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Grayson
Sweat covers my forehead as I finish up replacing the drain plug, tightening it until it’s snug. Tossing the torque wrench to the side, I towel off my face before the sweat runs into my eyes. It’s hot as balls in the grease pit at my dad’s garage.
My mom called me last week to talk about things. When I asked how my dad was, she told me that his leg was stopping him from working. The arthritis in his knee had flared up. I know she would never outright ask, so I offered to go help out on my next day off.
Once I’ve finished the oil change, I strip off my overalls and then head upstairs, where I find my dad at the coffee bar. He finishes pouring cream into his coffee and then takes a hefty gulp.
“Come on, Gray,” he says, nodding in the direction of his office. “Let’s talk in there.”
I’m silent as I follow him out of the inspection bay, watching him limp, his breathing labored. He moves behind his desk and lowers himself into his chair with a grunt.
“Thanks for the help today. I tell your mother all the time not to bug you, but you know how she is. She’s a fixer.”
I take the seat across from my dad hesitantly, stifling a yawn, wishing that I’d poured myself a cup of coffee too. My dad and I never do this. We don’t… talk. I’d rather be anywhere but here right now. I turn into a dick when I’m around my dad at the best of times, but today I’m too tired to even hold a rational conversation. But I’m here for my mom because I know it will make her happy if I spend some time with him.
I didn’t get much sleep last night, tossing and turning after that kiss on Sierra’s porch. I know that we crossed a line, that things won’t be the same between us. If that wasn’t enough to keep me up all night, I still have to figure out how to handle the situation with Blair at work. I can’t let this drag on any longer, I’m going to have to find a way to talk to her tomorrow at the office. I just need to figure out what I’m going to say.
My dad winces as he stretches his legs out with noticeable effort. I look at him from across the desk, noticing the physical similarities between us even though in all other ways we’re worlds apart. His blond hair is a shade darker than mine, his shoulders not quite as wide, but we have the same dark eyes, the same coloring, the same Roman nose.
I can’t even remember the last time I was in a room alone with my dad. I know it has been a long time. And I know it upsets my mom that we’re not closer, that I don’t make more of an effort. She says he’s doing better. He’s off the pills.I promise you, Gray, he’s so much better. He’s changed. He’s not the same person. That’s what she said to me the last time we talked. The thing is, I’ve heard all that many times before, and all those times ended with me feeling let down.
“Gray—” my dad interrupts my thoughts.
“What?” I ask, scrubbing my hands over my face, running on probably four hours sleep. Once I left Sierra’s porch it took me forever to calm down enough to fall back to sleep.
“Late night? You look tired.”
I fight the urge to roll my eyes. He’s one to talk. He always looks tired. Strung out. High, because he usually is. I sigh. This is me being a dick.
“Yeah, late night. But I’m fine. I can stay and help with whatever you need.”
“Well, there’s an oil change that needs to be done on the F150 if you don’t mind. I’ll be able to take it from there.”
“I got it covered,” I answer, pushing my chair back, ready to be done with this conversation.
“Wait—” he says. “How are you, son?”
My chest tightens hearing him call meson. He would always call me that when I was a kid. Back when things were good between us. Now, though, it feels forced, unnatural.
“I’m fine.”
“You just seem… tense. Are you sure there’s nothing you want to talk about? Is something going on at work?”
My dad and I don’t talk. Ever. So I’m confused why he seems to want to start now.
“Everything's fine at work.”
“You seeing anyone?”
“No.”
My answer feels like a lie, even though it’s not. I’m not seeing anyone, but my relationship with Sierra feels likesomethingto me. An uncomfortable feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. I don’t know how to navigate any of this.
“Maybe you should. You know, think about something other than work. Meet somebody special, focus on a relationship rather than the hotel. You used to date… had that girlfriend back in college, and you seemed happy then. You haven’t brought anyone home since.”
This time I do roll my eyes. It just proves how little he knows about me. I wasn’t happy then. The only good that came out of dating Layla was that it taught me that relationships aren’t for me.
“I’m fine, Dad. I don’t need a relationship. I have a normal amount of stress in my life. The same as anyone else.”
