Don't Call Me Daddy

“Nah, I’m going to be up for a while.” I shrug. “You can go if you want.”

I’ll put the ball in her court.

“I do need to finish my drink…” She smiles and sits down.

“Right, because you can’t start walking the straight and narrow until tomorrow.” I chuckle and take another sip.

“You say that like you don’t believe me.” She holds up her hand. “Trust me, almost getting hauled out of your office in handcuffs was enough to scare me straight.”

“The handcuffs weren’t enough to scare you straight when they were actually on your wrists, so pardon me if I am not entirely convinced.” I shrug and take another sip of my whiskey.

“It was different.” She sighs. “Besides, we already had this planned before that happened.”

“Well, let’s hope you don’t have anything else planned.” I nod. “Otherwise, you’ll just have another excuse.”

“No, I have to stop making those.” She sighs again. “Really, I’m not just saying that.”

I detect honesty in what she’s saying, and I’m mostly just teasing her, but I seem to have touched a nerve. Ainsley begins to tell me more about her life in Cedar Grove—growing up with a single mother, always getting in trouble, and ruining things when they are going her way. I can relate to that, but I had a taste of how good it could truly be before I totally fucked everything up. It doesn’t sound like she’s even had the chance yet.

“Self-reflection is a motherfucker.” I look down and nod.

“I’ll drink to that.” She raises her glass.

“We both can.” I lean forward to let my glass lightly tap hers before pulling it back to take a sip.

My buzz is starting to return, but I can’t tell if it is because of the alcohol or the conversation. I’ve been lonely since my divorce—since I realized my family thought I was a huge pile of shit. I haven’t had anyone to talk to. Everyone just wants to forgive, forget, and move on, but it hasn’t been that easy for me.

Now I’m not sure I want her to go. I wasn’t enjoying my downward spiral, but I didn’t know how to stop it. This one conversation isn’t going to save me from rock bottom. I’m just enjoying the company. Joy is such a strange emotion. Maybe it’s just nice to know there’s someone else out there who isn’t living a life filled with sunshine and rainbows.

“That’s it for me. You were right, I should stop with this one.” Ainsley downs the last drop of her whiskey and puts the glass on my desk. “If I have another, I won’t even be able to walk to my hotel.”

“How far is it?” I raise an eyebrow and feel a twinge of concern.

“Not far. Just a few blocks.” She nods.

“This part of the city isn’t bad but walking alone at night is never a good idea.” I look down and sigh. “I’ll go with you.”

“Then you would be walking alone on the way back.” She gives me a side-eyed glance.

“I can handle myself.” I chuckle under my breath.

“Hopefully, I still have a hotel room.” She chews her bottom lip. “My friend may have just checked out and left…”

“I do have a couch.” I motion to the one she’s sitting on.

“Where will you sleep?” she asks.

“I’ve slept on things that are much worse than the floor.” I shrug and pick up my glass. “After a few more of these, I won’t give a shit either way.”

“Can I have another drink if I stay?” Her expression seems to lighten—almost as if the idea of staying the night is more exciting than returning to her hotel.

“Sure, I’ll keep contributing to the delinquency of a minor.” I pick up the bottle and pour some whiskey into her glass.

“Come on, I’m not a minor.” She shakes her head.

No, you’re not. Not with a body like that.

“Legally speaking...” I push the glass toward her.