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“You’re amazing, Sam. See you tomorrow!”
I always stop by in the mornings. I just couldn’t start my day without hitting the Smug Bean for my morning java.
Getting back home, the caffeine is just enough for me to push through the bit of tiredness still clinging to me, and I start cooking dinner, knowing full well it’ll take a few hours to get everything ready.
By the time my dad comes home, I’ve made way too much food, and the house smells amazing. Basil and rosemary linger through the air, backed by the deep, rich smell of roasted garlic, done by yours truly, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
“Liv! You outdid yourself. This is the best carbonara you’ve ever made.”
“I didn’t even do anything new! I think you’ve just gone too long without a proper meal. How’re those frozen dinners treating you?”
“Ouch! That’s a low blow. You know I’m busy.”
I laugh. “Sorry, sorry. I know. So, how was work? Did you make your clients lots of money?”
Stuffing another large bite into his mouth, my dad chews hurriedly so he can answer. I just shake my head and enjoy a bit of the pasta for myself.
Dad clears his throat as he finishes chewing. “I did, actually. But that shouldn’t surprise you.”
“Not at all.” I smile, scooping up another bite.
“How’s it going with Noah? My pal treating you okay?”
I almost choke on my food as the vision of the past few nights comes rushing forward in my mind. That’s one way to put it, Dad.
“He’s very nice. It’s going well.” This is way too much for my brain, so I switch gears to Elijah. “His son is amazing. The sweetest kid, and he’s so obsessed with fish. It’s adorable.”
“Oh, that’s great. I know how much you enjoy working with kids, so I was glad you were able to step in and help Noah. He’s going through a lot right now.”
My heart pinches as I remember him telling me about the divorce and the stress.
“Yeah, I can tell the split has been pretty rough.”
“Now, you know I don’t like speaking about something I don’t know firsthand.”
Dad pauses and raises his brows at me. Where is he going with this?
“Yes.”
“Well, that woman is a bitch. She cheated on him with his ex-business partner, and from what Noah’s told me, she’s trying to get every last penny out of him.”
My last bite of pasta goes down like a rock. Oh, shit. That’s what happened?
“Really? Wow, I didn’t know it was that bad. He’s been so tight-lipped about it.”
“Can you blame him?”
“No, I really don’t. Poor Noah. Poor Elijah.”
“Yeah, it’s going to be a tough one to work out. Good thing he has you there to help.”
My mind whirls again, and then my phone buzzes on the table. Checking the notification, I see that my bestie Becca has texted.
She’s asking to grab a coffee and catch up. I message back that I’ll be available tomorrow, early afternoon. That way, I’ll have a few hours before I have to go get Elijah from school.
Becca quickly confirms with a see you then and a grinning emoji.
“Everything good?”
