Page 75 of The Love We Deny
This Christmas wasn’t half bad, all things considered.
Chapter 19
“I need to go dress shopping,” Addie announces Monday morning, while I’m sipping my coffee, thankful that I don’t have to get the kids ready for school before work for another week.
“Good morning to you too.”
“Dad. This is serious.” She stops at the island, smacking her hands on the counter to emphasize her point.
“And why do you need to go dress shopping?”
“Prom. Obviously.”
“Prom isn’t for months. You have plenty of time—”
“No. I don’t. If I don’t go early, I’ll lose out on all the good options. Once they sell you a dress, no one else can buy the same one. So I’ll be stuck with a dress no one wanted and—” I watch her over my coffee, letting her ramble about dresses and how her life will be ruined if she has to look ugly in her prom photos and it’s… a lot for six in the morning.
“This is senior prom, Dad. I’ve been dreaming about this since I was five years old.”
“I understand.”
“I need to go today, and I need you to be okay with whatever I pick. No matter how expensive it is.”
I sigh, knowing a losing battle when I see one. “Okay.”
A bright smile spreads across her face instantly. “Ah! Thank you!”
“Let me know when you find the one you want, and we’ll figure out the money.”
She’s up and around the table before I’ve finished my sentence, throwing her arms around me. “I love you, you’re the best!”
She goes back to her side of the table, picking up her phone and calling Emmett, telling him I said yes. I don’t even want to know how expensive this is about to be.
It’ll be fine. I’ll make it work.
“Hey,” Addie says when she hangs up. “You seem less grumpy lately.”
“I’m not grumpy.”
She makes a face that says she disagrees with that statement. “Is it Karen?”
“Yeah,” I say, guilt swimming in my chest at the lie. “Mhm. Karen.”
She nods, satisfied with my answer. “You know, I think I was wrong about her. She’s good for you. Maybe you just needed some time.”
“Mm.”
“Are you seeing her today?”
“I’m meeting her for coffee before work.” That is true, but I don’t tell her I’m meeting with Karen to end our relationship. That would involve explaining why I’m happy all of a sudden. Who I’m going out with.
And one thing’s for certain.
I have no clue how I’m supposed to tell my kids I’m dating their uncle.
“Good,” she says. “You deserve to be happy, Dad.”
Karen and I order our coffee and sit outside, despite the cold. I think I need the fresh air for what I’m about to do. She smileswhen I sit down, her usual easy warmth, and I already hate myself for having to hurt her.
