Cam needs space.
Cam leaves.
Dad tips his chin toward my bracelet. “I like it. It’s…fitting.”
I want to ask him how. Would he answer if I did? He could just be making polite conversation. It’s foreign for us, but he’s trying. At least he’s doing what Kaiden can’t.
I swallow. “I love it.”
I love her.
“I know you do,” he whispers.
I shift on my feet.
“Your hair looks good.” His compliment surprises me. “It makes you look older.”
Does he think I look like Mama too?
“Thank you.”
My voice is quiet as I toy with my shirt sleeve, unsure of what to say. We haven’t talked, really talked, at all. We would exchange tiny conversations and basic pleasantries like I’m his coworker rather than his daughter.
I never minded it.
Maybe I should.
“Do you do stuff with Kaiden?”
His brows arch wide on his forehead.
Clearing my throat, I rub my wrist. “I think it might be good for him. Cam and I had fun and it didn’t take much. Maybe you and him…”
I have no suggestions. I don’t know what Dad likes or what Kaiden does. In fact, I’m sure they share no common interests. But maybe what Kaiden needs is somebody to fill a void. Dad is by no means a model of the perfect father figure, but he could be.
He could…change.
Maybe.
“I haven’t considered it.”
“Why?”
He’s at a loss for words.
Not surprising.
“I think he needs…” Someone. I blow out a tiny breath and shrug. “Never mind. I’m not sure what he needs.”
Dad sits back and looks like he’s considering what I’m saying. “You two could be good for each other. I know he’s not your sister…” My heart stops. “…but he’s the same age. I’m sure you share more common interests than he and I do.”
Is he suggesting I hang out with him? I’m not sure he understands where I’m coming from. Either that, or he doesn’t want to play the father figure to anyone.
Jaw ticking with irritation, I avoid eye contact. “Everyone needs a parent to be in their corner. I’m not saying Cam isn’t, but maybe he’ll be more apt if someone else is until he gets over whatever it is he’s—”
A door slamming startles me from finishing.
Kaiden.