Page 46

“Okay, fine. You men can handle it.” I throw my hands up in the air, surrendering.

When they come back inside, carrying the small couch, they’re laughing.

Great, they’re bonding. Although, I have a feeling it’s at my expense.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

They gently set the couch down on the hardwood floors. It’s vintage blue and cream gingham with light, airy pillows.

I have a feeling many movie nights will end with me falling asleep on it. I always sleep better on a couch than I do in a bed.

“Oh, nothing.” Sean continues laughing. “Where do you want it?”

“Up against that wall there.” I point to the wall next to the stained-glass back door. A perfect view of the woods, so I can sit and drink coffee in the mornings. I don’t have a nice view of the river like his parent’s cabin, but it’s still beautiful.

“Ready for some pizza?” my dad asks.

I’m starving. I haven’t eaten anything all day. My stomach was too turned from last night, I couldn’t eat breakfast.

Sean and I sit snuggly on the couch. My dad decides to lean against the window sill across from us. He watches us after every bite he takes.

“So, Sean,” Dad begins.

Oh boy, here comes the interrogation. I suppose that as a dad he has the right to it.

“You were in the army, is that correct? How was that exp-erience?” he asks casually.

Sean squirms in his spot, his legs lightly resting up against mine.

I stare up at him, letting him know he doesn’t have to answer it. I don’t want him to feel pressure because it’s my dad that’s asking.

He nods his head, as a confirmation that he’s okay with it.

“It was an experience, that’s for sure. I didn’t enjoy being so disconnected from everyone.” His face is grim as he speaks. “I met some really good guys. I keep in touch with most of them. My closest buddy Nolan…he died when we were in Iraq. It never felt the same after that. That’s why I resigned.” He stares down at his hands as he finishes his sentence.

“I’m sorry,” I say, placing my hand on his knee. Ranting to him about my divorce when he’s been through this just seems so ignorant.

My dad cuts back in after a moment. “I’m sorry about that. It’s good you made it home safely.”

“Yes, thankfully.”

I can see a flash of grief ripping through him.

“We’re going on a trip to New York,” I interject. “For Maggie’s birthday.”

“You two?” Dad asks, eyebrows furrowed.

Of course, he doesn’t approve.

“I wanted to go—I sort of invited myself. I’ve never been to the city,” Sean chips in, trying to make it less weird.

But it couldn’t be. It’s always going to be awkward with a guy around my dad.

“He was kind enough to offer, actually. I didn’t want to go alone,” I say.

“That sounds like fun,” he replies, shrugging and continuing to eat his pizza. “You guys want to watch a movie or something?”

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