Page 68 of Thrill
“Tyler,” he said.
“Hi, Dad. How’s things?”
“Not so bad. Is there anything wrong? Why are you calling?”
Tyler flinched. Did there have to be a reason for him to ring his own parent?
“Everything is fine. I just realised I hadn’t checked in with you since I moved down here.”
“I meant to text you but things are so hectic at the end of term. You know how it is.”
Having a conversation with his father could be compared to treading through a minefield. He must have picked up on Tyler’s hesitation.
“Anyway, how are you enjoying it? Mum said you’d moved. Is the new place nice?”
Ah the unanswered text did get through.
“Yes, some friends from work asked me to share with them. The flat is gorgeous.”
“I hope they are to be trusted, Tyler.”
Of course, his judgement would be called into question.
“Very much so. One is in the HR department. How are the wedding plans coming on?”
“Your sister is very much on edge,” his dad replied.
That was putting it mildly. “Yes, I had the pleasure of a call from her at the weekend. I’ve received the dress code and will respond accordingly. Have no fear.”
“Try to be nice to her, Tyler. In two weeks, it will all be over,” his father replied. “When are you coming home?”
“I already told Mum. I’ll drive up after work on the Friday night. Um…is the plus one still okay?”
“Yes, of course. Your brother is bringing his latest girlfriend. Honestly, they change so much your mother and I don’t even bother to learn the names now,” his father replied with a chuckle. “Who are you thinking of bringing? One of your flatmates? That would be fine. They can stay with us.”
“Actually, Dad, I’ve started seeing someone.”
Silence.
“Dad?”
“Well, that’s wonderful news. It’s been a while since Gary…”
“Greg.”
“Greg. That’s right. Mind you, I’m not sure whether you should bring someone you’ve only just met to a family wedding.”
The hypocrisy stung him. He stopped walking and stared out to sea.
“No issues for Gavin to bring some random female.”
Tyler had stopped making excuses for his parents a long time ago.
“Let’s not argue,” his father replied. “I’ll speak to your mother.”
“Fine. I’ve got to go. I’m due at a work thing.”
“Tyler, I will speak to her. You’re right. You absolutely should bring your new…friend to the wedding.”
