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With that, Coach said his goodbyes and left.
After a menacing scowl at Dad, Mom turned on her heels and marched inside our house.
Scared for Mom to overhear, and march right back out to give a lecture, I whispered to my father, “I didn’t know dads could get in trouble, too.”
That man—covered in leather, tattoos, and weapons—whispered back, just as concerned that little woman would come back outside, “If your road name is gonna be Lynx, be sure to use those ears and eyes, ‘kay? Because, this guy,” he pointed to his own chest, “is in trouble more often than not.”
My jaw dropped! “Road name?”
“Shhh!” Dad muffled laughter, Everleigh bouncing since she was perched on his curled arm. “This is between us men.” He grinned. “I mean, if you think you’re ready for that.” He shrugged. “And a road name.”
Full circle moments… They can really cause long-lasting and profound effects.
The three of us, with three sets of wide grey eyes, quietly entered the house to Mom slamming plates down on the dining table she was setting. The open floorplan had the dining room to our left and the living room in front of us. The kitchen was also to our left, but had a free-standing wall between us. To our right was a hallway that housed a bathroom between mine and Ev’s bedrooms. In the living room, to the left of the door that led outside to the back yard, were the stairs to get to Mom and Dad’s bedroom.
It was a modest home that was perfect for this little family. It was warm, with neutral colors and big windows at the end of the living room that led outside to our impressive back yard.
When Mom peered up from the dining table, we all froze.
Her scowl slightly cracked. “The three of you need to stop looking so cute.” She stomped into the kitchen, disappearing behind the wall.
Dad whispered, “That’s called progress.” Then he dared, “Boy, let me show you how to handle a woman.” With Ev still in his arms, he lifted his chin and hollered, “Babe, what’s for dinner?”
Crash went a glass.
Dad’s whole body cringed.
I peered up. “Should I scratch that lesson from my memory?”
He was already nodding. “For sure.”
In thought, Dad tapped his lips. “Hmm, how to dig out of the hole—I got it.” Again, he lifted his chin and hollered, “Babe, need some help in there?”
Slam went a cabinet door.
Dad peered down at me in question.
I rolled my eyes. “No wonder you’re in trouble. That was a definite no.”
Overexaggerated, his wide shoulders sulked, causing Ev to giggle as she fell forward, looking like a little doll in his immense arms.
Seeming to enjoy her giggle, Dad teased, “What are you laughing at?” while burying his face in her tiny neck.
Her laughter boomed off the walls at the affection. Sadly, the sound reminded me that Dad had cheated on Mom. Not sure how to process all that, and feeling a little angry toward Dad myself, I went to the kitchen.
Mom took one look at me and stopped pouring food from a pot onto a large serving plate. She came to me and gently grabbed my chin to study my eyes. “What’s wrong?” Just then, more of Ev’s laughter echoed, causing me to look to the floor. “Oh,” sighed Mom. “I see.”
“You see what?” asked Dad, now standing partially in the kitchen and dining room.
Mom’s hand moved from my chin to cup my cheek. “It seems some smart young man has noticed his sister has a hair color that doesn’t match his, his mother’s, or his father’s.” Releasing my face, she crossed her arms over her chest and then stared at Dad, making it clear that he is who I was to confront.
Slowly, I faced him, hoping he wouldn’t lie to me.
One look at me, and the man mumbled, “Jesus H. Christ,” while running a hand down his now tense expression. That reaction had me believing he was going to be honest with me, but then the house phone rang. He grabbed the cordless from the wall next to a kitchen cabinet while handing over Everleigh to Mom.
As I watched the exchange, more confusion set in. I had to know… “Who was her mother to you, Dad?”
“Boy, don’t start with me.” Walking away, he placed his phone to his ear. “Talk.”
