“I. . . I asked Isolde to move in with me,” I admit, sharing details about my life in a way I haven’t with my father in a long time.
I’ve been looking for places the past week. Finding the perfect spot is hard in this city, but I’m not presenting a single spot to Isolde until it passes my vigorous checklist. I know her apartment means a lot to her. She values her independence, and she hates change. I not only need to find the perfect replacement but also present it to her at the right time.
There’s no noise from the other side. He’s stopped making whatever snack he was creating.
“I’ll give you your mother’s ring the next time you come over.”
“What, Dad, no!”
“Is it not the style anymore?” The ring Dad gave my mom is humble, but the sentimental value is high. But it’s also a whole other thing.
“We’re not getting married.” I check my wristwatch, accepting that I’m walking toward the boutique whether I like it or not.
“But you’re moving in together.”
I don’t want to call my dad old-fashioned, but he catches on.
“You want to provide shelter for this woman, but you don’t want to marry her?” he questions.
My fingers tighten around the phone. “That’s not it.”
Not in the slightest, as I realize what we’re discussing. My future with Isolde doesn’t end with the two of us in a new place.
“It’s early.” I cross the street.
“Luis told me you two have known each other a long time.”
“As friends, Dad.” And even that’s debatable because at the time I thought she annoyed me.
“Okay, but now she’s your girlfriend.”
I bite my tongue. Technically, nothing has been discussed. I’m not about to tell my dad about our arrangement.
Because honestly, it’s beyond sex now anyway. I asked her to move in with me, and that’s not a step I take lightly. No sex in the world could make me lose my mind that much.
I want to live with her. To be around her.
There’s not a woman I’d rather discuss guns with. But I also enjoy the silent moments. When we’re reading in the evenings. I’ll watch her walk around in a giant T-shirt all day, her legs on display.
“Dad, living together is the next right step,” I say.
He makes another noise under his breath.
“Chalk it up to a generational thing.” It’s the only olive branch I’ve got.
“Honestly, I’m disappointed.”
Dad doesn’t know how his words hit me. That I carry around guilt and fear that I am a massive disappointment to my father. But then he continues.
“Isolde shouldn’t put up with this.”
“What?”
“She shouldn’t put up with it.”
“Do you mean. . . me?” I frown, crossing at another light.
“She’s a woman of incredible strength. I saw it the other night. How she listens and how serious her eyes are.”
