Lily: No you’re not.
Bailey: I am if you’re sad about it.
Bailey: Good news for you, I’m not talking about Parker. Or any man. We’ll meet you at the shelter later this afternoon.
Lily: I’ll be there.
I head upstairs, and am immediately greeted by Jerry Lee as usual, “Hi bitch!”
“Hey bitch,” I greet back cheerfully, then make my coffee while he barks at me.
There’s a note on the fridge from my mom that she and Ethan went to the grocery store. I take my coffee toward the basement and see my dad sitting in his chair in the living room on his tablet. I jump because he’s so quiet.
“How long have you been sitting there?”
“Long enough that you ignored me when you came up here,” he teases.
“You didn’t say anything either.”
“How’re you doing, kiddo?”
I take a seat on the couch, tucking my legs under me and cradling my coffee. “I’m not a kiddo anymore.”
“You’ve always been my kiddo, and you always will be.”
“Ethan can be your kiddo.”
“You’re diverting.”
“Is it working?” I smile.
“Not even a little bit. How’re you doing?” he asks again and I slump back against the couch.
“Is it weird if I say I’m okay?”
“Doyouthink it’s weird if you say you’re okay?” he questions.
“Didn’t realize you’re a therapist,” I murmur.
“Not a therapist, just your dad.”
I love my dad, he’s generally quiet, unlike the rest of us. I think he likes that we’re all loud and outgoing so he doesn’t have to be. He can just be along for the ride.
“Did you like Aaron?” I ask.
He doesn’t respond right away, and I feel like that’s my answer. I sigh, but then he speaks.
“If you loved him and he made you happy, then I was happy for you.”
“That’s a no.”
“That’s, I want the best for my daughter.”
“Because I’m your favorite, huh?” I joke.
“You’re my favorite daughter.”
“Mom already tried that one.”