Page 91 of Take Me
That’s the last thing I want, but I still feel sad when he gives me the space I’ve requested.He’s a good guy, asmartguy who knows when to leave things alone.But isn’t the fact that he doesn’t come see me just one more sign I’ve made the right call?
On Friday I go to my dad’s place for dinner.It’s the night before Peter and Lucy get married, but she’s skipping rehearsal traditions.No fancy dinner, and no practice walk down the aisle.When I asked what she needed from me as a bridesmaid, she shrugged.
“Put on the purple dress,” she said.“Show up Saturday at noon.”
“Mom.”Harper rolled her eyes.“It’s ultra-violet, not purple.”
“Right.”Lucy ruffled her daughter’s hair.“Put on the ultra-violet dress, show up at noon on Saturday, and do whatever my mother says.That’s about it.”
Over dinner, my dad quizzes me about the wedding.“They expecting a pretty big crowd?”
“Two hundred, I think.”That sounds like a lot.“The Spencer-King family keeps growing with all the kids pairing off, plus Peter has lots of law school friends.”
“I think it’s great how Lucy’s got Sarah Lou organizing things.”He takes a sip of his soda and I remember my dad grew up with Mason’s mom.“That’s gotta feel good, having her kid trust her like that.”
“I guess so.”I twirl my fork through a lake of linguine.“I think she felt bad she didn’t make it to Lucy’s first wedding.She’s making up for lost time.”
“That’s nice.Big responsibility.”
“Yeah.”I manage a weak smile.“Harper’s doing a lot of the decision-making, working with her grandma.I think Peter and Lucy like letting those two generations have most of the say so they can step back and enjoy.”
My father chuckles and digs into his spinach salad.“That Harper’s a spitfire, huh?”
“She told me at the bridesmaid brunch last week that when she hears her mom swear, she immediately gets the urge to punch Nazis.”
“Good one.”My dad looks thoughtful.“Must be learning World War II history in school?”
“Probably.It’s been fun seeing what she comes up with for the wedding.She’s got her own sense of style.”
“Did she win the battle to have all the bridesmaids wear Doc Martens?”
“Nope.”I laugh and pick up my wineglass.“I might’ve preferred that, honestly.But at least Lucy’s letting us wear shorter heels with our dresses.Everyone except Harper—she gets the Doc Martens, since she’s the maid of honor.”
Dad chuckles through a mouthful of salad.“You were feisty like that.Always had a mind of your own.You remember that time you told Mom you wanted to try out for the wrestling team?”
“I do.”My throat clenches tight at the memory.“She found me a uniform at the thrift store, and we watched a bunch of online tutorials so we could practice our moves on the living room floor.”
“God, she was a great mom.”My father looks wistful, but happy.Like he’s cheered by the memory, rather than sad.“Wish we could have had her a little longer.”
“Me, too.”I reach over and squeeze his hand.“If I haven’t told you already, I’m glad you and Ruby are dating.”
He regards me over the rim of his water glass.“You’re sure it’s not too hard, watching me date somebody new?”
I consider the question, since he asked it.“Maybe a little at first.Not now.”Not since I’ve seen how happy she makes him.On Tuesday I dropped by and caught him practicing his wheelchair waltz skills.When I got here this evening for dinner, he was whistling as he unloaded the dishwasher.Whistling, when he used to just grumble over the task.
“I’m happy you’re happy,” I tell him now.
“Good.”He smiles.“Because I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
“How did you two get together, anyway?”
His smile turns a tiny bit sheepish.“Well, now, that’s a funny story.”
“You don’t have to share it if it’s personal.”
“No, no...I’ll tell you if you don’t mind hearing about your old man being a little randy.”
“I think I can deal.”I pick up my wineglass and give my best guess.“You hit on her at a bar?”
