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"Eli, I'm hoping..." Troy looked at Holly, then back to him. "I know you're angry, and maybe you aren't ready for any kind of relationship with me. But I'd like to stay in touch. Even if it's just occasionally. I don't expect an answer from you now. I know you need time. But I'm here if you want to reach out."
Feeling too choked up to speak, he turned to leave without another word, pulling Holly along behind him.
Wrapping his head around having a relationship with his father was impossible. It was too much, too soon. He'd come here today and said what he'd needed to say to the man.
For now, that was enough.
* * *
"Fuck, do I look okay? I'm not overdressed, am I?"
Eli glanced down at his gray dress pants and blue button-down shirt as they walked toward the front door of Minnigan's restaurant. "I don't want to look like a stuffy douchebag."
"You look great," Holly assured him, then grinned. "Not at all like a stuffy douchebag, I promise."
"Good. You look beautiful, by the way. I'm sorry for not saying that earlier. I'm just seriously distracted."
She wore a white sleeveless dress with pockets in the front, an orange belt and high heels. Her hair was tied back into a low ponytail with a few wisps framing her face.
"Thanks, but no compliments are necessary. This night is about you. I'm so excited for you!"
He opened the door for her, then followed her inside. "I'm nervous as hell. This is just weird."
"No, it's good," She walked over to the hostess. "Wilkes, party of two. For the private dining area?"
"Great, follow me," the hostess said, picking up two menus.
"There's actually another party joining us, so we'll need two more menus," Eli piped up.
"Certainly. They haven't arrived yet, but I'll make sure to bring them over as soon as they do."
Once they were seated in the private dining room, he ran a hand down over his beard. "I'm sweating bullets. I'm way more nervous to meet my sisters than I was to see my father."
"It's understandable. But I'm sure it will be great." Holly placed her hand atop his. "Don't worry. I've got your back. If there are any lulls in conversation, I'll fill them."
"Fuck, I'm crazy about you." He leaned forward and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. "I don't know what I'd have done without you lately, Wilkes."
"That's what friends are for." She winked at him and took a sip of her water. "There's more than one kind of benefit, you know."
He smiled. "Yeah, I guess so."
The door to the private dining room opened. They both glanced up as the hostess walked in and set two menus down on the table. "Your guests are here, but they wanted to use the restroom. They'll be in shortly."
Eli covered his face with his hands as she left. "Jesus, talk about prolonging the torture. I feel like it's Christmas morning, and I'm waiting to open my presents."
"This is probably the best present you could ask for," she said, patting his hand. "Relax. It's going to be great."
When the door opened again, his heart slammed hard in his chest as the twins walked in.
He couldn't help staring. Their faces were absolutely identical, except the one wearing the purple dress had shorter hair.
The girls stopped short, glanced at each other, and let out an unholy shriek.
"Is this for real?" His sister with the purple dress gasped. "This can't be real."
The long-haired sister, who wore a denim skirt and white top, just stared at him. "I don't know. Pinch me. If I wake up, then I'll know it isn't."
Eli stood up from the table. "Hi, I'm Eli. I guess, well, I guess I'm your brother."
