Page 26 of Check You Out

Mags gawks. “But you love it!”

He takes a sip of his diet soda. “Turns out, it was a coping mechanism for the insecurity I’ve been experiencing. Or that’s what my therapist told me.”

I gulp down the rest of my espresso martini. I believe him. His therapist definitely told him that. In fact, I think my therapist told me the same thing.

“I’ve realized that I’m the reason why things are, well—” Dan says once the plates are empty. He turns to me. “Shitty.”

My mouth drops open, and I wonder if I’m dreaming.

He continues, “Would you be willing to work on our relationship?”

I study my father for a moment. I want it. I want us to have a good relationship. I don’t expect us to magically be best friends and play catch next to a cornfield. But it’d be nice to not have a nausea every time I see him.

I want to trust him. I really do. It’s been thirty-two years of constant verbal abuse. Do I open myself up to him and maybe finally have a decent relationship with my father? Do I open myself up to the potential that he’ll revert to his old habits and lash into me because I live with a roommate and can’t afford a place of my own?

“I need time to think about it.” I finally reply. “It’s a lot to process.”

“I understand.” He clasps a hand to my shoulder. “I appreciate you thinking about it.”

I let him hug me when we say our goodbyes. Mags whispers, “I’m proud of you” when she hugs me. She suggests we have our next monthly dinner in Summerville.

I’m alone. Except for the other patrons that are coming in and out. In the now waning late spring light, I step aside from the foot traffic and close my eyes. I tip my head back and breathe in the smell of flowers, fried foods, and beer.

With a sigh, I lower my head and open my eyes. My gaze lands on a person sitting on the bench across the way. Her golden-brown hair is swept back into a loose braid that drapes over her shoulder, and she’s wearing a floral sundress with a deep square neck. Her legs are crossed and she’s frowning at her phone.

As I step towards Charlotte, I can’t help but smile.

My weirdest night ever just turned into my best night ever!

11

Charlotte

I stare at my phone, frowning and mentally kicking myself in the ass for staying this long waiting on some guy. Crunch was supposed to meet me here an hour ago. I’ve called and texted, but I haven’t heard from him. I’m about to call Nicole to complain about yet another failed Hinge date when a voice interrupts me.

“Hey Charlotte!”

I look up, and my frown turns into a smile.

Aidan is walking toward me, his dimples popping. He’s wearing khaki shorts and a wrinkled blue linen button-down shirt with a white T-shirt underneath. A lock of hair falls over his forehead, and he brushes it back with his hand. His legs are especially nice, with curved calf muscles that ripple as he walks.

Who gives a fuck about Crunch when there’s an Aidan?

I delete Hinge right then and there.

“Oh, hey,” I say with genuine warmth. “I certainly didn’t expect to see you here. What are you doing so far from Summerville?”

He jabs a finger toward the restaurant behind us and winces. “Dinner with my parents.”

“Oh,” I muse. “How was it?”

“Interesting,” Aidan says as he sits down. He crosses his legs and shifts to face me.

“What do you mean by interesting?” I ask, an eyebrow popping up.

He sucks in a bit of air and his eyesight travels to the ground. “Can I tell you later? At least until after I can process it?” He lifts his head and his gaze meets mine.

“Sure,” I remark, leaning back against the bench and shoving down my curiosity.