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Both of our mouths fall open.
“What? Seriously, Dad? Grounded for what?”
“I’ve told you time and time again to make sure the screen door locks. Yes, people make mistakes, but they also have to learn from them. Otherwise, they keep making the same mistakes.”
I step forward. “With all due respect, sir, I don’t think it’s necessary to ground her. It was—”
“I don’t need parenting advice from someone who isn’t a parent.”
He spits it with such venom, it pierces my chest like an arrow.
Tears sting the backs of my eyes, but I don’t back down this time. “You’re right: People need consequences to learn from their mistakes, but kids are going to mess up a little more frequently than adults. I might not be a parent, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know about children. I have a master’s degree in this area, which is a lot more knowledge than some parents are concerned. Maybe you should take a look at yourself instead of pointing the finger at me.”
He opens his mouth to speak but I hold up my hand in his face. “Do not cut me off again. It’s rude and dismissive, and if I have to listen to your condescending words, then you can listen to mine.”
His mouth clamps shut.
“I came to your house last week to inform you that my bowl was stolen. You turned a blind eye to your daughter’s indiscretion and yelled at me instead. That’s not what a good parent does. And fuck you for that, by the way, sir, because you sure aren’t winning any parent of the year awards. Your daughter was scared shitless for accidentally letting the dog loose. Maybe you should fix the lock on the door instead of yelling at her when the dog gets out. Better yet, you should train your dog not to run out of the house. You want to be a jackass to me, then have at it. But donottake this out on your daughter. You didn’t ground her when she stole my property, yet you’re grounding her for the dog getting out? You’re just mad she was with me, so you’re punishing her for it.”
I let my eyes roam over Grant’s body. “You know, I used to think you were this strong, attractive, amazing dad, but it turns out: You’re nothing but a typical, insecure, rude man who’s clearly overcompensating for something in his life.”
Before he can utter another word, I spin around and get into my car without another glance in his direction.
7
Grant
Noah hasn’t spokena word to me since Blondie peeled out of our driveway yesterday.
I punished her, so she’s punishing me with silence.
I tap my fork against Noah’s dish. “How long will you be giving me the silent treatment for?”
She pretends like she doesn’t hear me.
I push back my plate and lean against my chair. “All right. Let’s have it out. Say whatever you need to say.”
She shoves a piece of broccoli into her mouth and leans down to feed a floret to Romeo under the table.
Even the dog hates me right now. He puts his head down whenever I look his way.
“Look, I understand that you’re not happy with being grounded, but—”
“This has nothing to do with being grounded!”
Noah’s outburst startles me. “Then talk to me. What is this about?”
“You were so mean to Lenny. That was uncalled for, especially after she helped me. If it weren’t for her, Romeo wouldn’t be here right now.”
“No, if it weren’t for you not keeping the door closed like I asked you to—”
“I forgot, Dad. I fucking forgot, okay?”
“Whoa, language. You can yell and express your feelings, but you will not start cursing at me.”
“I’m sorry but you make me so mad sometimes. I’m not perfect. And neither are you, by the way. I can’t be the person you want me to be. I’m going to forget things sometimes. I’m going to mess up. Lenny didn’t have to stop and help me today, but she did—even after what I did to her. She drove around the neighborhood looking for Romeo, and she used her leftover steak and lured him back. It was her idea to get the duck to squeak so he’d hear us. She is the reason Romeo is okay, and you treated her like shit.”
“Language.” I slam my fist on the table. “I know, okay? I know I treated her poorly. But I was mad. And when I get mad, I don’t think straight. I know I’m not perfect, and I don’t expect you to be perfect either. I just need you to think.” I tap my finger against my temple. “I need you to think so that these accidents don’t happen. What if Romeo got hit by a car? What if he attacked someone? What if he was gone for good? I’m the one left to pick up the pieces when your heart breaks, andthat’swhy I’m so hard on you—because I can’t bear to see you hurt.”
