Married to my Dad’s Best Friend

There are things about her that surprise the hell out of me and things that we have in common. I would never have guessed that she’s huge Boston Bruins hockey fan just like me, and she likes the New York Giants, just like me as well. Suddenly she’s hotter than ever before. A girly girl and a tom boy all wrapped up into one. There’s nothing sexier than that.

It’s all the things a husband should know about a wife and I’m soaking up every bit of information.

She seems surprised that I would rather spend a day lying around on the beach eating street tacos than dining in Michelin starred restaurants, and that the only lavish thing I own is my car. I live in a pretty modest home even though I could afford something much more ostentatious, but that’s just not me. I prefer comfort over elaborate luxury.

By the end of lunch my face hurts from smiling so much. I can’t remember the last time—if there was ever a time—I enjoyed the company of a woman this much. And it turns out sports are not the only things we have in common. The longer we sit here getting to know each other, the more I love about her. There’s no denying our compatibility.

“It sounds like we’re a perfect match for each other,” I say.

“It does, doesn’t it?”

She blushes and smiles beautifully. I wish we could stay here and talk forever. But there’s so much to get done before Mr. Sapline gets to the office.

7

Savanna

I can’t believe how much Lonnie and I have in common. I knew we got along well when I was younger, but I had no idea just how much we are alike. I wonder if I’m this way because of his influence growing up. We must have watched sports together at my parents’ house when I was younger. I know I didn’t get that from my father. We’re just so perfect for each other. We could be great if it wasn’t for my parents and this giant secret between us.

The next evening I pull into the driveway of my mom and dad’s house. I park and take the ring off my finger, leaving it in the center consul of my car. I really don’t want to take it off. I love the feel of it on my finger and it already feels comfortable there. I feel naked without it.

My dad had asked me to come to dinner to catch up when he’d stopped at the firm. I’m sure they just want to grill me about my job with Lonnie. I don’t want to tell them too many details before they tell me why they all had a falling out all those years ago. I really can’t imagine the cause of the rift at all. Right now, all I want is to get through this evening together. The less drama, the better.

I go up the stairs to the mansion I grew up in. When I was younger, I never thought much of it. It was just home to me. Then I moved into a cramped apartment with roommates and I started to really recognize the privilege I had. Now the place seems massive. Too much house for only two people.

When I get into the house, I toss my keys and purse onto the small table next to the door and make my way into the dining room where I know they’ll be waiting for me. I’m ten minutes late and they are sticklers for punctuality. My dad will give me a lecture all about making good impressions. I can recite it in my head already: “Savanna, you don’t want to be the lawyer the judge remembers as the one who walked into chambers ten minutes after everyone else. Impressions matter, Savanna.”

I turn the corner into the dining room and freeze. Because sitting at the table, with my mom and dad, is Lonnie. Why didn’t he tell me he was coming over for dinner? Why didn’t my parents mention it? If they had, I would’ve dressed up a bit rather than throwing on this stretched out sweater and old worn-out jeans. He looks a little surprised to see me too. He, like always, is dressed very elegantly. Not a full suit and tie like at work, but he still wears a sports coat with a crisp button-down shirt. The top button is casually left undone. I guess, like my dad, that’s his version of casual. Always the professional.

My mom stands up from the impeccable table treatment. She’s wearing pearls and a casual dress with sensible heels. She’s pulled out the good china and gold table runner that she only uses for special occasions. And here I thought we were just having a simple meal. I guess with Lonnie here they feel the need to impress.