Was that the time you offered to buy me ice cream?
Lizzy:
Yep. I was hungry and couldn’t leave your sight. That boy you were hanging out with even paid when we got to the ice cream shop, so I scored! (Even though you didn’t.)
Raven:
You did not just go there….
Lanie:
Face it, Raven, you were a heart attack waiting to happen for Dad.
Sloane:
She’s got you there. (shrugs emoji)
Raven:
THE POINT IS… (cough cough—focus, people) Dad is hooked on Faye, mark my words.
I’m doing my best to pass the time while Faye’s away in Italy. I’ve completed yet another project on my house. My guest bedrooms have now been freshly painted and redecorated, with input from both Faye and my girls.
Thank God for modern technology, like video conferencing, or I’d be a miserable jackass to everyone around me. It’s been more than two weeks since I’ve seen her. I’m tired, cranky, and missing her far more than I expected. With the time difference, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, trying to talk with her when she’s available. Unfortunately, this project she’s working on is taking longer than expected, as she’s having both hardware and software issues since her client didn’t fully upgrade their system before bringing her on board.
This also means I have no idea when I’ll see her again in person.
I’ve just finished my second run for the day when I hear a knock at my door.
Knowing my kids have keys or can go through the garage, I ignore it at first. Then the knock occurs again, so I get up from the barstool I’d been resting on and reluctantly answer it.
Expecting an unwanted solicitor, I’m surprised to find Herb Ames standing on my front porch.
“Mr. Ames,” I say, my voice higher than usual, as I’m clearly shocked to see him standing in front of me.
“Oh, enough with that Mr. Ames crap.” He swats at the air. “Call me Herb. It’s been over thirty years, and you’re a grown man now, son.”
“Okay, Herb it is.” I nod in agreement. Opening the door wider and gesturing for him to enter, I quickly add, “Come on in. Can I get you something to drink? I’ve got soda, beer, or I can make coffee if you’d like.”
“Soda is fine,” he says as he follows me to the kitchen.
“Have a seat.” I gesture to the barstools and busy myself by pulling two cans of Pepsi from the fridge. “You want a glass or ice?”
“The can is fine,” he says, reaching for it.
“You look like a man on a mission,” I muse aloud. “What can I help you with?”
“I’m sorry to come over unannounced, but I don’t have your number. Since I was watering Faye’s plants, I thought I’d drop by.”
“You’re welcome here any time,” I offer, wondering where he’s going with this. Knowing he and Faye speak regularly, I point out, “You know… You can always get my number from Faye.”
“I could.” He shrugs, running a finger around the rim of his can. “But then she’d know we were talking.”
This has me instantly on alert.
“What’s going on, Herb?” I ask, as a litany of possible reasons spin through my mind.
Swatting at the air, much like his daughter does, he shakes his head. “Can’t a guy just want to talk with the man his daughter’s seeing?”
