It’s definitely someone you know, Greg.Like your daughter. I don’t know how to tell him she’s the best fucking woman I know without destroying our friendship. Hell, our friends would probably side with him and I’d be run out of town.
No wonder I don’t want to tell anyone we’re dating.
Joey is running late for our date tonight. I was early. Probably too early, but I don’t care. Not when I get a night out with Joey. I want it to last as long as possible. Because these moments with her are fleeting.
My phone buzzes from where it’s sitting in the cupholder. Seeing it’s Lennox, I answer.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
“Hey, Dad. How’s it going?”
“Good. How’s the job hunt?”
She sighs. “Do you always have to ask that?”
“You’re the one that told me to keep you honest about it,” I say.
“Ugh.”
I can picture her face. One of annoyance as she flips her blonde hair over her shoulder. Exactly like her mother used to do. While that used to hurt, it only fills me with affection now.
“I take it not great then?”
“No. No bites at all.”
“You sure you don’t want to come work at the ranch?” I ask, not for the first time.
“No, Dad. I’m sure. I want to get my first big-girl job on my own.”
“Well, the offer stands if you want help.”
“Thanks. Are you staying in tonight or going out riding?”
“Just hanging out.”
It’s not a total lie, but I don’t need to go into details withher. Considering Joey is only a few years older than she is, it’s not a conversation I’m ready to have.
“Want me to bring you dinner?”
“That’s okay,” I lie. “I’m probably going to muck out the barn. Unless you want to help.”
“Eww, no thanks.”
I knew that’d be her response. Sure, she doesn’t mind horses, but she doesn’t like everything that goes along with them.
“I thought so. Why don’t you come by this weekend and we can have lunch together?” I offer.
“That sounds good.”
A car pulls up next to me and I smile when the woman steps out.
Joey.
“Listen, I have to run. I’ll see you soon, okay?”
“Okay, bye, Dad. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
