Lincoln stands by the driver’s side watching us. As Daddy and I make our way toward the house, Lincoln goes to the trunk and pulls out a gift box.
“Merry Christmas, papa Bruce,” he says with a shy smile.
“Papa who? Who’s your papa? You ain’t my son-in-law anymore,” Daddy says, narrowing his eyes as he walks right past Lincoln, ignoring the gift.
It actually stingsmea little.
“I think the gift is for you, Daddy,” I say, smiling at his back as he heads to the house.
“Whatwouldhave been a good Christmas gift is to still have a son-in-law who was faithful to my daughter, who he promised he was going to take care of, and not go messing around and breaking her heart.Thatwould have been a good Christmas present,” Papa sternly berates.
Lincoln’s eyes are filled with pain, but Daddy doesn’t let up.
“If my wife was still around, you know how grateful I would be, and you have a good wife and you up and do that bullshit? Andyou have thenerveto come over here try to give me Christmas presents? You think this is? You think I want a Christmas present from you,boy?” Daddy says while climbing the steps with his back completely to Link.
I watch Lincoln’s face fall as his arms droop, both his hands still holding on to the wrapped gift he brought. On one hand, I know Lincoln deserves that. On the other hand… I feel bad for him.
“I told you he still doesn’t like you,” I say sheepishly, my shoulders raised.
“I understand. I’ll just wait outside,” he says, eyes fluttering sadly.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Come inside,” I tell him.
“No, I’m not welcome. I’ll come pick you back up later. I don’t want to ruin Christmas for your family,” Lincoln says.
I try to protest because I really do feel bad. A part of me wants him to come in, and I don’t even know why.
“Link, seriously—”
“It’s okay,” he says, putting on that assured smile, the one that means he’s hurting and doesn’t want me to worry. The same smile my mother used to give even when she was coughing her lungs out and working herself sick.
“Where you gonna go?” I ask. He’s dating Sarah, so he’s probably going to go there. Why not.
“I don’t know. Probably go look for some gifts for my mom.”
“Everywhere is closed,” I remind him.
“Don’t worry about me. Seriously, go have fun,” he says, smiling again, then getting into his car. Even as I start to protest, he reverses down the driveway.
Then he slowly drives off.
Inside, I catch up with Daddy, helping him around the house and just enjoying him.
He was already watching some old show, and we settle together while he tells me everything that happened in the last six seasons.
Later, we cook dinner for his old buddies who are coming over.
We walk out back, Daddy taking his little Bichon Frise for a short walk while I accompany them.
“Why you still messing around with that man?” Daddy asks.
“I live with him.”
He whips his head toward me so fast I almost choke laughing.
“Iknowyou a lie.”
“Daddy,” I chuckle.