Page 12 of Big Easy
Dad ends up taking me to my favorite Mexican restaurant. It only takes him ten minutes into our meal before bringing up what I already knew was coming. "How was the charity event?" he asks just before taking a bite of food.
I shrug. "It was good. A lot of money was raised. All in all, it was a good event." I shove a chip into my mouth while purposely not giving any more.
"That's good." Dad is silent for a beat before going right for it. "Heard you caught Jaxson Carter's eye."
"We met," I supply, keeping my answer vague.
"And?" Dad gives me a pointed look, and I sigh.
"We hung out and talked. He later asked me out."
"Did you agree?"
I nod. "I did."
My dad wipes his hand with his napkin and rests his elbows on the table. "Do you know who Jaxson Carter is, Sutton?"
"Yes. I know about his club and who he is to the club."
"And you agreed to go on a date with him despite knowing he’s the President of Hades Outlaw?"
"Yes. Despite what you might think, Dad, I'm not naïve. I also said yes because he was nothing but nice and respectful to me. I know what the people in this town say about Jaxson's club, but I'm not one to base my opinion of someone off of gossip. So, you can sit here and warn me about him all you want, but I am still going to see him again." I look my dad in the eyes and wait for his response.
"You're right. You should never listen to gossip. I just worry about you, is all. I don't want you getting mixed up with the wrong person. And though Jaxson Carter appears to be a good man, his club is dangerous."
"I know you worry about me, and I love you for that." I smile.
After lunch, Dad drops me back off at work. The afternoon passes quickly, and before I know it, it's time to go home. But before I leave, I decide to check on Mr. Sanders one last time. Today has been a good day for him. He has been coherent, and he is taking well to the pain management we have set up for him. When I come upon his room, the door is slightly ajar, and I can hear two voices.
"Son, promise me you will be good. You can't pull any more stunts like you have in the past. We had to move away last time. I won't be here to bail you out of trouble."
"I'm not going to do anything, Dad." Peter snaps at his father in a harsh tone. "Those incidents were just misunderstandings."
"Son, I think you should consider getting some help. Please, for my own peace of mind."
Help?I wonder what he means.
"Just stop!" This time Peter shouts at his father. He clearly sounds agitated.
"You always treated me like something was wrong with me, like I needed to be fixed."
Feeling guilty for eavesdropping on their private conversation, I make my presence known by knocking on thedoor. "Hi, Mr. Sanders." I walk into the room to see Mr. Sanders lying in bed, looking frail and exhausted. He offers a small smile anyway. "Hello, young lady."
I give him a warm smile in return and look at his son, standing on the opposite side of the bed wearing a blank expression. Ignoring his weird behavior and the conversation I overheard, I say, "I was just about to leave for the day and wanted to stop by and check on you before I go."
"Oh, I'm doing just fine. I was just about to catch a nap," Mr. Sanders says.
"Alright, then. I'll see you later then." I give Mr. Sanders a pat on his arm.
As I make my way back up to the nurses' station, I catch Caroline, one of the night nurses walking in. "Hi, Caroline."
"Hey, Sutton. How's it going?"
"Today was a good day. I left a few notes for you over at the computer. Martha called and said she'd be running about twenty minutes late, so Ada agreed to stay on until she gets here."
"Thanks, Sutton. I'll catch you later."
I sling my purse over my shoulder and wave to her on my way out. "Bye."
