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I stood. “Dad? What are you doing here?”
“Your mom said this is where you live, and the man at the gate said I could find you here. You’re decorating for a wedding?”
“That’s right.”
Dad stuffed his hands into the pockets of his pressed slacks. As long as I’d known him, he’d never held a steady job, but he dressed like he did. “I didn’t realize you were a wedding planner.”
“I’m not. Talon’s brother, Knox, is getting married. I was just showing them one of my creations to see if it would fit with the design for their wedding. They’ll hold their reception here.”
Dad rolled his shoulders back, his gaze steady on me.
“It’s good to see you, but why are you here?”
Dad shrugged. “Can’t I take my daughter to lunch?”
I didn’t bother to answer him because he hadn’t shown up for my high school graduation. His absence hurt until I learned not to expect his presence. He showed up when it was convenient for him.
“Your mom said you’re back with Talon. He’s that guy you dated in high school?”
“That’s right.”
His eyes narrowed. “I don’t find that second chances work.”
I bristled. “I wouldn’t take advice on relationships from you.”
He held his hand over his chest and said in his most charming voice, “I’m good with people.”
His ways were manipulative, not caring or loving. “That’s one way to put it.”
“I didn’t come here to fight. I wanted to catch up. So what do you say about grabbing some lunch?”
“I’ll follow you into town.” I’d learned never to rely on Dad for something even as simple as a ride. He’d get a call and have to leave in the middle of a meal. It was something I’d come to expect.
“I’ll just let Sarah and Knox know where I’m going.” I headed inside where they were looking at the centerpieces together. “There’s no rush to decide. You can let me know tomorrow. But my dad’s here, and he wants to take me to lunch.”
Sarah’s eyes widened as she looked from me to Knox, who’d stiffened. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I can handle my dad.” Now that I knew not to expect anything from him, I could get through it. I already felt myself going numb. Expect nothing, get nothing.
“If you’re sure,” Knox said.
“Absolutely.” I sent a quick text to Talon, letting him know where I was, and got into my car, following my dad down the lane.
He parked on the street, and I found a spot nearby so we could walk to the restaurant. This breakfast date had a different energy than the time I went with Talon.
I was excited about finding something I needed and nervous that I wouldn’t be able to afford it. This time, I felt a sense of dread. I hadn’t seen my dad in a while, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
We sat at an empty table and picked up the glossy menus. I ordered eggs and coffee to get through the meal. I already felt a headache brewing.
Dad ordered a stack of pancakes with fruit. Then the menus were tucked away, and there was nothing to occupy my hands with.
“How are things going with you?” Dad asked, his eyes darting everywhere but at me. It was a standard question, but he didn’t really want to know the answer.
There were more lines around the corners of his eyes, and his hair had turned a silvery gray. It only made him more attractive.
“Great. You?”
Dad’s eyes lit up. “I’ve been playing more bars along the East Coast. I’m picking up steam.”
