From where I’m standing, I can see it’s an open-concept layout. Dark wooden floors, but everything else is a bright white. The furniture color scheme is in a cream, tan, or powdered white. The kitchen cabinets are walnut with white marble countertops. Black pendant lights hang above the dining room table and kitchen. A large, black candle chandelier hangs above the seating area.
We hear footsteps approaching, and I think my heart stops beating. I breathe in a sharp inhale when I see my dad walk toward me. I see Ellie look between us, noticing the resemblance. The dark blue eyes and deep brown hair. Except his hair is shorter. He has the same nose with a small bump, and he’s the same height.
He widens his eyes when he gets a full look at me.
“Hi.” Ellie holds out her hand. “I’m Ellie.”
My dad looks at her, still stunned, and he takes her hand in his. She gives him a smile, holding his stare.
“I’m sure you remember your son, Rowan?” she says confidently.
My dad blinks between me and Ellie while his wife stands behind him, wringing her hands together, showing her nerves.
“I do, of course.” He places his hands on his hips for a second before turning to the side, then gestures us inside. “Please.”
Ellie lets go of my hand, but I still need to touch her. I put my hand on her lower back. I gently guide her in first because she is taking the lead with this. The space is clean and bright. On the left is a railing that goes downstairs to another level, while ahead of me is a large glass door that leads to the deck.
There are windows throughout the home, showing trees and the ocean. A surfboard hangs on the wall above the staircase that leads to the lower level.
“Would either of you like something to drink? We have lemonade, sparkling water, tea?” the woman asks.
I shake my head, and Ellie says, “No, thank you.”
“Let’s sit outside. It’s beautiful today.” The woman turns to start walking, then turns back around. “I’m so sorry. Where are my manners? I’m Amy.” She holds out her hand to Ellie.
Ellie smiles politely and shakes her hand. She reaches her hand out to me, and I force my arm to move, grabbing her hand in mine. It’s warm and soft. She doesn’t grip my hand. A gentle shake is all she gives me.
We step outside to the large patio, and I have never seen a patio as big as this one. I stop where I am and look around me.
You can host an entire party on this thing. There’s an entire furniture set on one side and a table on the opposite side with a large umbrella along with a marble bar and window to the kitchen.
The entire ocean surrounds the view. I guess being on top of a hill that’s the kind of view you get when you live on the coast. I’d have to go on the roof of my house to see the ocean. They guide us to the couch, letting us sit down first, and they take the two lounge chairs across from us.
When Dad sits down, he rubs his hands on his jeans, a small smile appearing on his face. We sit there in silence, and I grab Ellie’s hand again, not wanting to let go. I need her more than ever, and I’m going to thank her a million times for forcing me to let her join.
My dad looks good for his age. He looks healthy. His skin is smooth and tan, even his hands don’t look like they’ve aged. Same as Mom. He must take good care of himself because his body looks strong, and his posture is confident.
The blue button-up he has on makes the color of his eyes seem brighter, friendlier even. He looks like someone I would aspire to be as an adult. And the thought makes me sad.
“So,” Ellie says.
I keep my eyes on my dad, and he does the same. We don’t speak, just stare, like we’re trying to read each other’s mind. I look down at his hand and see his finger tapping on his leg. Well, we have one thing in common so far.
“So, Rowan. How have you been? Your dad has told me so much about you. I feel like I know you,” Amy says.
I furrow my brows in confusion. Know me? How would she know me? I haven’t seen or spoken to my father since I was a kid. Her kind smile fades when she notices my expression. I feel Ellie squeeze my hand, telling me to relax and be nice.
I clear my throat and throw on a smile. “I’ve been fine,” is all I can manage to say.
“Oh, that’s good.” She nods and looks at my dad.
He looks at her, and she angles her head toward me in the faintest motion. I can tell she’s trying to tell him to talk to me.
“Ellie,” Amy says. “I would love to show you a tour of our home. Maybe give these two some privacy?”
Ellie hesitates and looks at me. “Oh, um, yeah, that would be great.”
I whip my head to her, and my grip on her hand tightens, willing her not to go.
