Page 12 of Fake-Off with Fate
“You used to do that in college too,” I remind him.
He nods sagely. “And it worked. That’s how I figured out you and Harry Franks were a combustible combo.”
“Just because I don’t like the guy, Dale, doesn’t mean I haven’t grown up. I’m not going to stick it to him for something he did nearly twenty years ago.”
“Good to hear, son. Good to hear.”
We mostly make small talk for the rest of our meal, and I’m reminded what a great guy Dale is. He was a tough coach, but he was always fair and easy to talk to. I am really looking forward to playing for him again.
So long as I’m not attacked by a bear while I’m here.
CHAPTER 7
ASHLYN
My dad did not havean easy time talking my mother into going away with him. In fact, it was touch and go for a very long time. But then he got down on one knee and took her hand in his. With a level of romance and sincerity I didn’t think he was capable of, he declared, “Alicia, I love you. I know I haven’t been very attentive these last couple of years and I’m sorry. Will you please go away with me and let me remind you that I’m still the man you fell in love with?”
The expression on my mom’s face made it clear she was torn. I wasn’t sure if she was going to give in or kick him. Ultimately, she decided to give him another shot.
Even though she agreed to go on vacation, supper was still unbearable. My dad’s constant chatter about Maple Fest was driving both me and my mom insane.
After supper, she stood up and announced, “You can sleep in the guest room, Bill. I’m not sharing a bed with you again until you prove you’re a changed man.”Boy, is she going to be surprised when they get to Barbados and discover there’s only one bed in their hut.I didn’t think it was wise to warn her.
My mom left the house this morning without telling us where she was going. It’s currently mid-afternoon and she’s justnow getting home. I spot her unloading several bags of groceries from the trunk, so I hurry to help her. “I bought all of your favorites, Ashlyn,” she says.
“Leave it to you to always be looking out for your family.” That’s when I notice how nice she looks. “Your hair looks great. Did you just have it done?”
She strides into the kitchen and puts the bags on the counter before waving her fingers in front of her, jazz hands fashion. “I got my nails done, too.”
“Very pretty,” I tell her. The fact that she’s taking pains to look her best gives me hope that she’s going to give my dad a real chance.
“Where’s your father?” she wants to know.
“He’s, um … well …” I don’t want to bring up his job, but I don’t see that I have a choice. “He’s waiting for me at Town Hall to introduce me around.”
Her expression immediately morphs into one of pure annoyance. “You tell him that if he isn’t home by five o’clock that I am going to go without him. I mean it too, Ashlyn. Not five-oh-one. Five.”
I nod my head and assure her, “He’ll be here.” And he will, even if I have to hit him over the head and drag his unconscious body home myself. But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that because my dad has put on enough weight that I’m not sure I’m up to the task.
Smiling at my mom, I tell her, “I better go.” Then I turn around and practically sprint out the front door.
When I get to my dad’s office, I’m once again met by the same man I saw yesterday. He’s even less pleasant than he was before. “Miss Thompkins,” he says like he’s diagnosing a fatal illness.
“What’s your name?” I want to know.
“Phillip. Phillip Bane. I’m the mayor’s assistant.”And bane of my existence.
My dad walks out of his inner sanctum and waves me in. “Let’s go, Ashlyn.” Then he turns to Phillip. “My daughter will be helping me out this week, Phillip. Please make sure she has everything she needs.”
The appalled expression on Phillip’s face indicates he will do no such thing. Which is fine with me. In fact, I wouldn’t mind if he got sick and took the whole week off.
“Don’t worry about me, Dad. You’ll be here if I need anything.”
While I only said that to keep up our ruse, the words seem to panic him. “Be that as it may, I’m counting on Phillip to assist you. I have a very busy week ahead.”
His assistant looks moderately confused. “You don’t have a busier week than normal, sir. In fact, I’d say it looks like a light week.”
“I have things scheduled that you know nothing about, Phillip,” my father snaps. “Just please do as I say and help my daughter if she needs it.”
