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“Oh, sorry for bringing it up.”
“It’s okay. Why don’t you tell me about your trip to Cancun?”
He went a few weeks ago on business for a long weekend. I was invited but didn’t feel like tagging along.
“It was pleasant. I think Greer had more fun than I did.”
“Oh? I didn’t know you went.”
She reaches for a block of cheese. “Ididgo. Stig spent almost the whole time in business meetings. Luckily there were three pools and the ocean view was outstanding.”
“Sounds amazing.”
“It was. And the weather there is perfect this time of year.”
“I can confirm that.” Daddy kisses Greer’s hand. “But next time we go will be in December. The decorations and lights are phenomenal.”
“So you’ve told me,” Greer giggles, poking him in the leg. He chuckles back at her.
I let my eyes drift back and forth between them, wondering if I’m observing some out-of-context joke. I’ve never seen my father this happy. I can’t quite peg Greer, if she’s genuinely into my father or if she’s a gold digger like some of his other exes that he swore up and down he wasn’t ready to settle down with.
I get it. What Mom did really fucked with his head. To find out that your wife, the mother of your child, is planning to sell her to a pedophile has to be devastating. And while it’s been eleven years, that doesn’t seem so long when it comes to the heart.
“Not to change the subject, but are you okay with staying in your condo, my darling?”
“What do you mean?”
“You said not long ago that your lease is almost up. I thought you might be interested in buying a home.”
I swirl the wine in my glass. Daddy wants to see me plant roots. But my fear of commitment extends to property it would seem. “Not yet. I’m pretty happy with the condo. I’ve got a fitness room and Ritz loves the view on the balcony.”
Daddy nods like he gets it. I’m just making excuses though because not only do Inotwant to buy a house, I don’t even want to move. I’ve got enough on my plate.
“If you change your mind, let me know,” Greer says. “I’m working on transferring my real estate license here to Arizona.”
“From?”
“California. Los Angeles is my home. Well,was. Until a few days ago.”
I flick my eyes to Daddy and he offers a soft nod.
“Yeah. I … heard you’re moving here. Phoenix is a whole different world from L.A. I hope you’ll like it.”
“I do already. There’s so much to love.”
“Wait until summer gets here,” I laugh.
Greer smiles. “My parents are from Phoenix. I’ve been here plenty during the peak of the summer heat so I won’t be blindsided.”
I stop myself from mentioning the massive pay cut she’ll experience living here in the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix homes don’t sell for nearly what L.A. homes do. Not even Scottsdale with its multi-million-dollar estates can compete with L.A. I’m sure she knows this so I shut my mouth. At least it’s good to know she can support herself, that she’s not looking for a sugar daddy.
“Sir?” Sandy pokes her head into the room. “Sorry for the interruption. Dinner is served.”
“Wonderful. Thank you, Sandy.” Daddy takes Greer by the hand to help her off the couch and we all wander into the dining room. Candles are lit and I know this is Greer’s touch. I actually kind of like it.
After we eat I help Greer get the dessert from the kitchen, and as I’m cutting the chocolate pie, she puts her hand on my shoulder in what feels like a sincere gesture.
“I want you to know I’m acutely aware of the twenty-six-year age difference between me and your father. I hope it doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”
