Page 168 of Drop Three

Preferably sooner than later.

I laugh to myself while searching the party for Navy.

“Hey, son.” My dad approaches me and pats me on the shoulder. “Great party.”

I smile at him. “Yeah, it is. Thanks for coming, Dad.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He smiles. “That your girlfriend over there?” he asks, pointing to where I find Navy chatting with Gwendolyn and Penelope.

“Soon enough,” I tell him confidently.

My dad chuckles and it’s good to see. “You look good, Dad.”

Navy and Penelope make their way over while Gus drags Gwendolyn into the pool. Penelope throws her arm around my dad’s shoulder. “That’s because he’s got a girlfriend!”

My brows rise. “Wait, really?”

Dad plays it off like it’s no big deal, but it’s a really fucking big deal. I haven’t seen my dad date, ever, and to know he’s finally putting himself out there and moving on from my worthless mother makes me happy to hear.

Dad fumbles in place, looking slightly embarrassed. “We’re just seeing how things go. Nothing is official or anything.”

I can’t help myself; I reach forward and pull him into a hug. “I’m happy for you, pops. It’s good to see you doing something for yourself.”

“I could say the same for you, son,” he tells me, looking at Navy.

Thankfully, Navy is equipped to handle pressure as she locks her arm with mine and faces my dad head-on. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. St. James.”

“I could say the same about you, Navy. I’m happy to finally meet Bodhi’s girlfriend,” my dad tells her.

Navy giggles like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever heard. “Oh, I’m not his girlfriend.”

My eyes shoot her way.

“No?” Dad asks.

“Nope. Bodhi has months of tears to make up for. I’ll take nothing less than begging.” Her smile is infectious, and I find myself beaming with pride for her, despite her roasting being directed at me.

She’s sticking up for herself.

My dad turns to me. “Smart woman you have here, son. Looks like you better get to work.”

“She definitely keeps things fresh,” I joke.

Turning her attention back to my dad, Navy says, “You’ve raised an amazing man, Mr. St. James. You should be proud.”

Jesus, she’s perfect. How did I not see it sooner?

My dad hesitates for a moment and smiles. “He did that all on his own.”

I did.

My dad taught me how to be a wall—that’s the job of a great catcher. He taught me how to hold a bat and a glove. He taught me how to be a family man who sacrifices the things I want in order to be what my family needs.

But I taught myself how to be a man.

It took a lot of growing up and perseverance on my end, but it got me to where I am today.

I’m really fucking proud of that.

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