Page 71 of Fighting Shadows

Since our talk, he’s been trying to fix things between us. He’s come over to Zander's house with my favorite coffee for me and to walk Nanook and Parz since he claims to miss them as much as me.

“Are you ready to head out?” he asks me, “I figured we could stop for coffee first at that place you liked.”

“Sure, let me just grab my stuff, and we can go,” I say, jumping up from where I’ve been lazing around on the sofa and grabbing everything I need for the day.

Twenty minutes and a few colorful threats to Dad later, we are in the car and on our way.

It feels strange to be alone with Dad again. Most of our time without anyone around was spent in his office, and the others were always close by in case I needed them.

Dad pulls up outside my new favorite coffee shop; the cute forest green sign above the door with ivy surrounding it is what drew me to the place.

The woman inside, on the other hand, and her fantastic vanilla bean frappe with her cookie croissants.

Yes, you heard me. It’s a cookie in a croissant, and it’s an orgasm in my mouth.

“This place is cozy,” Dad says, dragging his heels as he gets out of the car.

“It’s the best. Just wait until you taste the coffee,” I say, skipping ahead. The smells from inside practically drag me towards them.

“Have you checked the premises?” Dad asks, his phone held to his ear, “Good, c’mon, Little Monster.”

“I didn’t think Mrs. Carol was a threat,” I laugh.

“I’m not taking any more chances with your safety. I was an asshole before and couldn’t see past my bullshit to consider you, but that’s changing now.” Dad holds the shop door open for me, the bell above ringing as we step inside, announcing our presence.

Mrs. Carol appears, a broad smile on her face as she sees me. Her honey blonde hair is pulled back in her signature messy bun, her wide brown eyes shining with happiness, “Autumn honey! I didn’t think I’d see you this week!” she chirps, rounding the counter and pulling me into a hug. And who is this?”

“Oh, sorry. This is my Dad, Kelvin.” I introduce them both. Their eyes linger on each other for a moment before Dad coughs, looks away, and shifts from foot to foot.

I swear I see a blush on his cheeks, but he turns away from us both to peruse the menu above the counter, attempting topretend he’s looking for what he wants when we both know he’s going to order a flat white americano with a plain croissant.

After we order our coffee and pastries, Mrs. Carol shuffles us into the corner booth and promises to have our stuff out quickly.

“She’s bossy,” Dad says, a soft chuckle escaping him as he stares after Mrs. Carol, who is so lost in her little world.

“She’s amazing. I found this place my first two weeks at college, and then I’ve come in every week since,” I tell him. “The place is so rustic. I just fell in love with it.”

We spent the rest of our time there sipping our drinks and talking until it was time for us to leave, and we both thanked Mrs. Carol as we walked out.

Chase comes barreling out of the house, and Kathleen attempts to run after him as he jumps from the final two steps, eating up the distance between him and the car. We’ve barely shut off the car when he wrenches open the door to the passenger side, “M-Autumn!!” he bounces on his tiptoes, “I missed you!”

Climbing out, Chase wastes no time wrapping his arms around my waist. I hug him back just as fiercely, “I missed you too, Buddy.”

Dad and Kathleen join us, matching soft smiles on their faces, “He’s a completely different kid around you, Autumn,” Kathleen says, her eyes shining with tears.

“Really?” Dad asks, “Every time I’ve seen him; he’s like this.”

Kathleen looks at him like he’s stupid before turning to me. " He does know that every time he’s seen you, you’ve been there, right?”

I laugh, Chase copying me, “Yeah, I think he just doesn’t remember.”

“Hey! I do; I didn’t realize how attached he’s become to you.”

“She’s going to be my Ma!” Chase shouts, scowling at my dad and crossing his little arms over his chest.

“Is that so? Well, I guess that will make me your grandad, huh?” Dad says, crouching down and extending his hand to Chase to shake, “It’s nice to meet you properly, Chase.”

Chase looks at my Dad and then back to me with wide eyes. “Will he really be my grandad if you become my Ma?” his voice is filled with awe.

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