Page 24 of Tryst

“I’m okay with it.”

“Oh God. I’m so freaking sorry. I—”

“Calm down.” He chuckled. “I know you’re going to be dating and I’m glad it’s him.”

My mouth hung agape as my father practically pushed me into the arms of his closest friend. I felt lightheaded, wondering why Vincenzo had run off if my father was this calm about things.

“Aiden is a good guy and seems to really like you.”

AIDEN! Oh my God. Of course, he thinks it’s Aiden. I wanted to crawl under my car and hide.

“Is something wrong?”

I shook my head. “I guess I just want to go to the beach or something.”

“I’ll let you out early if you work hard today.”

Dumbfounded by my father’s sudden leniency with my freedom, I remained quiet, following him inside the building and to his office. His receptionist was on the phone but greeted me with a polite nod as we passed by the enormous professional lobby. My dad closed the door with his face buried in his phone.

“Everything okay?”

“Uh.” He shrugged off whatever he was feeling, sliding his phone inside his pocket. “Yeah,” he smiled, “your mom is going to be late again tonight.”

“Mmmkay.”

I didn’t know what to say. Obviously, it bothered him. She spent a lot of time at the gym or out with friends, and I think it took a toll on him. She was rarely present except to spend his money or show off. Every child wants to believe the best in their parents, but I was not blind to her ways. Each passing day seemed to be a struggle between them. They still loved my brother and me, but I had wondered if they still loved one another.

Ignoring whatever was making him upset, I did my best to help for the entire day to ease his stress. Several times throughout the day, I checked my phone, seeing Vincenzo had read my text once again. Still no reply. Determined to keep distracted and help, I worked extra hard, even running out at lunchtime to grab us some Thai food.

When I returned, we ate pad kee mao and herbal chicken in his office at the rectangle conference table in silence. I stood from the other side, reaching for his white, Styrofoam container, stained with red spices. He loved spicy food. As I leaned closer, he cleared his throat.

“Where did you get that, Eliza?”

“The necklace?”

“Hmm.” He nodded as he sat back in the chair, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“Uncle Vinny’s birthday present to me.”

“I see.” He pressed his lips into a thin line. “Well, I like it.”

“Me too.” I tried my best to remain casual about the gift, but the truth was, I loved it so much.

He laid his napkin on the table and propped on his elbows. “How much are you hating helping him out?”

Trying to hold in a laugh, I shrugged. “He’s got me working hard, but I don’t mind.”

“Would you rather work here?” He was feeling anxious today, that much was for sure. “I know your mom suggested you work for him, but maybe—”

“Dad,” I laid my hand on his arm, “are you missing me or something?”

He took a deep breath, looking at the wall for a moment before turning his attention back to me. “I guess things are just changing a lot.” He gnawed the inside of his cheek in deep thought. “You and your brother are grown-ups and it’s hard to accept, but I have to. Your mom and I are—” he paused, swallowing hard, then continued, “well, we’re just proud of you.” Smiling, he stood. “Thanks for all your help today.”

I matched his expression, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Honestly, if I had not been selfish about my summer, I would’ve been more than happy to help him at the office, but I had other ideas about what I thought summer was supposed to be.

Days in the sun on the beach, strutting around in my bikini, drinking with my friends, hoping guys stare at me and flirting with the handsome ones in passing. It’s what it’d always been. I knew nothing different since I started hanging out with friends outside the house. Now, I didn’t really want that.

“Today was actually nice.”Minus not hearing from Vinny.

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