Frank clears his throat. “Look, Caleb, I just… I wanted to call and say I’m sorry.”
I’m the one who should be sorry, I think to myself. I’m the one thinking raunchy things about your sweet little daughter. Instead, I stretch my jaw, already knowing where this is going. Regardless, I ask.
“What are you sorry about, Frank? Is this about the dinner still?”
“Yeah,” he begins slowly, perhaps trying to find the right words. “Look, I know that you didn’t want Lori to find out that you were the one putting up the funds for her college tuition. I was an idiot and a little drunk. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my mouth shut.”
I merely shrug.
“No, it’s fine. When you mentioned your daughter’s tuition, I knew it was the right thing to do. Plus, you know I have more than enough to sponsor a dozen brilliant college students. Let’s just say it’s my way of giving back to the world.”
Of course, I don’t mention the fact that I’ve got ulterior motives. It’s rancid, but I’ve been over to his house a couple times just for beers and a game. I’ve seen the photos of Lori scattered about, and the little girl ones are cute, with his daughter in pigtails and overalls.
But there’s one in the living room taken when she was a teen, and it shows Lori in her full glory. The young woman was smiling into the camera without a care in the world, her curly brunette tresses blowing in the wind. Her brown eyes danced, but it was her body that had me hardening as I stood there, gaping at the photo. In the snap, Lori’s got a voluptuous figure with enormous tits showcased in a tight t-shirt, and short shorts that showed off thick thighs, toned calves, and cute sneakers. She had a balloon in her hand while waving at the camera, and all I wanted to do was to claim her as mine.
It’s fucking insane, I know. This is my friend’s daughter, and she’s got to be at least twenty years younger than me. Not only that, but Frank would throw me out of his house if he knew how I’m lusting after his little girl. After all, I should be dating women my own age, and not a sweet thing with an innocent smile.
Even worse, when Frank began moaning about the cost of his daughter’s education, I could sense an opportunity. Before he could say no, I’d already gotten it settled. Now, Lori attends Lakeview College courtesy of me. But of course, nothing in life is free and all the talk about “keeping it a secret” from Lori was a sham because at some point, she was bound to find out about her mysterious benefactor. I didn’t plan on letting the cat out of the bag this week, but what’s done is done.
No strings attached, I growl to myself. Yeah, right.
But out loud, I’m completely honorable. “It’s fine, Frank. And honestly, it was going to come out at some point,” I reassure my buddy. “Trust me, you can never keep a secret like this forever.”
On the other end of the line, Frank lets out a huge sigh of relief.
“God, Caleb, thank you. Honestly, I feel like such a fool because it was your one ask and I blew it.”
“Shit happens,” I jest. “Don’t worry about it.”
Frank laughs weakly on the other end. “Yeah, it does. Hey look,” he pauses, his voice suddenly going serious. “You aren’t going to stop helping Lori, are you? Just because I messed up?”
I shake my head but of course Frank can’t see the action, so I articulate my words just to be clear. “No of course not. Come on Frank, you know me better than that. We’re good, and again, it really doesn’t matter. I’m happy to assist your daughter because she’s a lovely young woman with a bright future.”
My buddy sighs deeply, relief pouring over the phone line. “Well, Margaret and I, we appreciate it. We really do.” Then his tone brightens. “So since you’re invested in Lakeview already, how about getting into the school spirit? The Homecoming game is next weekend and it’ll give you a chance to watch some football and see the cheerleaders dance on the field. Lori’s going to take us around a bit too because it’s a combination Homecoming Game and Parents’ Weekend.”
Immediately, I agree. A chance to see the gorgeous girl again? Hell yeah. But then regret strikes.
“Unfortunately, Weston’s with me next weekend, so it’s a no go.”
“Bring him along!” Frank offers, not at all deterred. “It’s fun for kids too. He’ll love the mascot and the band.”
I smile ruefully because I’d love to see a particularly pretty young co-ed once more. But then, I remember that my ex has Weston next weekend. The schedule can get convoluted sometimes, and I grunt.