Page 14 of Don't Call Me Daddy
Dad
That’s fantastic news, Leo. I assume you’re bringing her? I can’t wait to hear all about the woman who finally broke down that hard shell of yours. She must be something special. Let’s talk this weekend. —Dad
“Fuck,” I mutter as I bang my head against my desk.
What am I going to do now?
CHAPTER THREE
Ivy
“That oughta do it for you, Miss Ivy. We’ve got you all fixed up with a brand-new tire, and I was even able to get most of that dent out of your front bumper,” Big Dan, the owner of Auto Shop, says as he wipes his greasy hands on a towel.
“Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help.”
He brushes me off. “Oh, no, I should say the same to you. I can’t wait to surprise Susan with that dress you helped me pick out for our anniversary tonight.”
“Remember to call and make the reservation. Women love it when their partners take initiative. It’s the little things that’ll get you laid,” I say with a wink.
Dan throws his head back, letting out a roar of laughter, which makes me smile that much wider.
I took my grumpy hero’s advice and showed up at ten this morning with a warm pastry and a hot cup of coffee from Bakery. That was just about all the convincing Big Dan needed to push my car up to the top priority of his morning.
We were on our way to find my car when he got a call to pull old lady Marion’s car out of a ditch—apparently, it’s the third time this year. Dan thinks she’s got someone on the inside at the DMV helping her pass her driving tests, and after meeting her, I have to agree.
Then, he mentioned that tonight was his wedding anniversary, and one thing led to another, and I was helping him pick out a dress to surprise her with. Dan had recently picked up a few of her romance novels she’d left lying around and wanted to put some of his newknowledgeto good use. I could only hope if I ever settled down with someone that he’d still be trying to woo me forty years later. Of course, that’ll never happen since I don’t plan on ever settling down.
I yank at the neck of my T-shirt and shiver, just thinking about it.
Me and commitment go together just about as well as baptizing a cat, and I don’t have any plans of changing my mind. I’ve seen what happens when people stay together for the kids, and I’ve experienced enough loss to last me a lifetime. It’s easier to be detached because if losing my sister taught me anything, it’s that everything comes to an end eventually.
So, why put yourself in a position to be hurt to begin with?
“Thanks for tagging along with me this morning. I enjoyed having the company, not to mention all those great date night ideas.” He taps his temple and gives me a wink.
“Anytime, Dan.” I pull out my wallet and reach for my credit card. “How much do I owe you?—”
He waves a hand and shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary, Miss Ivy.”
I narrow my eyes. “Why not? I don’t expect you to do me any favors. Let me pay you?—”
“It’s already been taken care of. There’s nothing to pay,” he says like it’s the end of the discussion.
“By who?”
Dan just flashes me a shit-eating grin and motions like he’s zipping his lips shut. “I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but I reckon it can’t be too hard to narrow down, considering you just got to town last night. You must’ve made a good impression on someone.” He shrugs, then hands me my keys.
“Yeah, well,someonehas a weird way of showing it.” I take my keys and tuck them into my pocket as I turn to leave.
“See ya around, Ivy! And please don’t go on any more nighttime hikes. I wouldn’t want the Phantom to get you!” Dan playfully calls from behind the counter.
“Maybe that’s just the kind of trouble I’m looking for!”
“Why do I not doubt that in the slightest? You’re trouble, Miss Ivy, and I think we could all use a little more trouble around here. Some of us more than others …”
I wave goodbye and thank him again as I turn the corner onto Main Street and take in the quaint little downtown before me.
Who knew an old coal mining town in West Virginia could be so … cute?