“Feels good to have her back, doesn’t it?” he says gently.
I nod, because it does.
He finally slips the painting back into the folder and rests his hand on top of it, staring down at the worn edges like he’s somewhere else for a second.
The kitchen is quiet, filled only with the soft hum of the fridge.
Then he clears his throat and looks back up at me.
“I actually wanted to tell you something,” he says.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“I reconnected with someone.”
I blink. “Reconnected?”
“Yeah.” He rubs his palms together. “Someone from my past. Her name’s Susie.”
My breath stills.
“I knew her years ago. After your mom and I split … she was important to me, but I was too scared to do anything about it.” His mouth tilts in something like regret. “We started talking again recently.”
“That’s…” I search his face. “That’s big, Dad.”
He chuckles quietly. “Yeah. It is.”
“She lives in Florida now,” he adds. “And the more we’ve talked, the more I’ve started thinking maybe staying here isn’t the right move anymore.”
I let that sink in. “So, you’re thinking about moving.”
“Eventually,” he says. “If things keep going the way they are.”
“How long have you known her?”
“About ten years.” His voice softens. “She tried to convince me to give it a real shot back then, but I kept making excuses. Told myself I wasn’t the kind of man who could make something like that work.” He exhales. “Turns out I was just scared.”
My chest tightens. “I’m glad you’re not running from it this time.”
He meets my eyes. “Me too.”
“It’ll be weird to not see you here.” I have to be honest with him, even if I understand.
He nods. “I know, but you and Parker don’t need me. You haven’t needed me for a long time. If anything, I needed you.” He lets out a chuckle, his cheeks growing slightly red.
“Do you think we could meet Susie?”
A smile spreads across his face. “She’d love that. She’s been asking about you and Parker for years.”
“Years?” I tease.
“She’s patient.” He shrugs, shifting in his seat. “Actually, she’s coming to town soon.”
“Oh?”
“For Weston’s birthday party.” He grins. “Your brother’s friend. Amy called me with an invite. I couldn’t believe it!”
I raise my eyebrows, trying to ignore the way my stomach drops “Oh.”I haven’t gotten an invite.I try not to let it bother me, and Idon’ttell my dad that I might not be there. I don’t want to ruin his excitement with my own disappointment.
