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Dad raises his eyebrows with a firm nod.
“Are you buying a home?” I ask Freddy.
“Probably. But no rush for that right now. Maybe toward the end of summer. I need to get Dustin back with me. Hillpike has a great reputation for raising kids. Lots of opportunities to be outdoors, which in Chicago is only comfortable during the summer. Dustin’s a big fan of winter hiking and all the things many city kids don’t want to do.”
I had no idea, and he talked about Dustin for over an hour on our way home Sunday. This has got to be an act for Dad.
“Bring us that pitcher; why not?” Dad smirks. “Any chance you want me to stick around until you’re done for a ride home?”
“Um, maybe. I can always make my own way, Dad. Especially since I can’t give you an exact time.”
“Well, let’s see how things are when we’re done here.”
I agree. I’m more nervous about my serving skills while serving my own dad, plus, well, Freddy, than I am with other tables. I suppose this is normal for some people.
But what gets me the most is when my father gets Freddy’s attention to turn and look at my manager, Angela. Dad gives Freddy a wide smile and says, “She looks like your type, eh?”
I want to gag because little does Dad know Freddy is into wild redheads like his daughter.
Freddy makes no comment but cuts his steak slowly with a tense smile.
Yup, he’s really not interested in seeing anyone. I just happened to be around at a very needy time for him.
When it’s time for the bill, I have two more tables to close out with Millie, so I persuade Dad to leave. However, when I’m finally done with my first day of training, it’s nearing eight o’clock. The summer sun teases me with the last hour, so I try to flag down one of the few taxis that only hang around these areas to minimize drunk drivers.
Instead, I hear a honk. I turn to my left, and I see Freddy in his SUV. My heart drops, and an honest smile appears on my face. I can’t hide from Freddy. It’s as if I am his puppet, and he can willfully make me do whatever he desires.
“So are you going to celebrate getting the job you want or what?” he asks.
He’s a lot more free-spirited than he was when he was with my dad. I’ll take Freddy up on the offer, and he drives us to the local liquor store. I stay in the car because this is a small town. I’m just grateful that Freddy has tinted windows, with the exception of the front window.
When we make it to his motel room, I decide to be forward with him.
“Do you think my dad has any idea?” I ask.
Freddy pulls out a bottle of champagne from the bag. He grabs two plastic cups off the dresser and turns to look at me. His blue eyes are dim, as I know he’s in great thought. He shrugs.
“I don’t think so, but Braxton’s a smart guy. He surprises me sometimes the way you do. Well, not quite like that.” He laughs.
“True. But I doubt his mind has given that a thought.”
“Sadie, there’s so much going on in my life right now that seeing you is like an escape. I love that about you. But when you ask me questions that have possible answers that could bring me anxiety….” He chuckles. “I don’t want to answer them.”
“I understand. When I ask you those questions, I feel like I’m more of a grown-up. But all I really want to do is have a great time. I want to leave this town, so I can have a good time. And then here you are, Freddy, thinking about buying a home here? Doesn’t Chicago have so much more to offer your son? Like, I’m really curious; what’s this all about?”
He hands me a cup of champagne. We pause to salute my new gig, and we each finish our cups and are ready for a refill.
“If you haven’t noticed, I’m following my lawyer’s orders. More than likely, I won’t be buying a house here. I’m staying here to sell the idea of staying here. If my lawyer still believes that’s good when the time comes, I’ll move here. I could be told to move to San Diego tomorrow, and I will move to San Diego. So as you see, I’m pretty much being manipulated by my lawyer now. Which is a lot better than being manipulated by Courtney.”
I agree.
“On another note,” he pauses, “I need us to establish something.”
I take a seat on the edge of his motel bed. He stands before me, belt nearly in my face. I feel like a student ready to be put in my place by my teacher. I have no idea what he’s about to do, but he’s a bit serious.
Chapter 8
Freddy
