Page 87 of Only for the Week
Forty agonizing minutes later, I rush out of Dr. Sampson’s office before Amerie can talk to me. I’m way too hungry for her shallow attempts at conversation.
I make my way to Miss Shirley’s and practically skip to the door. There’s nothing like good food with good company; my lunch date for today is one of my favorites.
My dad’s excited wave catches my attention the moment I walk inside. I nod to the hostess before stepping right into his waiting arms.
“Hi, Daddy.” The strings of his hoodie hit the side of my face and tickle my nose, but I don’t mind.
He holds me out at arm’s length, smiling down at me. His buzz cut is even grayer than the last time I saw him, no doubt the result of years of living with my mother.
He pulls me back into him to lay a kiss on my forehead. “Hi, Nugget.”
We sit down, and I see a cran-pineapple mimosa waiting for me at the table. I cheer with Dad’s maple bourbon cider before we dive into catching up. He tells me about the new pizza oven he wants and asks about the book signing Rome took me to.
We stay at our table after we’ve gorged on our delicious meals, still laughing about random things. When it’s just Dad and me, things are a lot easier. However, when he hunches his shoulders and leans forward, I know he’s about to burst our happy bubble.
“So, your mom and I are in counseling.”
I wanted things to get better between my mom and me when we came home from the wedding, but I didn’t have high hopes. I was right to keep my expectations low because she went right back to her bullshit the moment we landed. Our limited conversations have been her trying to gaslight me into believing I did her wrong on the trip and that she’s always done the best she could for me. When I stopped answering her calls, I was met with angry voicemails and text messages that would’ve once made me crumble. I’ll admit, it’s hard not to fold still, but therapy is helping with setting boundaries and understanding my worth. A certain gentle giant is helping, too.
It hurts to hear that she’s making an effort with everyone in the family but me. Amerie has mentioned in therapy that she and Mom have been having constructive conversations. Must be nice.
“Oh. That’s nice.”
Dad’s lips drop to a frown. “I’m realizing all the ways I failed you. All of you.”
I furrow my brow. He’s the last person I’d expect to say that because I don’t feel he failed. “What do you mean?”
“I didn’t do enough for you growing up—you or Amerie. There were plenty of things your mom did to you both growing up that I disagreed with, and I should’ve said something to her about it. I should’ve said and done more, but when she told me to trust she was doing what was best, I left it at that. I thought if I were there for each of you in my own way, it would make up for the fact that you didn’t have each other the way you should’ve.”
My tongue is heavy with words unsaid. I always felt like my dad did the best he could with what he had. I still believe that, but maybe his best was less than I deserved.
I cover his hand with mine. “Thank you for saying that. I think what matters now is where we go from here.”
“I promise to do better. Your mom’s gonna do better, too.”
I don’t have the heart to tell him I won’t hold my breath for that last part.
A few hours later, I’m finally home. I think if I have to process any more emotions, I’ll lose my shit, so I jump into the shower to wash the day off of me. It helps a bit, but my shoulders still feel tight, and I feel a tension headache coming. Unfortunately, my favorite stress ball is in California for business, so I must settle for the next best thing: ice cream.
I’m about halfway through a pint of dulce de leche ice cream and an episode ofLove Is Blindwhen my phone rings.
“I was just thinking about you.”
Rome’s smooth voice replies, “Oh, yeah? What about me?”
“I’m watchingLove Is Blindand trying to imagine us on a show like this.”
His quiet laughter draws out a laugh of my own. “I’d be on you from day one.”
“Oh, I know. You probably would’ve proposed the second day in the pods.”
“Shit, more like first night if we’re being real.”
I chuckle. “So stupid. Anyway, what’s up with you?”
“Just callin’ to see what you’re up to. You spending the whole night with Nick and Vanessa?”
“I sure am. I already took my bra off, so I’m in for the night, and I’m off tomorrow, so I’ll be parked on this couch for the foreseeable future.” I curl into a ball on the couch and swallow another bite of ice cream to emphasize my point.
