“Sure. You know I will. How’s he doing today?”
“He’s had better days, but it’s taking its toll on Mum. She’s so tired and drained, I worry she’s going to make herself ill, too.”
“I’m glad you’re here for them.” I wish I could do more for her. Having our girls just doesn’t seem enough. Maybe I should have stayed living at her place until Steve gets here. I could help with the kids, dinner, and other household chores. It was uncomfortable sleeping on her couch, though.
“You should find your dad, Cal.” Priya sighs and draws circles on the mottled laminate worktop.
My eyebrows gather inwards, and the mention of my father makes me lose my appetite. “What for? I don't need that drunk in my life.”
“You said he was always kind to you, just not your mother. He obviously cared for you, Cal.”
“How can I forgive what he did, though?” A dull ache travels through my body, hardening my stomach, remembering how he treated my mother.
“He left, didn't he? Maybe that was his way of doing the right thing.”
I think about what she's saying, and I realise I've done exactly the same thing with Steph. She said I always leave, but in my mind it's always been for the best. The apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“I just don't want you to be in my position and your dad is dying or worse, dead, and it’s too late to reconnect. If you just spoke and allowed yourself to forgive him, it wouldn't weigh so heavy on your heart.”
Priya knows my demons. She knows that’s the reason I was in Australia when we met the first time around. I came looking for my dad. I found him too. Right here in Sydney with his new family. I followed him for a week. I was planning on introducing myself.
He passed me in the street a few times and never recognised me. Why would he when he’d not seen me since I was about seven? Then I saw him playing happy families with his wife and her son. It should have been me he was taking to the football.You hate football.I huff out a breath. That’s not the point.
The timer dings, and I open the oven and pull out the bubbling dish. The spices carry through the air and fill the apartment with the familiar scent of home that Priya’s cooking always gives me.
“I always wondered if it wasn't for your dad. Maybe we would have worked out.”
“We didn't work out, Priya, because your family wouldn't stop interfering.” I serve the curry onto the new plates.
Priya drains the rice. “They wanted me to be married. Was that too much to ask?”
“Yeah, and I fucking proposed, didn't I?”
She turns to me with the pan of rice in her hand. “I would hardly call that a proposal.‘We’ll fucking get engaged to shut them fuckers up.’I think were your exact words.” She mocks them in a deep gruff voice and acts all macho, swinging her arms, pretending to be me.
“I’m sorry, but never do that terrible impression again.” I chuckle at her attempt to mock me.
“If you think that was bad, you should see yourself.” She giggles and serves up the rice.
“Girls, dinner,” I shout, not really sure if they’re in the bedroom or living room.
Livvie comes into the kitchen. “Where are we eating, Dad?”
“The living room. Carry your plates to the coffee table.”
Priya carries her plate through behind the girls and sits on the sofa. I join her, resting the plate on my lap. “This is cosy.”
A little more cosy than I would have liked, but Priya has a way of making the most awkward of situations comfortable. It’s also nice to just be myself with someone who isn’t trying to flirt with me.
“Have you heard from Steve?” The potatoes melt in my mouth and I moan and point to the food in my lap, mumbling, “So good.”
“He’s secured a job at an IT consultancy. He’s working his notice and selling the house. By the end of the month, he should be here.”
“Good. I’m happy for you.” I scoop up another forkful and wish I’d got a spoon.
“Thanks Cal. I have missed him. I was worried that he’d change his mind about coming over. It’s a monumental move, and it’s not for everyone.”
“I’ve only met the bloke once, but it was clear he dotes on you.”