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The light that shines in his hazel orbs dim somewhat, sadness starting to coat his whole face.
“No, not really. Back in Detroit, it just wasn’t something she could do, and if I’m honest, I haven’t even asked her if it’s something she wants to do either. I kind of dropped the ball on that one, haven’t I, kid?” he utters, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“It’s still not too late to ask her.”
He looks down at me, true kindness returning to his gaze.
“Let me guess. You want to take my baby trick or treating tonight, don’t you?” He smiles.
“Yes sir. I really do.” I nod with my back ramrod straight so he sees I’m serious.
“Okay, kid. I'll help you out. Be here for dinner with your costume on, after we have something to eat, you two can go.”
“You’re not coming with us?” I ask suspiciously, since Val’s dad isn’t necessarily the laid back kind.
Some might say he’s written the textbook on how to be a helicopter parent, but I know all his concern for Val comes from a good place. I mean, after all she’s been through with her health when she was a kid, it’s only normal he feels protective of her. I didn’t even know her when she went through all that stuff, and even I get wary anytime she looks tired or has a headache. It’s a helpless feeling. If I knew nothing of the man that is Eric Rossi, the love and devotion he shows Val on the daily is enough for me to respect the hell out of him.
“No, Quaid. I trust you to keep my girl safe,” he confesses with a wink, making my chest burst with pride. “Just stick to the neighborhood, keep your phones on you at all times, and you'll be okay.”
Excitement and happiness run through my veins, and before I even know what I’m doing, I jump and wrap my arms around him. He pats my back and returns the hug with the same force I’m embracing him, and suddenly, I have tears in my eyes.
When was the last time I was actually hugged? Touched and cared for?
I keep my hold on him, but when I feel the tears begin to trickle down my cheek, I break away to wipe them off before they sink into his shirt. Mr. E lowers himself just a bit to look me in the eye, placing both of his hands on my shoulders.
“What’s the matter, son?” he hushes with the same warmth and kindness to his tone that swims in his golden gaze.
“It’s nothing. Just allergies.” I try to play off, shaking my head so he doesn’t see I’m a wreck because of one hug. Unfortunately, by the way his brows pull together in concern, my excuse doesn’t convince him.
“You know, if there is ever anything you want to talk about, you can come to me. I know some things can be hard to express, even to your friends, but I want you to know I’m here for you, kid.”
I swallow dryly and lower my eyes so he doesn’t see how his words affect me.
“I never said this to you. Well, to any of you really, but I'll be forever grateful for the friendship you boys have given my daughter. She's the most happy I have ever seen her, and you three are the reason for that happiness. And because of that, you will always have a place at my table and in my heart. Do you understand?” he explains softly, squeezing my shoulder like a real father would do to a son he saw hurting.
“Val makes us happy, too. I mean, she makes me happy.”
“I know she does, son. And everyone deserves a bit of happiness in their life, don’t they?”
I just nod instead of telling him that deserving something and getting it are two very different things. Logan deserves to not have to worry about if his dad is coming back on his own two legs or in a pine box. Carter deserves not to be locked in his room over Halloween reliving his parents’ death every time he closes his eyes.
And me?
I just want to go trick or treating so I can pretend I’m a carefree kid with no problems bigger than what type of candy I’ll get. For one night, I just want to not be alone. To act like I’m the luckiest kid on our street, when in fact I’m just the loneliest.
“I know sometimes life gets complicated, sometimes even lonely,” he explains, as if reading the thoughts in my head, “but if you have true friendships in your life, people that you can count on, then it's easier to bear. Family doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the one you were born with, but the one you choose. Does that make sense?”
“Val is my family,” I whisper, my throat hoarse from emotion.
“I know she is, and you are hers.”
I wipe the tear from my eyes, secretly wishing Mr. E. would have been my dad instead of the one I got. But I guess based on what he's just said, Val’s dad doesn’t actually have to be my father for me to consider him as one. At least the only real father figure I got. A smile crests my face and suddenly I feel lighter.
“Okay, kid. How about we call Val downstairs and go on a mall run so we can get her the perfect outfit for tonight?”
“You think she's going to think it’s childish? Going trick or treating, I mean?”
“I think she is going to love the idea. As long as she’s with you, there is nothing my baby girl won’t like.”
