I laugh. Nice try, dad!
“I think I can manage on my own, old man,” I smirk.
“Trust the lessons from an old man; there’s a reason why he’s old and still standing.”
“Very funny, dad.” I rise. He’s right; I need to convince Anu soon. “I need to get going if I want to make it to Chicago before she sleeps.” He rises too. I go to give him a hug; that’s one thing my dad and I never stop doing, despite how much we act like we don’t give a fuck. Reality is: we do.
“Safe flight, and please talk to your sister about bringing my granddaughter to visit.”
“I might bring her myself.”
“That would be good, but I do want to see my daughter as well.”
“I’ll try dad, but can’t promise. You know she doesn’t like to fly.”
“Maybe I’ll come to Chicago, then I’ll also get to meet your girl.”
“That would be welcomed,” I say before heading out. I know he’d love her.
On the drive to the airport, I call Anu. She sends an auto response. I check the time and realize she’s teaching. I might not get a call back before I’m in the air.
I decided to text her back.
Me: I’m on my way home and should be there soon.
I called Patrick to update him and Aaron on the closed deal. We finish the conversation by the time I make it to the airport. I see the text from Anu.
Anu: How soon?
I smile, knowing she’s poking me. Instead of replying to her text, I call her.
“Hi, Uncle Dan,” she teases.
“Hi, Princess.”
“How soon are you getting home? I’m committed to informing you that Jacob asked for a date three times this week, and he promised to always be next to me and not fly out of town every week,” she jokingly says.
“Whoa, guess I need to up my game and stay in town before Jacob steals my girl from right under my nose.”
“He said and I quote ‘I’m more committed to you, my lady’.”
I laugh out loud at the ballsy attitude of the boy.
“I think he and I need to talk man to man. If he’s going to be challenging my grounds,” I respond.
“He’s got game, Daniel. Stop hating on him. When are you back? You know I don’t like sleeping in your bed without you, and my bed has piles of clothes that I refuse to fold.”
I chuckle.
“I’m boarding my flight now and should be home in bed with you in about three hours.”’
“I’m setting the alarm for three hours, and if you are not here by then, I’ll take Jacob up on his offer.” I laugh harder
“Consider me noticed, Princess. I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye, Daniel.”
I hang up with her, smiling, realizing that I always end up smiling every time I talk to her.
