Page 39 of Mariposa
This is a first for him. He never calls me.
“Son,” my tone changes to a more welcoming, less asshole-ish one. “What’s up? What’s going on? You okay?”
Guilt and shame hit me as I try to push Violet’s mouthwatering taste out of my mind.
“Whoa. I’m all good, Dad. Did I catch you at a bad time?” he inquires, but I can hear a smile in that question. This is him trying to break the ice.
“No, of course not, just uh—” I scratch the back of my head, then run it through my beard. “...about to head to sleep. What’s going on?”
“Eh, not much. Just wanted to reach out.”
I pause, waiting for the ball to drop. He wants something. That’s the only time he really calls.
“And I wanted to ask you for a favor.”
There it is.
“I’m listening.”
“So, I have a girl. She’s there in North Carolina and told me she graduates tomorrow. Her name is Violet Isla. Have you heard of her?”
Heard of her?
I had her fingers in my mouth just moments ago.
Did Violet lie to me? She told me they weren’t together anymore.
“Yeah, but where is this going?”
“Do me a favor and keep an eye on her? If you’re ever around her? Maybe I can do the whole military spouse thing after all.”
“Adam, what do you mean? If she’s your girlfriend, aren’t you going to show up for her tomorrow? You don’t need me.” I run my hand through my beard.
Can this night get any odder?
“She ended things with me, but I refuse to give up on us. I’m kicking myself for not introducing you to her sooner. I no longer have the boyfriend title, and it’s killing me. I’m going crazy. She’s…amazing. No, that’s an understatement. She’s every man’s dream, but her ending things with me has been a living nightmare.”
“Adam, I don’t know. The chances of Violet and me being around each other are slim to none.”
It’s not a lie. I’m no longer her instructor; she reports to her duty station soon. That could be anywhere.
“Do this for me! It’s the one favor I ask of you. Keep tabs on her until I win her back. You want a relationship with me, don’t you? This is a good start.”
An ultimatum.
I don’t fucking like this.
Still, the father’s guilt I carry on my shoulders is too heavy. Every time we talk, I see my failures.
“Please,” he asks softly. He’s desperate. But I get it. If a woman like Violet were slipping from my fingertips, I’d do anything to get her back.
“Fine.” I clear my throat, uncomfortable.
“Thank you.”
“Can we talk about something else? I’d like to know if you’re up for a fishing trip. I should be back in South Carolina soon.” I pull the wooden Punisher skull from my nightstand drawer, staring at the long teeth. I’m proud of the finished product. It’s taken me months, but teaching again has given me more time to carve.
“I’ve been working on this gift for you, too.” It’s been giving me hell, but it’s done. I clear my throat to suppress my giddy smile. “I think it’s my best work yet, I?—”
