Page 20 of Where You Left Me

“Old man’s still got it,” I tease.

“Just who are you calling old,” he retorts, one graying brow lifted.

“Sorry, I didn’t make it by earlier, I got busy,” I’m only half-lying.

My old truck needs some repairs. Everyone’s been telling me to buy a new truck. It’s not like I can’t afford it. But I’ve put my blood, sweat, and tears into this truck. Besides, something is comforting in the familiarity of it. I know all the finicky things about it. There’s no learning new bells and whistles.

“Busy sneaking your lady friend out of your place this morning, you mean?”

Shit.

My gut tightens. Cause now I don’t know how much Dad knows. About me and Mia and what happened all those years ago. Part of me is jealous Mia got to tell her parents but I didn’t tell mine. And now, Mom will never know.

“Don’t look so surprised,” he says with a grunt. “Maple Ridge is a small town. And it’s not like you were trying to hide it.”

“More like, you were spying on everyone from your patio,” I quip.

“Son, you paraded her right through the front door this morning.”

“Paraded is stretching it, Dad,” I scoff.

He raises both brows.

“I didn’t have a choice,” I say, giving in. “My truck was parked on the street. Besides, nothing happened between us.”

“Wait, I think I’ve heard this lie before,” he teases, taking a pull from his beer.

“Yeah, shut that pie-hole and drink your free beer,” I say.

“All jokes aside, I’m worried about you, son.”

His expression shifts to serious and it does something to my heart in my chest.

“I’m fine.” Now Iamlying.

And I don’t know why I bother because he can see right through my BS.

“We are talking about Mia here, right? The same girl you were madly in love with? The same one who left eight years ago without a word? The same girl who turned you into a man-whore?”

“Yep,” I draw out, following it with a deep sigh. One of those sighs where you know you’re about to spill your guts and there’s no turning back. “And did you hear the best part?” I don’t wait for him to answer. “Since Frank had the stroke, she and I get to co-host Bikes and Beers together.”

Dad grimaces.

“Yeah. So much for avoiding her this summer.”

I serve a few pints to some customers. When I come back over to Dad, his brow is furrowed, and he looks deep in thought.

“What is it?” I ask because I know him, and I know he’s got something to say. He’s always got something to say. The man just isn’t wired to keep his fucking mouth shut and not give his opinion.

“Son, you may not want to hear this, but you ever think that maybe youwantto spend time with her this summer?”

Of course, I’ve thought of that. And of course, I want to spend time with her. But that doesn’t mean we should.

“Yeah, Dad, I have. But we both know it’s for the best if we don’t.”

“Why?”

“Because, Dad, just…because.”

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