“I—well, it’s just that . . . I wasn’t happy,” I said.
“No?” he asked. “You two seemed all right last time we all had dinner. Not that I’d describe Bill as a particularly joyous person.”
I inhaled a deep breath. Harvey Germaine, a Texan businessman who didn’t bullshit, appreciated the blunt truth above all. “I cheated on him, Dad.”
With David’s eyes glued to me, I waited through a tense silence for my dad’s reaction. “Are you there?” I asked.
My dad grunted. “Did Bill kick you out?”
“No, I . . . I left. For someone else. I am leaving him for someone else. The man I was unfaithful with,” I explained, completely aware of my awkwardness but unable to help it. “He is who I’m leaving Bill for.”
“Who is?” Dad asked.
“Um, well, David’s an architect—”
“Who the hell is David?” Dad asked. “And what kind of man steals another man’s wife?”
“He’s agoodman,” I promised my father as David took my hand. “He’s smart, accomplished, respected—but I made this decision on my own. If you’re going to blame anyone, blame me.”
“I want you to come home,” Dad said. “We need to talk about this.”
“I can’t right now,” I said. “I have work. That promotion keeps me really busy.”
“Come next weekend then.” He cleared his throat. “Put the ticket on my card and whatever else you need. Where are you staying? Do you need a hotel?”
“I’m at Gretchen’s until I find a place,” I said.
David’s hand tightened around mine, and I met his quizzical look.
“Get a hotel until you can get here,” Dad said. “I’ll pay for it. And bring this guy. I want to meet him.”
“I’d like you to meet him, too.” I cocked my head at David, who jutted his chin in agreement. “I’ll find a time for us to come out,” I said. “I do need to talk to you about the divorce and all that. I have no idea what I’m doing, Dad.”
“I’m sure you don’t, kid. It won’t be pretty.” He sighed. “What am I saying? It’s a fucking mess. Are you absolutely sure this is what you want?”
David nodded. I nodded with him. “Yes. Yes, it’s what I want.”
“Then we’ll handle it. Use my card to get a ticket. Come as soon as you can. And Olivia?”
“Yes?”
“Bring him.”
I wasn’t sure if David could hear every word, but I didn’t think so judging by the fact that he didn’t look scared.
“Thank you for being supportive,” I said.
David swiveled in his seat as the waiter approached. Before he could set down the bill, David handed him his credit card.
“I love you, sugar. Say hi to Gretchen for me,” Dad said. “And don’t make one goddamn move until I meet this guy, all right?” He exhaled a sigh. “I want to know this David isn’t screwing around.”
I smiled at my overprotective father. “Yes, Dad. Bye.” I hitEnd,glancing between David and Gretchen. “He didn’t seem that upset, but he wants to meet you, David. Frankly, I don’t think he can wait. He also wants me to get a hotel for the week.”
“I’ll move some things around,” David said. “We’ll go to Dallas next weekend.”
I smiled at him appreciatively. “Thanks.”
“But you’re not getting a hotel,” he added.
