Page 16 of The Only Thing That's Real
I glance at him one last time and he lifts his hand to his heart, reminding me I’m always with him before I close his door behind me.
My tears accompany me out of the building, to my rental car and all the way to my sister’s place. I can’t help but wonder if the next time I see him will be this good. Will he remember me?
What if there isn’t a next time?
Before getting out of the car, I take several cleansing breaths and put Pops in a nice little box in my brain to visit again later when I don’t have to be pleasant and sociable. I rush into Beck’s house and clean myself up. There isn’t a lot I can do about my puffy eyes, considering I’m already five minutes late. It’s July in Central Oregon, so it’s hot and putting my hair up, and throwing on a sundress and sandals is as good as it’s gonna get.
Locking the house up behind me, I scroll through my contacts, smiling when I find the childhood nickname of one of my oldest friends.
Ryan
We still on for tonight?
Sherbert
Can’t wait. I want to hear all about life on the road with the infamous Knox McKinnon! Lol See you at 8.
Ryan
Knox hates me. There isn’t much to talk about.
Sherbert
WTF? Sounds like we have a lot to talk about.
Relieved I’ll get to relax after Mom’s party, I shove my phone in my dress pocket and walk the three blocks from Becks’s tothe party mentally preparing myself to see my parents. Before I enter, I take another much-needed deep cleansing breath and pull open the door, my armor in place as I step inside.
As much as I love this bar, I block out any emotion I have attached to the building. The fun nights dancing with cowboys and drinking with friends are pushed to the back of my mind, as I numb the memories and brace myself against the onslaught that awaits me.
I see my sister first and pull her into a hug just inside the door.
“Sorry I’m late. I was at Pops’.”
“No worries, there wasn’t really any set up to be done. You’re fine.”
“You sure?” I pull back to look in her eyes.
“I’m sure.” Her eyes dart over my shoulder, and she takes a step backward.
“Well, if it isn’t the globetrotting princess finally seeing fit to join us.”
The pity on my sister’s face is familiar. I’ve seen it a thousand times. I give her a wink, hoping to reassure her I’m fine. We’re still near the door and out of earshot of the rest of the bar.
“Hey, Dad. Good to see you.”
The other patrons can’t hear us, but we aren’t out of sight, so I step toward him with my arms open and he follows suit, his lips spreading into a practiced smile as we embrace.
“You’re too good to show up early and help your sister set up. Seems some things never change.”
“Sorry, I was with Pops and time got away from me. He seems happy in his new place.”
Dad pats my back. “Aw, there she is. The martyr showing her true colors.”
Mom steps up behind Dad, giving me a timid wiggle of her fingers.
Ignoring the words I’m sure Dad hoped would sting, I release him to get to Mom.
There is no facade behind this embrace. I hug her and she hugs me back.
