Page 81 of Be Your Anything
“How do you know he wants something?”
I stare at her blankly then go back to my dinner, not even responding.
My dad’s one of those guys who believes everyone is around to serve him, and when my mom didn’t meet hisneeds—shudder—he went looking elsewhere. That’s how he got himself a new wife and a new family, because his old one wasn’t living up to his expectations.
I don’t know what to expect about him coming out here, but I don’t have any interest in giving in to what he wants.
“Maybe I can call him up and convince him not to come,” I muse. “Tell him I’m out of town or something.”
“Won’t he just want to reschedule?”
I sigh.
Paige reaches out and puts her hand on top of mine. “I know this is hard. Your dad’s a dick, and I fully support you calling him and telling him to fuck right off.” She pauses. “But it could also be a good idea to face him and tell him how you actually feel, you know?”
I nod. “Yeah, I know. You’re right. Ishouldjust tell him how I feel. I mean, he’s my dad. I should be able to do that.”
She sits back in her seat. “See? I’m always right.”
I chuck my napkin at her across the table.
That evening goes by in a blink, and Wednesday passes in a blur of long hours at work, punctuated only by my regular exercise schedule with Paige and girls’ night at Harbor’s.
I put off talking to my dad as long as I can, but ultimately I know I need to see him, need to square things away.
So on Thursday evening, I give him a call.
“Lennon!” he says, his tone bright and jovial when he answers. “I was hoping you’d call me.
“Yeah, well…mom said you’re going to be in town this weekend and want to see me?”
“Yep!”
“I don’t like that you called her. You know she doesn’t like talking to you.”
He laughs, the sound grating. “Well I wouldn’t need to call her if you’d answer your phone.”
“I was busy,” I reply, trying to keep my tone even.
“Awww, not too busy for your old man, I hope. I’m getting on a plane in the morning. How’s dinner tomorrow night sound?”
I sigh, wishing I could just fast-forward the next twenty-four hours.
“That’s fine. I’ll text you the name of a place that works.”
“Sounds perfect. Can’t wait to see you, Len.”
I hang up without responding.
CHAPTER17
LUCAS
“Good to see you both,” Trent says, standing from the table and reaching over to take my mother’s hand in his, then mine. “I have to head off to another appointment, but I have a standing tab here, so feel free to relax and order some more drinks.”
My mother gives my lawyer a tight smile. It’s not a bitchy one, not unhappy, just the same, tight smile she gives to anyone who isn’t me.
“Thank you, Trent.”
