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Chapter 32
Father Time
Benny, my father, sat on the green park bench and tossed breadcrumbs on the stone pathway. Pigeons flew down to the pebbled path. A breeze blew through his silvery gray hair. A black designer suit draped him.
All my life I wished I had a dad like Benny—strong, kind, powerful, someone who cared.
He’s my dad.
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Last Saturday, Vivian and I took the weave out. My hair now hung a little past my shoulders in a pattern of lovely waves.
“Thank you for coming.” Benny kept his attention on the flock of birds.
“You made it worth my while.” I slumped down next to him and crossed my legs.
“You look nice.” Benny turned to me. “You have a date?”
“Yep.” I smoothed the soft material of my black dress with my hands. I wore silver shoes and jewelry.
“With whom?”
“Gabe.” I shrugged. “He was promoted to executive chef and asked me out to celebrate.”
“Finally.” Benny handed me the brown paper bag with bread in it. “It only took him six or so years.”
I dug my hand in the bag, grabbed a handful of bread, and threw it on the ground. Birds swarmed my way.
“I watched all of you grow up,” Benny said. “All Gabe did was try to get your attention any way he could.”
I handed the bag back to Benny.
He waved it away. “Keep it.”
“Okay.” I gathered more crumbs and tossed them out.
“Where is he taking you?”
“Well, it will be at Lan where he works. The whole restaurant is closed. The owner let him have the kitchen and one waiter to serve us.”
“Are you excited?” Benny smiled.
“Yes. The food will be amazing.” I winked at him.
“And the man?”
“He’s growing on me.” I blushed.
“After six years, he still has no chance.” Benny laughed. “Women.”
I nudged his side. “Hey. I like Gabe. He’s really nice and sweet.”
“Poor guy has no chance.”
Two women ran by, chatting with each other. It reminded me of Vivian and myself.
We hadn’t run in weeks, no matter how many times I tried to drag her out of bed. She’d stayed in her room all day and night for two weeks.
