Chapter 33
Daniel
I’m sitting with my dad in his office after closing a business deal, he’s happy but I feel a need to understand the emotions I feel with Anu, who better to ask than the man I know loved my mother deeply.
“Dad, if you had known mom would die young, would you still have married her or walked away?”
Dad leans forward, the wood of his chair creaking, and locks eyes with me.
“I would have married her sooner, instead of wasting as much time as I did.”
Did his answer surprise me? No. I’ve always known how much he loved mom. I once heard him say the only woman to ever get full intimacy from him was her.
“I would have married her the moment I laid eyes on her, so I could have had more memories with her.”
I nod.
“When you have had a love like I had, you count it as a blessing. Every second, minute, hour, week, month and year are cherished. I miss her. I miss my best friend and lover,” he says, leaning back into his chair. I can see the hurt in his eyes.
“I’m sorry I asked.”
“I’m glad you asked.” He pauses, and looks at me closer. “Have you met someone?”
“I think I might have,” I answer.
"You either feel it in your blood, or you don't; there's no room for might."
I agree, my head bobbing in understanding.
“She has sickle cell disease and doesn’t want to get married because of the stress, pain and possibly early death.”
“If you feel it in your blood, I’d say convince her soon and stop wasting time.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I answer, after nodding in agreement.
“When do I get to meet her, and what does she do?”
“Soon, I hope. She’s a music teacher. Specifically, your granddaughter’s music teacher.”
He smiles.
“Music teacher, nice. Got a picture?” He asks excited
Without hesitation, I take my phone out and show him the pictures of Anu.
“Beautiful,” he says. “Quit wasting time and hurry up with my grandchild. I could use more from you. Maggie is not having any more; Sarah, I have no idea what she’s doing.
So, right now, you are my only hope for more grandkids.
” I laugh. My dad can be dramatic. “If needed, I can call her and negotiate on your behalf. What’s her name? ”
“Makayla,” I answer, waiting for what’s next.
“Good, I can call Makayla and make her an offer she can’t refuse.”
I laugh. Nice try, dad!
“I think I can manage on my own, old man,” I smirk.
“Trust the lessons from an old man; there’s a reason why he’s old and still standing.”
“Very funny, dad.” I rise. He’s right; I need to convince Anu soon. “I need to get going if I want to make it to Chicago before she sleeps.” He rises too. I go to give him a hug; that’s one thing my dad and I never stop doing, despite how much we act like we don’t give a fuck. Reality is: we do.
“Safe flight, and please talk to your sister about bringing my granddaughter to visit.”
“I might bring her myself.”
“That would be good, but I do want to see my daughter as well.”
“I’ll try dad, but can’t promise. You know she doesn’t like to fly.”
“Maybe I’ll come to Chicago, then I’ll also get to meet your girl.”
“That would be welcomed,” I say before heading out. I know he’d love her.
On the drive to the airport, I call Anu. She sends an auto response. I check the time and realize she’s teaching. I might not get a call back before I’m in the air.
I decided to text her back.
Me: I’m on my way home and should be there soon.
I called Patrick to update him and Aaron on the closed deal. We finish the conversation by the time I make it to the airport. I see the text from Anu.
Anu: How soon?
I smile, knowing she’s poking me. Instead of replying to her text, I call her.
“Hi, Uncle Dan,” she teases.
“Hi, Princess.”
“How soon are you getting home? I’m committed to informing you that Jacob asked for a date three times this week, and he promised to always be next to me and not fly out of town every week,” she jokingly says.
“Whoa, guess I need to up my game and stay in town before Jacob steals my girl from right under my nose.”
“He said and I quote ‘I’m more committed to you, my lady’.”
I laugh out loud at the ballsy attitude of the boy.
“I think he and I need to talk man to man. If he’s going to be challenging my grounds,” I respond.
“He’s got game, Daniel. Stop hating on him. When are you back? You know I don’t like sleeping in your bed without you, and my bed has piles of clothes that I refuse to fold.”
I chuckle.
“I’m boarding my flight now and should be home in bed with you in about three hours.”’
“I’m setting the alarm for three hours, and if you are not here by then, I’ll take Jacob up on his offer.” I laugh harder
“Consider me noticed, Princess. I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye, Daniel.”
I hang up with her, smiling, realizing that I always end up smiling every time I talk to her.