Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain 4)

“Ha, ha.” I push on her shoulder. “No, I didn’t, even though I’m surprised that didn’t happen.”

Mom laughs softly. “You’ll be fine.”

I hear my daughter laughing as her and my father come into the room. “Pops, you’re tickling me.”

My dad has her over his shoulder, tickling her side. There’s no way my father could ever deny me. I get my red hair, green eyes, and height from him. People always look at him, thinking he was a lumberjack or possibly a mean biker guy. They couldn’t be more wrong. My dad is a huge teddy bear and cries more at movies than I do.

“Sadie,” Mom’s voice is a little firm. “Go wash up for dinner, please.”

Dad puts her down, and she sprints off to the bathroom.

“Hi, Dad.” I stand and hug him.

“Hello.” He hugs me tightly. “I have made a spectacular dinner for us. Let me get it all ready.”

My dad has recently retired, and in doing so has taken up…cooking. He watches all the shows on the Food Network, even takes notes, and then he recreates the meals for us to try. I hate to say it, but I think I’ve gained ten pounds since he started this new hobby.

He comes back out with a pork loin and garlic mashed potatoes. He also brings glasses of red wine for us and cranberry juice for Sadie. Mom begins to tell me what her book club is currently reading as Sadie finally comes back to the table.

“You should read it, Lexie. A self-help book might be what you need to turn your life around.”

“Mom, there’s nothing wrong with my life.”

“Are you dating?” she asks.

“You know I’m not. Plus, that doesn’t define if my life is good or not.” I take a large bite of the potatoes.

“Lexie, we know this, but we’re wondering when you’ll be back out there.” Dad’s voice is concerned, and I know that they mean well.

I look over at Sadie. My baby is almost seven. I haven’t really dated anyone since Tony died. Tiffany set me up on a couple blind dates, but that led to nothing. Maybe I’d try an internet site. Then again, it could pair me with a serial murderer or something nuts like that.

Sadie needs a father figure in her life. Dad does well with her, but I know that having a father is different than a grandfather. It’s not like I don’t want someone in my life either. I would like to have someone to come home to, talk about my day, cook dinner with, but where are all the good guys?

Oh, that’s right: they’re all fictional.

I had my one true love. Now, I’m thirty and ten pounds heavier.

“Lexie?”

“Huh?” I look at my dad.

“I asked if you saw that Bears were in first place.”

I groan. “Don’t remind me. Vegas is three points behind, but it’s only the second week of the season.”

“Reed knows a lot about hockey too,” Sadie chimes into the conversation.

“Reed? Who’s Reed?” Mom looks at her, puzzled.

“He’s my best friend,” she says proudly.

Mom leans over to me. “So, your six-year-old daughter has a boyfriend, and you remain single?”

“Grammy,” Sadie gives her a stern look. “I’m almost seven. My birthday is only a couple months away.”

“My mistake.” Mom winks at her. “And please, tell me what you would like for your birthday?”

“Well, I need more Monster High dolls. I just don’t have enough.” Sadie shakes her head.