“To what do I owe this pleasure?” To say things were awkward after sitting around with your father and uncle watching that video would be the least. Thankfully, as soon as they saw Massimo and me kissing, Dad fast forwarded the video. That doesn’t mean they didn’t get the gist of the situation. So much so that Mom came to me later the next day and talked to me about being in public and that the club has a lot of reach. No kidding. Lesson learned. Not that there’ll be a next time because I firmly closed the door on all things Massimo, even though he came back into my world like a rocket being launched into outer space.
“A dad can’t stop by and see how his little girl is doin’?”
“Of course, he can, but it’s not like you do this a lot, Dad. In fact, the last time you were here was when I was moving in. Other than that, it’s been me at the house or the club.” Dad seemed like he thought it was a great idea for me to go out on my own, yet he’s the one who stays away.
“You’re right. That’s not fair of me. It’s hard to remember you have a life of your own again. It was nice havin’ my little girl home these past few months. You’ve always been so independent, more so than Jackson.” I knew it was hard when I packed my bags and moved to New York. It wasn’t that I wanted to be away from my family; it was an adventure that I felt compelled to do. I came home for every holiday that I could. If that didn’t happen, Mom and Dad would make their way to me.
“I may be wrong in saying this, but most firstborn children are, and if memory serves me correctly, it was you who said it was good for me to be this way.” I shrug my shoulders as we both walk into my apartment, Dad shutting the door. “Want something to drink?”
“Nah, not unless you have whiskey.” That has me doing a double take at the clock; it’s just now going on eleven in the morning, which isn’t early by any means for a man like Dad, who eats, sleeps, and breathes the club, but it is out of character when he’s around me.
“I can’t say that I do. There might be some beer left over from when Jackson was over last, though.” I go to the kitchen, open the fridge, and grab a bottle of water. I could really go for a soda right about now, but this new health regimen has helped tremendously in the bouncing back with energy.
“Nah, I’ll have what you’re havin’.” I grab another bottle of water and place it on the bar, where Dad has made himself comfortable. I’m going to stand. Maybe it’ll relieve some of the pressure my lower back is giving me.
“Here you go. Everything okay?” I ask. He’s not his usual self. It’s throwing me off completely.
“Yeah, health wise, club life, your brother, your mother, everything’s perfect. Somethin’ else isn’t, though. You’re not. I know you; you may not have my blood runnin’ through your veins, but, Henley, sweet pea, there’s no denyin’ you’re internalizin’ everythin’, second-guessin’ life and all the choices you’ve made lately. There isn’t a thing you did wrong, okay?” I stand against the counter, my hip holding me up as I place one foot on my thigh, in the shape of a triangle. I’ve done it all my life.
“I’m okay. Sure, it hurts. Even in New York, I didn’t go on a whole lot of dates. More often than not, I’d hang out with Mrs. Tanya, which reminds me that I need to call her. Stubborn lady thinks the phone only works one way.” It was probably for the best that I didn’t tell Massimo everything that’s happened to me. For the most part, I had no idea how to even bring up the conversation. ‘Hey, I’m twenty-eight, an ovarian cancer survivor, been in remission for three months. I hope you don’t want kids because yeah, the cancer made sure that I’d need a hysterectomy, too?’ Really glad I didn’t have that conversation with him. The rate things are going, I’ll be an old lady who will either end up with a collection of cats or dogs.
“Henley, sweet pea, look at me.” I’m off in my own little world, not really ready to have this conversation.
“I’m okay, Daddy, promise.” The tears are starting to form in my eyes, and I’ve tried to be strong, so much. Today just isn’t one of those days.
“You’re not, and that’s okay. We all have these days.” How he gets to me as fast as he does, I have no idea. All I care about is that my dad’s hug is giving me the comfort I need.