, but the line for food originates somewhere inside the building and winds around outside, indicating it will be a full house.
I check the line for a familiar frame but don’t spot him.
But I do spot a DJ booth already playing music with one of those light bars above it, ready to start strobing as soon as it gets a little darker out.
I’ll never get Dad out of here once the dancing starts.
My gaze shifts toward movement on the sidewalk. A family of… six is walking up.
Four kids? Pull out already.
I nudge Dad, wanting to get in line before this herd does.
He looks up but looks past me and lifts his hand. “Over here!”
I look back at the family, wondering if I should’ve recognized them.
But he’s not waving at them.
My heart throbs behind my ribs, and my throat constricts.
It’s him.
Luther.
The family breaks off, heading to the back of the line, while Luther and Jessie head right for us.
Be normal.
Act normal.
This is normal.
I lift my hand, my fingers trembling as I wave.
As I smile.
As I pretend that seeing Luther doesn’t hurt something deep inside my chest.
Jessie waves back. “Hey guys, how’s it going?”
“Good.” My cheeks fucking ache as I lie. “How are you two?”
I pray my glasses are dark enough so no one can tell that I’m only looking at Jessie.
