I don’t answer; I’m in the middle of a book.
“Whatcha reading?” he pushes, jostling my foot.
I glance up, annoyed. “The third book in the Delphina trilogy.”
I don’t expect him to have heard of it, but he says, “I’ve seen the movies. Good stuff.”
I swear to god, every time I think I’ve got him nailed down, he surprises me.
I power off my Kindle. “Piper loves the books. That’s why I started reading them.”
“You didn’t read them when you were younger?” He chuckles. “They’re everywhere. You must’ve actively avoided them.”
Maybe. But was it because I was disinterested or because I thought I was better than the masses who’re obsessed with it?
“Did you talk to Tati today?” I ask.
“Nope. Did she come by?” He casually combs his fingers through his hair, like my reply doesn’t matter to him one way or another, but the hope in his voice is hard to miss.
“No. Do you think you ought to reach out to her?”
“I have. She’s gone dark.”
“So that’s it? You’re giving up?”
“I tried, Henry. She doesn’t want to talk.” He shrugs. “I don’t like knowing someone’s angry with me, but what happened the other night wasn’t that big of a deal. She might not be able to get over it, but I already have.”
I don’t get him. He’s a people pleaser—always has been. But his relationship with Tati is more important than catering to customers at Blitz Brews or making friends with strangers on a fishing excursion. He’s got real feelings for her, but instead of doing the work to make things right, he’s tossing in the towel.
“Dad, Tati told Piper you were out of control.”
He laughs. “By Tati’s standards, maybe.”
“She had to drive you home and put you to bed.”
“Nah. I was good, buddy. No regrets.”
I stare at him, disbelieving. His eyes are clear. He’s enunciating his words and sitting up straight. He’s not smashed…but I can smell beer on him. What I’m starting to realize is that Davis’s baseline is three drinks in.
The apprehensive feeling in my gut tells me it’ll get worse: four drinks, then five, then six. It’s going to start impacting every facet of his life, from work to home to finances.
To me.
I know this with alarming certainty. I also know that if I point out what I’m finally starting to understand is a problem, I’ll come off as sanctimonious. Like I’m trying to parent him. LikeI’m taking Tati’s side.
Davis is gonna do what Davis wants to do.
I’m not sure I want to stick around and become a casualty of his choices.
Piper
Monday morning, I leave the apartment like I’m going to the Marine Conservation Park. In my bag, I’ve packed a floralhalter bikini andThe Coral Crown, plus snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. I walk all the way to a public beach denounced by locals for its tourist crowds and stake out a spot. It’s warm, but not as humid as it’s been over the last few weeks.
I spend a solid four hours lying out on the sand.
Even considering that I’m not talking to Tati and barely talking to Henry, I leave the beach feeling better than I did all weekend, thanks to the sunshine, the sea, and the solace of a favorite book.
I’ll start looking for a new job tomorrow.
