Sin City Baby

“Grant’s back,” he said plainly.

I felt my world tilt as his words permeated my mind. He said it so calmly, like that horrible day all those years ago had never happened. Like he hadn’t thrown Grant out of our home to fend for himself after treating him like total garbage.

I took a deep breath and tried to act like my father’s words had not affected me.

I tried to look like I hadn’t thought about Grant nearly every damn day since he’d walked out of our lives. I tried to look like I hadn’t wondered endlessly where he’d gone, what he’d been doing, and if he’d ever thought about me. I tried, and I failed miserably.

My father narrowed his eyes at me slightly, and I shrugged my shoulders.

“Well, are you ready to go?” I asked, wanting to get as far away from my brother’s house as possible.

The entire evening was an exercise in restraint. My father insisted that he drive, and I resisted the urge to ask the questions swirling around on the tip of my tongue. But the biggest question of all was one I knew would strike up an argument between us.

I still harbored some resentment toward my father for kicking Grant out all those years ago after falsely accusing him of being involved with me. Tonight was not the night to bring it all up.

It didn’t stop me from thinking about it though. “You look great tonight,” my father said, breaking my reverie.

“Thanks, Daddy.”

“You and Ike getting along okay?”

“We are. He’s at my apartment while his gets fumigated.”

“He’s staying in the guest bedroom, right?” he asked.

“Daddy.”

“Sweetheart, you’re my little girl.”

“No, I’m not. I’m twenty-six years old, and I live my own life.”

I avoided my father’s gaze as we continued to dance to the music.

“I know you don’t get along with Ike.”

“No, I don’t,” my father said.

“But he is a nice guy.”

“Nice, but not good.”

“Is there a difference?” I asked.

“There is, sweetheart. A nice guy puts on a front. A good guy doesn’t have to,” he said.

“And what would Ike be putting on a front about?”

“He’s too controlling. The way he talks to you, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

“It’s not unlike how you used to talk to people when you got angry,” I said.

“And I try to watch my tone and not allow it to get out of control anymore.”

“All I’m saying is everyone has their faults. Ike has good qualities too.”

“Hmm. How come I’ve never seen them?” he asked. “You have to stop fighting me on this. Ike’s a good man. We’ve been together a long time.”

“Doesn’t mean he’s right for you.”