Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 330(@200wpm)___ 264(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 330(@200wpm)___ 264(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
“My dad is here.” I clear my throat, and both he and Gia look around. But only Tide focus on the bar, where my father is settling on one of the stools, attempting to get Colton’s attention. When he finally has it, I see him place some cash on the counter, and a moment later, Colton grabs a bottle of bourbon from the top shelf and fills the glass he sat down half full, before looking at Tide and sharing some kind of telepathic conversation.
“It’s okay. He’s always happy when he’s been drinking. I’m sure if he was to come over here right now, you’d think he was your best friend,” I assure Gia, who looks a little nervous, probably expecting some kind of drama after what I just said about my parents’ and my relationship.
“Does he drink a lot?” she asks.
“Yeah.” I press my lips together as he finishes his drink in one gulp and motions for another one, almost tumbling off his stool. When I was younger, I use to get so embarrassed when he would get drunk and act like an idiot. Now, I’m past the point of being embarrassed, and just annoyed he refuses to accept that he has a problem and get help. “I should make sure he has a ride.” Thankfully, he’s never been one to drive drunk, but he has been known to catch a ride with random strangers and end up with his wallet missing or his credit cards stolen and maxed out.
“I’ll go with you.” Tide pushes back from the table. I grab his arm, and when he drops his chin to look at me, I scan his face. I know my dad is all rainbows and sunshine when he’s drinking, but if Tide is pissed, I don’t know how Dad will react to him. “I’m good, babe, promise.”
“Okay.” I let out a breath, then look at Gia when she stands.
“I’m gonna hang with Colton at the bar.”
“Okay.” I leave my drink behind along with my jacket and hold Tide’s hand as we walk across the room. When we reach my dad, he’s sipping on his second drink and staring blankly at the TV on the wall behind the bar that’s playing the highlights from the football game.
“Dad.” I rest my hand on his shoulder, and he spins around to face me, his eyes filling with surprise.
“Aria.” He looks around before meeting my gaze once more. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here with Tide and our friends,” I tell him, and his eyes drop to Tide’s hand that is holding mine firmly, then his head tips back, smiling.
“You’re the new boyfriend.” He laughs, looking at me. “Your mom has been complaining about him nonstop.”
“Dad.” I bite out and he grins.
“I hear you’re going to be attending the fall party.” He sticks out his hand toward Tide. “I don’t know if Aria warned you, but her ex is going to be there.”
“Dad,” I repeat, and he shrugs.
“He should be warned, especially when your mom is involved. She thinks you and Josh are going to get back together.”
“I’m never getting back with Josh. Ever.”
“And I don’t think you should, but your mom isn’t convinced.”
“Anyway.” I shake my head, thinking this conversation is pointless. “We just wanted to see if you need a ride.”
“Not yet. Your mom’s out with a friend, so I’ll wait until she tells me she’s home and head that way.” My stomach turns, and I hold Tide’s hand a little tighter. I grimace as I think about the fact that my mom is probably out with another man right now, and my dad knows about it, but instead of dealing with the situation head-on, he’ll sit here and drink his cares away. “Do you guys want to join me for a drink?”
“No thanks, we’re just about ready to leave.” I shift on my feet, feeling awkward. If I had a normal relationship with my dad, I would kiss his cheek or give him a hug, and tell him I love him, but our relationship is in no way normal, and really, I don’t remember the last time I hugged either of my parents. “Get home safe, Dad, and if you need a ride, you can call me.”
“All right.” He looks disappointed. “I’ll see you two at the party.”
“Yep.” I spin on my heel, seeing Gia and Colton head back toward the table we were sitting at.
When we reach them, I grab my coat and slip it on, glancing at our drinks on the table that were barely touched, and meet Gia’s gaze. “Will you be disappointed if we leave?”
“Not at all,” she says softly, glancing at my father who is still watching us looking disappointed.
“I’ll walk you guys out,” Colton says taking his wife’s hand.
“You okay?” Tide asks me quietly as we walk toward his truck, and I glance up at him.