He raises his hand. “I’m okay, Lincoln. I’m not going to lie and say it isn’t hard, because it is. It’s taking every ounce of strength I have not to reach in there and pop a top. But that’s not what I want for myself or for Chloe. She deserves better than that from me, especially on a day like today.”
Resting a hand on his shoulder, I squeeze it. “Let’s go stand somewhere else.”
“That’s probably a good idea.”
We walk to the food table. I snag a handful of grapes, and Dad reaches for a cookie.
“If it’s gets to be too much, just say the word, and I’ll get you out of here.”
“Quit worrying about me for once and go enjoy the party. I’ll be fine. Is Chloe here yet?”
“I haven’t seen her. But knowing Chloe, she’s going to make some dramatically late grand entrance.”
Just then a set of arms wraps around me from behind. “You know me too well.” Chloe kisses my cheek and steps back.
“Chloe.” Dad takes a small step forward. “You look great.”
“Thanks.” Her eyes sweep over him. I imagine she’s looking for signs of intoxication, something the both of us have gotten good at spotting over the years. When she doesn’t find any, she looks to me and smiles. “Have you guys been here long?”
“Nope.” I say, popping a grape in my mouth. “Just long enough to say hi to a few people.”
“And raid the food table, I see.”
“Of course. That’s the only reason we’re here. Right, Dad?” I nudge my old man in the arm.
“Speak for yourself, Linc. The food looks good, but I’m here for Chloe.”
Chloe’s eyes widen. Her mouth opens and closes and then opens back up.
“I know you’ve got a lot of people here to spend time with you today, but if you get a second later, I’d love to sit down and catch up.” Dad manages a smile.
Chloe nods, still unable to find her words, and he continues.
“It’s just… I haven’t seen ya in a while and, well, there’s a few things I’d like to say.”
“I’m—” She stammers and looks to me for help, but she isn’t getting any. This is her thing. Her eyes shift back to our father. “I’ve been busy.”
“I know you have,” he says. “Linc told me all about graduating college. I’m real proud of you, Chloe. I always knew you’d do something great with your life.”
“You did?” she asks.
He nods. “Do you have a minute so we can talk?”
“Uh…now isn’t a good time. I need to go thank Rose and Roy for throwing me this wonderful party.”
Dad’s face falls. “I understand. Maybe later.”
“Maybe.” She touches my arm softly and disappears into the growing crowd.
“She’ll come around.”
Dad looks at me. “I’m not so sure. And I can’t say I blame her.” He takes a bite of his cookie.
24
Adley
“There you are,” Chloe says, snagging my arm as soon as I walk through the front door. “I was wondering when you were going to show up. Come with me; I want to introduce you to a few people.”