Page 16 of Fractured

Chapter Six

Nick

“Hey, Dad. I was going to drop by later. Do you need anything?” I ask, knowing he’ll say no. He always does.

“That’s great, son. I don’t need anything. You always bring too much when you shop. I’m fine. Just looking forward to seeing you.”

“Well, I should be there in a few hours if that’s okay? I had a soccer game this morning. Just want to clean up and run a few errands on the way.”

“That’s fine. I made some chili. Not as hot as you like it, but you can always add some heat. I’ll see you soon,” he offers, ending the call.

I mentally add picking up some good cornbread to my list of errands. Dad always could make a mean bowl of chili. It’ll be nice to spend the evening with him.

* * *

Pulling into the drive, I grab my cornbread, some limeade I got at the specialty market, and an extra treat for him I found in the bakery aisle. Walking up the drive, I notice the temperature has dropped quite a bit from the soccer game this morning. But then again, my adrenalin is usually pumping so I’m not sure my body is a good thermometer.

As I ascend the steps, the door swings wide. “Nick, come on in. It’s getting cold out.” Now he’d know the weather. The Weather Channel probably stays on in the background all day.

“Good to see you, Dad. I brought some things to add to your dinner.” I pull out the limeade and cornbread and place them on his table. I save the best for last. “And I just couldn’t pass this up.” I slide up next to him and pull open the white cardboard bakery box, presenting a mouthwatering key lime pie.

He peers into the box, a brilliant smile crossing his wrinkled face. “Oh, man, Nick. That almost looks like Lydie’s.” He beams.

“I know. I thought of mom the second I laid eyes on it.” I grin back at him. Walking into the den, I sit on the couch and wait for him to join. “How’ve you been, Dad? Anything new with your lady friend?” I tease.

“Nick. She’s just a nice person who enjoys my stories. There’s nothing to it, so don’t let your imagination get away from you,” he scolds. “I could ask the same of you.” He eyes me with interest.

“Ah. Well, there isn’t much to report there. I hadn’t heard from her in a while. I assumed she was dating someone else. She just has a lot on her plate right now. I got the polite brush off,” I report.

“Are you sure? I mean, did she turn you down?” he asks, surprised. That’s my supportive dad to the bitter end. ‘How could any woman not want to go out with my son?’

“I broke down and text her. Told her I’d missed seeing her. She said something like ‘I’m not in a good place for dating right now.’” I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant but knowing this old man can see right through me.

“Nick, that wasn’t a no. That was a not right now.” Tilting his head, he gives me the once over. “You’re really smitten with this girl.”

“Dad. I honestly don’t know what to make of it. I’ve fought this tooth and nail, and when I finally think I should go for it, she isn’t interested. It’s like a sign or something. I’ve never cared if someone I hit on turned me down. I’ve never given any woman since Sophia a second thought. Hell, I don’t know that I would’ve pursued Sophia like this.” I snicker at the reality of what I’ve just said. “I’ve been lucky with women and certainly never had to chase one.” I regale, not bragging but just stating fact. I’m not looking for a relationship, so why am I so disappointed? Is it my pride? “I think it’s just the chase,” I muse aloud. “I’m sure I wouldn’t feel this way if she was easy prey.”

“Nick! Do you hear yourself? Don’t downplay your feelings because you hit a bump in the road. And you’ve always liked a challenge. Soccer, medical school. You always landed on top. But I know you’d never treat a woman’s feelings that way. Not the way your mother raised you. There’s no way this is about the chase for you. Admit it. You like her. Is that so bad?”

Stopping to take in his serious, honest expression, I know he’s right. I just don’t want to admit it. “Okay, fine. I like her. Happy, Dad?”

“I’ll be happy when I get to say I told you so.”

“Not to change gears away from my lack of a love life or anything,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck, “but I have a big favor to ask.”

“You don’t even have to ask. What do you need?” God bless this man. Little does he know what he’s in for.

“Well, I met my new little brother with the Big Brothers Association, and I’d like to try and engage him in some weekend tasks. Maybe he could help with yard work or something. He clearly could use the income and would benefit from some of your wisdom. He’s a little lost, but honestly, I think there’s a good kid in there somewhere.”

“I almost forgot about that. I don’t really need any help, but if this is simply a way to help him build some work ethic, I’m game. What’s his name? How old is he?”

“His name is Gavin. Gavin McReedy. He’s in the tenth grade. His mom works a lot, and they still struggle financially. He’s an amazing basketball player and made his high school team but had to quit because he didn’t have the support he needed. He’s pissed at the world in general. More so than the average teen. I’m hoping to earn his trust while he earns some spending money. He isn’t very motivated about the future, but I think that’s largely due to his circumstances.”

“When you’ve had a good life, you forget how much of a struggle it can be for so many others.” Dad reminds me. I gaze at him in awe. This incredible man lost the love of his life and had to raise his teen son alone, but he’s convinced he had a good life. I need to be more like him. Appreciate what I have.

“You’re right, Dad. But I have to warn you. He’s pretty rough around the edges. I never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. I’ve only met him once, so I didn’t want to scold him right away, but he’s… well, he’s a real live wire.”

“Oh, all teen boys are like that. We have to start somewhere, right? Bring him by anytime. He’s how old? Fourteen or fifteen? He’d probably like to use the riding mower. Now come on to the kitchen. I’m going to get some of that chili.”

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