Page 35 of By Your Side
“I understand you now,” his whispered voice was both sad and knowing.
“Understand what?” I shifted, suddenly scared of what he was about to say.
“There’s an old saying, you know? Something about how it’s better to have loved and lost…”
“Yeah,” I whispered. “I know the one.”
“I had decades worth of birthdays spent with your mother. Memories that I cherish, some of them I share with you.” His sharp eyes met mine and wouldn’t let go. “You’ve spent all of your birthdays with us. I love you, son. Love spending your birthdays with you. But I want more for you. You seeing anyone these days?”he asked me as if he didn’t already know the answer.
I shrugged. “You know I’m not.”
“Been a while, hasn’t it?” He nodded like he understood more than he let on. And maybe he did. There wasn't much I could hide from him, even now, maybe especially now.“Paige still calling you every time her sink makes a funny noise?”
I tried not to smile. “It's usually the deep freezer. Or the neon sign. Or a few of the lights,” I paused. “It’s not quite run down, but the place needs some work.”
“Well, you’re handy, aren’t you? She still single?” As if he didn’t already know that Paige was not dating anyone either. He knew everything, and he always had.
I looked at my water bottle like I could climb into it and avoid where this conversation was headed. “Yeah. She’s still single.”
“How long are you planning to pretend she's not the reason you're still single, too? You haven’t had a date since she filed for divorce from that asshole she married.”
I didn't answer.
Dad clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Well, if you're waiting on a sign, son, I think the universe already sent it. It’s purple and flickering, and bright flashing neon. Wake up and pay attention.” He nodded, thoughtful as he sipped his coffee.
“Uh, I guess, um…” I had no idea what to say, so I stopped talking.
He grinned at me like he had an ace up his sleeve, and I braced myself. “I just found out from her mother that she closes the tavern by herself most nights. You believe that? That little girl I used to babysit after school is standing in that bar alone while everyone else clears out. I don’t much like the thought of it.”
I sat straight in surprise. “Seriously? Alone?”
He nodded, watching my reaction. “Yup,” he answered. “All by herself.”
“She was alone a few weeks back when I fixed the light. But I’d just assumed it was a one-off, like everyone had just left. Why didn’t I realize? Why didn’t she tell me? I don’t like it either.”
He looked at me sideways. “What are you going to do about it?”
“I guess I could replace the evaporator fan motor on her freezer. I was meaning to get to that. It might take a few nights of work if I stretch it out. Plus, she has no idea what the problem is aside from the noise it sometimes makes.”
His eyes crinkled, approval warming his face. “There you go. Subtle, but effective. Sometimes, a wrench and a little common sense go further than a card and a bouquet of flowers. I’m sure the door gaskets could use some work, too. Possibly the thermostat.”
“Good thinking. And her margarita machine is a menace.”
“Don’t know why anyone would want one of those when you could have an ice-cold beer, but that’s not for me to say.”
I grinned at him without answering.
“She needs a man like you. This is a good thing you’re doing,” he added the last part under his breath.
“Yeah. I mean, I guess so.”
“Well, you know where I’ll be if you need help with that margarita machine of hers.”
“Might take you up on that.”
“Good. Now go on home and shower. Don’t show up there tonight all sweaty.”
“Yes, sir.” I chuckled as I swiped my water bottle and mock saluted him as I headed for my truck.
