AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Reality’s a bitch,” Elyse said.
“Who’s a bitch?” my father asked from the doorway.
I jumped. I’d been so preoccupied with our conversation that I hadn’t heard him come inside. I quickly checked the garden, saw my mother still slumped in her wheelchair by the pool.
“A second piece?” my father asked, noticing my crumb-filled plate. “You think that’s a good idea?”
“Vic, for heaven’s sake,” Elyse interjected on my behalf. “What are you talking about? Jodi is as slender as a reed.”
“Is Mom okay out there on her own?” I asked, trying to mask my annoyance.
“She’s fine,” my father said, looking toward the coffee machine. “Any left for me?”
“Why don’t I make you a fresh cup,” Elyse offered, instantly on her feet.
“What if she falls?” I persisted.
“She won’t,” my father said, pulling up a chair.
“Your daughter is right,” Elyse told him. “Why take a chance? You go back outside and I’ll bring your coffee out when it’s ready.”
I waited for him to snap at her, tell her to stick to her job and keep her opinions to herself.
“Fine,” my father said instead, pushing his chair back toward the table.
“How did you do that?” I asked when he was gone.
“Oh, your father’s not that difficult.”
“Really? That’s never been my experience.”
She gave me a look that was half wink, half smile. “You just have to know how to handle him.”
