AllFreeNovel
Share Us
46
I deliberated all night and morning; by the afternoon, I realized I wanted to see Barry.
As I enter the Middle Eastern restaurant where he asked me to meet him, a veil of relief falls over his face.
“Thanks for coming,” he says when I approach the table.
Without a response, I sit across from him.
His eyes turn glossy, seeming immersed with regret. “Reid, I am so sorry for failing you so much. For not being there for you and then giving you up.” His voice cracks a bit, and he harrumphs to continue. “I know I have no right, but is there any way you could consider another chance? It doesn’t have to be right now. Whenever you decide. I just… I truly want a place in your life, and I’m willing to make every effort to earn that.”
Shifting on the seat, I lower my head and rub the back of my neck to alleviate the emotions. After a beat, I look at him again. “There isn’t a day that I don’t remember how much you let me down. You did it over and over, even after my mom adopted me. You ruined so many chances. It hurts. A lot.”
His shoulders wilt. “Reid, I—”
“Are you and my mom a thing now?” I deadpan.
“No,” he says seriously. “We got caught up, but we both made it clear it won’t happen again. It’s about you. I’m turning a new leaf, Reid. I found a good job, and I’m going to AA. I’ll be better for you. I promise.”
“No matter how you mess up, I always hold out hope for you,” I admit and wipe my face with my hand. “But you keep breaking my heart, Barry.”
“I’m so sorry, son,” he apologizes again, seeming even more sincere. “I swear it’ll end. Please… How about we take it slow?” he implores. “We’ll meet for dinner on the weekends while you’re at college. Or whenever you want. You decide.”
Silence hangs between us as I consider it carefully. In the end, trusting my heart feels safer and less painful. “Okay. I’ll give it one more shot.”
Relief shines in his appearance. “Thank you, son. Thank you. I won’t let you down again.” He braces forward to pat my shoulder.
We both sniffle and try to calm ourselves.
Staring at the menu, I joke, “Can we order now? I came here starving.”
He snorts. “Me too.”
