Page 145 of Clean Slade
She cleaned a table by the bar that was anything but VIP, considering how cramped it was, but we took it regardless.
“Autumn, can I have the Greek burger?” Mac turned to Autumn before she even had the chance to ask.
I didn’t miss the satisfied smile on Autumn’s face or the way King looked at his daughter every time she took such initiative. How could he not? Mac was back. King was free to herself. What else could anyone ask for?
“Sure thing, sweetie. And a soda?” Mac nodded, and Autumn wrote it down on a notepad. “How was the last day at school?”
“It was great. Grace came to say she’s sorry, and when I tried to hug it out, she got so scared she ran away from me.”
Only a kid would be excited that she’d scared another kid with a hug.
It took her long enough. We’d been “haunting” their house for so long, but those stubborn fuckers hadn’t relented. It was good to know they’d finally caved and taught their daughter some manners. Maybe that was the solution to bullying. Some digital possession. I’d make a vlog about it if it wasn’t completely illegal.
“Oh-kay.” Autumn glanced at us with a confused grin. “Are you excited for spring break?”
“Yeah. We’re gonna have so much fun. Daddy took the week off, so we’re going to watch lots of movies, walk Thelma and Louise to the park every day, and go to the music festival and the fair.”
“We are, are we?” King asked, but I didn’t miss the sarcasm in his tone.
“Of course, Daddy. Slade and I have made all the plans. Today it’s lunch here, then bubble tea at Hwan’s, then it’s movie time. Tomorrow we’ve got a reservation at Lilian’s…”
As Mac droned on, counting everything on her fingers, King grabbed his phone, and two seconds later, mine buzzed.
King:
I think we should tell her.
I glanced at my man, and my heart skipped a beat.
I never wanted to pressure him. His relationship with his daughter was more important than my need for validation, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit I was looking forward to sharing the truth with Mac.
Slade:
Are you sure?
King nodded with a smile and found my hand under the table. He gave it a squeeze, and it was as if my heart grew larger at that moment.
“Okay, honey, let me go put your order through, or you’ll never eat, and then you can tell me the rest, yeah?” Autumn stopped Mac as she was going through Tuesday’s schedule and walked away before Mac could go on.
She returned a couple minutes later with our drinks, and King cleared his throat.
“Mac, honey, we’ve got something to tell you.” He glanced at me for a moment and took a deep breath.
Mac looked at her dad with wide eyes and pursed lips, waiting patiently.
“See, Slade and…Slade and I…what would you think if I told you that Slade and I are—”
“A couple? I know, Daddy.”
King raised an eyebrow.
“You do?”
Mac grimaced.
“Of course, Daddy. I’m not stupid. It’s so obvious.”
“It is?”
