Page 25 of Take Me
“I figured.”My friend is more of a gourmet girl.
“Please tell your father I don’t plan to go easy on him.”
“Oh, he knows.Believe me.”I think that’s why he loves playing chess with Hazel.“He likes the fact that you’re a ruthless bitch.”
“Thank you.”She looks genuinely pleased.“He’s a delight to play with.”
“I love that you hang out together.”And I love that my father gives Hazel a paternal figure in her life who didn’t scam his family and wind up in prison.“How’s your dad doing, anyway?”
“Fine.”Her lips press together in a line.“I drove over to see him last weekend.”
I let that thread drop, not wanting to upset her.Hazel’s the one who turned over the evidence that landed her dad behind bars.Suffice it to say, it’s a touchy subject.
A knock at my door sends me spinning to answer.Tugging it open, I hike up the hem of my skirt.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, cupcake.”He wheels through the doorway and pivots his chair to face Hazel.“Hello, Hazel.Ready to get crushed this weekend?”
She gives him a slow, feline smile.“I look forward to destroying you.”
Laughing, my dad spins to survey my outfit.“You look nice.”
“Thank you.”I turn to the mirror and frown.“I’m still not sure about this.”
My dad doesn’t look at the clothing.He stares at the ceiling and frowns.“Is that spot getting bigger?”
“Maybe a little.”I peek in the bucket I that keep under the leak when it rains, which, okay, is most of the time.It’s winter on the Oregon Coast.“Did you find someone to give us a roof repair bid?”
“Luke Lovelin said he’d swing by this weekend.”Something falls off the desk, and we turn to see Hazel scooping up the contents of her spilled purse.“Need a hand?”
“I’m okay.”She’s shoveling things into her bag without looking at us.“Just clumsy.”
My father swings back to me.“Anyway, Luke might fix the roof as a trade.”
“What are you trading?”
“I said I’d consult on a project he’s doing.Gotta see how the bids shake out.”
“That sounds fair.”When my dad lost the use of his legs, we had a few years of struggle.Dad had a hard time letting go of his career in construction, but eventually trained as an ADA consultant.If anyone needs help making sure their new building is wheelchair-accessible, my dad is your go-to guy.
“Hazel,” he says, spinning to face her.“You staying for dinner tonight?I’m making my famous shrimp tacos.”
“I can’t, I’m sorry.”She checks her watch and winces.“Sorry, I need to get going.”She stoops down to kiss my dad’s cheek.“Good seeing you, Greg.”
“You too, kiddo.”
“Wait,” I call as she strides for the door.“Are you sure you don’t mind loaning me your clothes?”
“Please.”Hazel gives me a hug draped in fancy perfume.“Most of that stuff was going in the donation bin anyway.It’s from last season and?—”
“Oooh, last season?”I pretend to shudder.“Get these rags off me.”
Hazel rolls her eyes.“I’ll leave you some backup options.Text me a pic of what you decide on.And if I don’t see you before the wedding, have a safe trip.”
“Bye, Haze,” I shout after her.“Thanks again.”
As soon as she’s gone, I turn to my dad.“Be honest—do I look okay, or more like a high-class barnyard hooker?”
