She drops the rag in the sink with a grunt, realizing that she had zoned out. The faucet is gleaming, and the Today show has cut to commercial in the background. She picks up her phone, almost dreading the notifications. She'd posted a few months ago that she'd moved back east, but nothing of the divorce. Despite that, people are starting to put two and two together and messaging her one by one to inquire about how she's faring. Last week it was a college professor she'd loved and her ex's old boss, of all people. She takes her coffee to the porch to listen to the birds and opens her phone.
Her coffee sticks in her throat when she sees his name. It's a message request. They're not even Facebook friends. How is that possible? In an instant, she's in their booth, watching him come from the bar victorious with an illegal pitcher and two glasses. She can feel her favorite flannel on her bare shoulders. Putting her cup down, she reads:
I heard you are back. How've you been?
Tears well in her eyes. Her chest tightens. Such an odd mixture of embarrassment and relief. She wishes she were better. When she moved to Oregon junior year, they'd promised to keep in touch. She hadn't. He'd had such high hopes for her. She doesn't know where to begin. Does he know she dropped out of college in that different junior year? Or about the baby? The military marriage? The divorce? She wracks her brain. How much had she told her dad? He certainly is the purveyor of knowledge to her hometown. She hasn't gone to see him. Not that there's a reason to avoid him. He loves her fully, no expectations, only hopes. But she failed. They'd put their eggs in her basket. She had promise, opportunity. She got out of that mining town. She'd been so proud to escape. The prodigal daughter.
After a few failing drafts, she sends one, not much better than the previous six.
I'm good. It's been a long time. I'm coming down to see dad. You still in the area?
She doesn't have to wait long for the reply.
Yep, lol, where else would I be? Want to meet somewhere to catch up?
She doesn't hesitate. It's done. She's going home.
Sure. I'll be there Friday night for the weekend.
Hopefully dad doesn't have plans. She has to call him right away.
Awesome? Bella's on Saturday?
Sounds good.
He leaves his number. They don't chat. That's for Saturday night. There's just been too much. It's been too long.
She takes a deep breath, walks inside to pour herself another cup, and calls the old man.
"Daddy? You got plans for the weekend? "
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