Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“We all know you love them, you big ole’ softy.” I hand him his beloved soda, Mountain Dew, and he has no problem acting like the big goofball he is.
“Shh, don’t tell any of them that.” He takes a healthy swig of his drink, acting like he hasn’t had a fountain drink in forever.
“Did I bring you a drink Mom and your doctor told you to stay away from?” I side-eye him, my arms folded over my chest, ready to snatch it out of his hands if that’s the case.
“Sit down and take a load off. And for your information, Nosy Rosy, the doctor said to cut back, not cut out. I’m down to one or two of these a week.” He’s proud of himself, which can only mean one thing. There’s a health-related reason.
“Dad, you want to tell me the reason why you’re cutting back?” His office vibe is dark and moody. Dark brown wood paneling, wood bookcases, and wood desk add to the vibe. There’s a television mounted to the wall on one side of his desk, and the other is stacked with books and files. Behind his desk Dad has awards, a framed insignia of Peach Springs Police Department, and a few pictures. One with him and the mayor, another with Mom at a fancy dinner, and then me in my cap and gown graduating from college.
“The doctor says my A1C is high.” Great, I’m the culprit in helping his sugar soar.
“High or borderline?” I question. He doesn’t take his health seriously enough.
“Not borderline, but enough to where he’s having me prick my finger before every meal and document each time. Depending on what he sees and my next lab appointment, we’ll go from there. So no, you don’t need to call your mother. I’ve been cutting back.” I’ll still call her. I get that the two of them have one another, but I’d have liked to have a little insight, too.
“Fine, but I’m not bringing you another soda, and I’m damn sure not bringing you anything from the bakery.” I slide my hands down the back of my dress before taking a seat. Dad’s office may be man cave-ish, but at least his chairs are comfortable, plush, and deep, wrapping around your body like a hug. My eyes land on a piece of paper with Fletcher’s name on it, and my Spidey senses instantly go on alert.
“Not even once in a blue moon?” he asks, seeing where my eyes are locked on the sheet of paper.
“No way. I want you around for a good long while.” I sit down finally. “What’s that?” There are a few other names following Fletch’s.
“Annual reports, promoting, demoting, and giving the boot. Thankfully, no one is getting the latter. Wild is being promoted from sergeant to lieutenant. About damn time, too. The man is better than Wyatt and George put together. Obviously, this doesn’t leave this room.” Now I’m going to have to explain to Fletch that we need to keep this between the two of us a bit longer without letting on what I know. And doesn’t that just suck for me. No way am I going to put a promotion in jeopardy when he’s this close to a life-altering career move.
“I won’t say a word, but it’s going to cost you.” I place my hand out, palm out. Some would think I’m asking for money. Dad knows I’m not, and this is also a test to see just how much he’s cutting back. How I’m managing not to show the card I’ve been dealt is beyond me. All I know is I’m sucking it up and making the best of it.
“Damn it, Delilah. You run a hard bargain.” Dad opens his desk drawer, where for as long as I can remember he kept a stash of Lifesavers.
“Does Mom know you have these still with all of this I’m cutting back non-sense?” I air quote him, and I’d like to say I’m surprised when there isn’t a hint of remorse in his disposition. It seems he’s going to be his own worst enemy if he doesn’t start to take his health seriously.
“Yeah, yeah. I hear the same thing from your mother. I’ll try to do better.” He slaps a full pack of the hard candy in my hand.
“Thank you. I’d appreciate you staying alive for as long as possible. Now, I’m off to run a couple of errands. Love you, Daddy.” I stand up and walk around his desk to give him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Love you, too, Delilah. Thank you for stopping by. Try to come around more often when you aren’t working, alright?” He gives me a tight squeeze.
“How about you do the same? I’m pretty sure I get my workaholic ways from you.” I wink.