Page 47 of Your Pace Or Mine

Her eyes widen with alarm. She knows my dad rarely reaches out. “Something happened to your dad?”

I shake my head. My father is such an absent figure in my life that even him casually messaging me makes people think he’s been in an accident.

“He wants to catch up.”

I can’t remember the last time we spoke. He sends messages once in a while, usually photos of himself with one woman or another, always claiming she’s the love of his life. Sometimes he gives professional updates of whatever accolade he’s received. Since moving to Calgary, he’s been even more distant, which is saying something. I don’t think he has a clue what I do for work. It’s debatable whether he could pick me out of a line-up.

Ashley wrinkles up her nose in distaste. She’s seen me go down this road before. “Oh, does he?”

“That’s what he says now. Tomorrow might be another story.”

Given the nature of our relationship, I shouldn’t be in any hurry to respond, but I reply anyway.

Hey Dad, happy to catch up when you’re available.

To my surprise, I get a response immediately.

Great, I’ll call you later today. Easier to touch base on the phone.

Sure. I’m about to hop on the subway, but I’m around the rest of the day.

Out this early in the morning? Hot date last night?? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Is there a special lady in your life?

I exhale and look up at Ashley. Of course, my father immediately wants to know about my sex life. Gross. We’ve never had a relationship talk besides him once handing me a box of condoms and winking. The last thing I want is to explain Ashley and me, and given that he paid more attention to her than to me when they met at his wedding, I’d prefer to keep the two of them separate forever.

I was out for a run. I’ve joined a running club.

Oh, good for you. Getting healthy and all that. It’s hard work to keep up those Rossi good looks! I’ll call you later.

Bye.

I’m not optimistic that he’ll remember, but at least he tried. Ashley raises an eyebrow, and I realize I’m scowling at the screen.

“What did he want? A kidney?”

She catches me off guard and I laugh. “Wouldn’t put it past him. He wants to talk later.”

“Well, let me know if you need me to send glitter dicks his way. Because I’ll do it.”

I blink a few times. “Is this a thing people do? What does that even mean?”

“Oh sure, you can send envelopes of glitter in all kinds of shapes. I’ve never used it, but needs must.” She smiles darkly. “Are you sticking around?”

“If I say no, will you send me glitter dicks?”

“Those are only for major infractions,” she replies. “But don’t piss me off.”

“Noted.” I pick up my bag. “I do have some work to do today.”

“No worries.”

Ashley walks me to the door. We stand awkwardly for a moment, and I almost move to kiss her. We both lean in, then away, laughing sheepishly.

“Well, bye then.” My voice is so wobbly that I cringe. I wave half-heartedly as I walk down the hall.

I don’t really expect to hear back from my father, but he phones in the afternoon. I take a deep breath before picking up.