“Gloria, we never discussed how you felt about your dad dating someone. Are you okay with the idea?”
I gave the popcorn bowl a couple of tosses and shrugged. “I guess I was so worried about my mom being upset, I didn’t think about my own feelings.”
As soon as I let the words slip out, a deep down sadness hit so hard my eyes teared up. Stanley came over and took my hand.
“Do you remember what you told your mom?” he asked. “Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay.”
I took a tissue out of my pocket and dabbed at my eyes. “After all these years, my Dad and I have been getting along great. I feel our relationship is finally what I’ve always wanted it to be.”
Stanley gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “How did you want your relationship to be?”
“I’m sure I’m being immature, but I never felt like his little girl before.” I paused. “Now, I’m that girl but in a grown up sort of way.”
“Are you afraid that will change?”
“We’ve just started enjoying each other’s company. Now he probably won’t even have time for going shopping or having lunches together. Or we’ll do those things, but he’ll have to bring his friend along.”
Stanley’s voice turned soft and tender. “My dear Gloria, you and I are married, but that doesn’t stop you from doing those things with your dad. I’m sure he’ll still want those one-on-one times with you.”
I gave the popcorn bowl another more aggressive toss. Several kernels went flying out of the bowl. “I guess you’re right, but what if he’s involved with some woman who wants to take advantage of him?”
Stanley hesitated. “Maybe we should meet this friend of his before we start asking those kinds of questions.”
I nodded, hoping to cool an inner anger with Stanley’s rational approach. “I promise to reserve judgment until I meet this person. If she’s terrible in some way, then we’ll have to have another discussion.”
Stanley smiled. “I know feelings can be difficult, but they often have a way of working out if you give them a chance. Anyway, that seems to be what my mother is finding. As she and my father slowly explore aspects of their relationship, Mom says she’s not so afraid anymore. Instead, she’s feeling more confident and capable as a person.”
I thought about what Stanley was telling me. As I did, a gentle wave of relief followed. It was okay to be sad. I didn’t have to do anything about it at the moment. For the time being, I didn’t have to figure out anything. I could simply enjoy the evening with family. If I had a problem in the future, maybe I’d be like Stanley’s Mom and work it out later.
The doorbell rang just as I was preparing myself to be nice to Dad’s friend, to wait and see what I thought about her.
Ben had been sniffing around the kitchen table, hoping for a fallen popcorn kernel, but when he heard the doorbell, he was off to greet whoever came calling. I looked up at the clock and realized people weren’t supposed to arrive for another fifteen minutes.
“I’ll get it,” I announced as I followed Ben to the door. When I opened it, my dad was waiting on the porch. He turned and smiled at me. I stepped out enough to glance around for his friend.
Dad spoke up. “It’s just me. Daphne couldn’t come.”
“Daphne? Oh yes, your friend,” I mumbled.
“She’s still a friend, but not—” Dad hesitated. “Well, let’s just say she felt we should stay friends and nothing more.”
I stepped back and waved my dad inside. “I’m sorry.”
Dad kind of shrugged. “I guess it’s for the best.”
Stanley joined us and greeted my father. “Let me take your coat.”
Dad took off his jacket, handed it to Stanley, and picked up Ben. “How’s this little guy doing?”
Instead of being happy that I didn’t have to worry about a woman in Dad’s life, another surge of anger surfaced. Dad was petting Ben, but I could see the unhappiness in his eyes. How dare some woman named Daphne reject him as a romantic partner. My father has become a most caring, thoughtful person. It didn’t make sense.
Dad didn’t seem to notice my rush of deep annoyance. He walked into the living room and stopped in front of the tree.
“Gloria, Stanley, what a magnificent Christmas tree!” he said in a slightly louder tone of voice.
In spite of my ruffled feelings, I had to smile. “Thank you. Stanley and I were very happy to find such a beautiful one.”
Stanley came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. “Your daughter spotted that tree before I had a chance to look around. She certainly knows her stuff.”
