“Problem with Sayer, he’d let it build up then it would either spew out without thought or he’d take to his fists. A few ass kicking’s in the military fixed most of that. Age also helped.
“But when his passions are high…” He meets my gaze. “Being in love is hard. You keep it a secret because what if they don’t love you back? Then you’ve lost the dream too. My wife was two years older than me. Took me a while to get her attention.”
My heart skips a beat and I forget how to breathe for a second. What is he trying to say?
I stand and smile down on him. “And your girlfriend, MaryKatherine, is six years older. You might want to tell himbecause with all the coffee stops you’re making, he’s gonna figure it out. Seems like not talking runs in the family.”
He chuckles.
CHAPTER 7
Sayer
It’s been a hell of a day, but in truth it was my mood more than anything. I need to find a way to apologize to Gentry. But I can’t get her attention or find the right words.
Pulling into the driveway, I’m pleased to see her car still here. Walking in to the house, I pause in the doorway to the dining room. She and Dad are setting the table. Like fancy setting the table. They’ve even moved Ayla’s highchair from the kitchen bar where we all usually eat. “What’s going on?”
Dad looks up. “I invited Gentry and another friend to join us for dinner. I want to talk about my cruise trip. Hurry up and shower. You’ve got fifteen minutes to make yourself presentable — as in smell better.”
I wonder which one of the guys is going with him. He hasn’t said. Doesn’t matter. This may be my chance to apologize to Gentry after dinner. Crossing to my sweet little girl, I give her a quick peck on the top of her head. “Dada does stink. I’ll be right back and hug you.”
After my shower I splash on some cologne before choosing a better pair of jeans and white dress shirt. If I’m going to need to grovel, I want to look like a gentleman.
Rushing downstairs, I hear a woman’s laugh before walking into the dining room. Gentry is holding Ayla and talking animatedly to another woman. Dad is pouring wine. There are only four place settings besides the highchair.Dad’s friend is a woman. Dad’s travel companion is this woman.
Gentry catches my eye and walks over with my little girl, slipping her into my arms. “Don’t say a word. Take four deep breaths. This is all good. She makes him happy.”
Dad looks at me. Taking the woman’s hand to lead her over. “Son, this is MaryKatherine. She and her daughter opened the new coffee shop about a year ago. Turns out Gentry use to baby sit for her daughter.”
The woman holds out her hand and I take it. “I’ve heard a lot about you Sayer, thank you for your service. I’m glad you’re home safe.”
She makes a face and smiles at my daughter. “And this little one, sure has her daddy’s eyes.”
Gentry walks in with a lasagna pan in her hands. “To the table everyone, dinner is served.”
Dad’s dating. What did I expect? He loved mom and we were broken when she was taken from us so suddenly. But that was twelve years ago. I left for the military ten years ago. He’s been alone all this time.
Every leave I’d come home, and he’d be wrapped up in the business so there’d be something here if I every decided to come back. Work and waiting for me to visit. I never once asked if he was seeing someone, if he had someone to care for, or to care for him. I assumed he was hanging with his buddies, but we never talked about that.
I don’t really taste dinner, although Ayla seems to enjoy it. She has cheese and red sauce in her hair, on her shirt and hands. But every time she emptied her plate, she reached for more. Sheeven ate her green beans. As the meal comes to a close, it finally dawns on me. “MaryKatherine, did you make the lasagna?”
She blushes but nods. “My kids didn’t like the acid in regular tomato sauce, so I learned how to make it milder with a creamier cheese. It always seems to go over well.”
“Thank you, it’s delicious and this is the best she’s eaten without ranch dressing in a long time. I appreciate you bringing dinner for all of us. If you’re free this weekend,” I glance at Gentry, “If both of you ladies are free, how about Dad and I grill?”
Dad leans back in his chair and his shoulders finally relax. “That sounds like an excellent idea, son.”
“I need to get this little one in the tub but leave the dishes. I’ll take care of them once she’s settled. You all did the work, it’s the least I can do.” After wiping my daughter’s hands and stripping off her tomato smeared dress, I carry her to the bathroom. Removing my white shirt before its ruined, I kneel on the floor and prepare her bath. “How about bubbles, tonight?”
Only when she’s playing in the water and I’m kneeling at her side, do I take a deep breath. Dad is dating. He’s making a new life. He’s starting over. Starting a new chapter in his life. As he should, he’s only fifty. The heart attack was a scare, but he’s taking better care of himself.
Life isn’t stagnant, it ebbs and flows. Change is new opportunities. Change is good.
Lifting my girl from the water, I dry her then her hair, before cuddling her to my chest. “Dada loves you, Ayla. With my whole heart.”
She cups my face in her little hands and kisses me. Tonight is filled with firsts.
Once she’s settled with her new puppy stuffie, I go down to the kitchen to find its all cleaned, and Gentry is just grabbing her purse and keys. “Your Dad took MaryKatherine home.”
