Alfie gave him a stiff nod. “Yes. That will be fine.”
“He means he’d love to and he’s honoured you asked,” I filled in for him and Alfie gave me a wry smile.
“Thank you, dear.”
“We have to talk wedding dresses!” Natalie pulled out her phone and began showing me her Pinterest board.
I tried to ignore my fathers presence. I didn’t know how to talk to someone that was so familiar whilst also being a complete stranger. He sipped his water, entertaining Ryan who was talking about the next chapter of his book.
My foot tapped restlessly, Alfie’s hand settled on my thigh, his firm grip stilling my leg. Just that touch grounded me. I listened to the three of them chat about work, football, Ryan had been sent off the pitch again for ‘threatening behaviour’.
I admired the lace bodice that Natalie was showing me and agreed that a tiara wasn’t her thing, but out of the corner of my eye, I was watching Alfie. Paying attention to how he was dealing with my father. Their introduction had been…civil. I couldn’thelp but feel like I was watching two territorial bears circling each other.
Ryan was peppering Riley with questions about weddings. He detested the idea of wearing a suit but he reluctantly agreed to make his mother happy. He was more excited about the cake and confused about the dancing.
“A special dance for you and mum?” He was asking Riley. “Why?”
“To show that we love each other. You can have a special dance with her too if you like?”
“Okay, and what about Grandpa?” My stomach clenched. I hadn’t heard him call John ‘Grandpa’ yet. Alfie’s hand slipped into mine as my fists clenched under the table.
“Grandpa and I will have a special dance too. It’s tradition for the bride and her father to dance together at the wedding.”
“So, Grandpa will dance with you at your wedding and then with Auntie Lo at her wedding?”
Silence.
“We’ll see about that. I might be all danced out by then!” John said. “Maybe you could fill in for me? If I can’t make it.”
“Why won’t you make it to Auntie Lo’s wedding? It’s important.”
“I know, lad.” My father gave a nervous laugh. “Kids are always full of questions aren’t they?” We echoed his laughter with our own. “Do you have any plans for children, Alfie?”
“We’ll see. I don’t take on parenting lightly.”
I squeezed his hand, now it was his turn to be protective.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
There was a silence then that made me want to sink into the floor.
“Suits! We’ll have to get the four of you measured for suits.” Poor Natalie. Desperate to change the subject.
“I have an excellent tailor,” Alfie offered. “Riley has his details.”
Silence again.
“The food here is great, don’t you all think?” I offer, doing my best to keep the conversation moving. Natalie gave me a grateful smile as everyone agreed that the food was good.
I tried not to look at my father.
He left you. He left you and now he’s just sitting here like nothing ever happened.
I forced myself to eat and smile and suggest places Natalie might be able to get a dress on short notice. This night was for my sister, not me.
Somehow, we managed to get through dinner without too much trouble. When the night was finally over, Alfie drove us back to Harrington in silence.
“So, are you going to tell me what you think or just chew on it all night?”
