3. Chapter Three
Chapter Three
Lina
I walk up to a high-end sushi restaurant to meet my dad and his new girlfriend, Bristol, whom I’m meeting for the first time. She’s twenty-four, and from what I’ve seen on social media, she uses way too much lip filler and contour. I’d like to say that she’s dating a man twice her age for his money, but my dad is not that well-off. He lives comfortably, owning multiple properties and investments, but he’s no billionaire.
My dad and I just recently reconnected. I’ve had almost no relationship with him most of my life. Once he retired and moved back to Arizona, he wanted to see me. At first, I was apprehensive, but my curiosity to get to know the man who’s my father overpowered my sense of rejection. The last time I saw him, I was two years old. I have no memories of it, and the only proof is an old photo of him hugging me when he was dropped off at the airport after enlisting in the Navy.
The hostess takes me to a table toward the back. It’s casual seating with oversized leather chairs around a low circular table. I’ve never been fond of sushi. Something about eating raw fish and all the potential bacteria still in it grosses me the hell out. And my dad would know if he knew me. But I’m sure Miss Lip-filler suggested it. I’ll probably end up getting something safe, like chicken teriyaki.
I stare over my dad’s shoulder at the tall, thin brunette behind him.
“It’s good to meet you,” Bristol says, leaning across the table for a friendly hug.
I extend my arm to shake her hand instead. Her eyes are wide, possibly expecting a warmer welcome from me.
“You too.” I flash a quick smile and sit down. She and my dad exchange awkward glances before returning to their seats.
“I’m glad we were finally able to do this,” my dad comments.
“Yes. We’ve been trying for a couple of months, right?” Bristol adds, clutching my dad’s arm with both hands. Ugh.
I grimace, swiping sparkling water off the table. I chug it, secretly hoping it’s alcohol but also being let down that it’s not. Is it too early for a martini?
He rubs the tops of his thighs nervously. He wants this to go well. I would like that, too, because I want my dad to be happy, and I’d love for him to finally have a partner. From what I’ve heard, he’s spent most of his life flexing in and out of multiple women. I know he’s never married. I can’t imagine it would be easy to find someone when your life is spent traveling all over the world.
He started dating his current girlfriend over the summer, and apparently, she’s the one. He’s been trying to get me to meet her for some time, but I’ve been avoiding it at all costs. It’s no use getting to know another one of my dad’s girlfriends when she won’t be around long anyway.
I sound like a romance hater, but I’m not. I prefer to think of myself as a realist when it comes to romance .
“So, Bristol, what do you do?” I ask, then shift my attention to the server passing me with a dirty martini on his tray. I grab it, not caring whose table it’s going to. Without turning my attention back to her to hear her answer just as I take in a heavy swig.
“It’s 11 am.” A shocked expression on my dad’s face, watching me down the entire drink. “I thought we could have a nice lunch together?”
“I’m making conversation, aren’t I?” I snap, opening the menu.
Another uncomfortable set of side-eyes between the both of them.
“I, uh,” she stammers, “I just graduated—”
“Like yesterday?”
“Lina,” my dad says my name like a warning.
I don’t care. I have nothing left for my insufferable parents. I love them both, but that doesn’t mean I will pretend to be someone else. I refuse to perform and put on a show for my mother. I’m certainly not going to do it for my father.
“I know it’s a little strange having someone your age date your father, but Brian and I are in love,” she begins. I roll my eyes, but Bristol continues, “Maybe we could get to know each other? Like, have lunch sometime, just us. Your dad said you have a nice little group of friends.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” my dad agrees, rubbing her leg. God, I can’t take this .
At that moment, our server approaches the table. My phone vibrates with a text, but from the corner of my eye, I see my dad and Miss Lip-filler canoodle over the items on the menu.
Avery: We just got the reminder email from the airline about the partner run. Are we doing it again this year?
I forgot about that. I tap out a quick message before the server gets to me.
Me: I’m in. It kicked my butt last year, but seeing all those kids from the children’s hospital cheering us on made my burning ass cheeks more bearable.
Piper: I’ll see if Jack and I can fly down and participate independently.
Bailey: That would be awesome, Piper! And sure, I’ll sign up too.
Me: I’m glad you saw that email. I forgot to sign up when the airline first sent it a few months ago.
Suddenly, the server walks away. I shove my phone back into my purse, ready to get his attention because he seemingly forgot about me.
“We picked a couple of sushi dishes we could share,” my dad tells me, smiling and proud of himself.
Don’t freak out, Lina. I’m an adult. I’m an adult. I repeat to myself before I get upset. But my dad didn’t even ask me what I wanted. They’re assuming that I like sushi. It’s not something everyone eats. The very least they could have done was ask my opinion on it.
“I do think that’s a good idea, Lina. Maybe you and Bristol can spend some time together,” he picks up our conversation as if I didn’t hear them both the first time.
I’m trying so hard, but I’m over this already. I sit straighter in my wide-back chair.
“No, Dad,” I reply sternly. Then I turn to the young woman sitting at his side, rubbing the back of his neck. “Look, I’m sure you’re nice and sweet, but I have no interest in getting to know another of my dad’s young girlfriends.” I shift in my seat again. “I’m not hungry—and I don’t even like sushi.” I fling my napkin on the table. “I’m going to go.”
Blank looks on their faces and in complete silence, they watch me grab my purse from the back of my chair. I’m sure my dad is stunned. He probably doesn’t know what to say, but he doesn’t need to say anything. Nothing is going to change how I feel.
I head to the doors, knowing that I came across as a total bitch, but what does Bristol expect from me? They’ve been seeing each other for what, like a minute ? How can you fall in love with someone that fast? Especially someone like my dad who changes women like he changes clothes—all the fucking time.
“Lina!” I’m almost to my car when I hear my dad’s booming voice behind me, followed by his heavy footsteps. “What was that all about?”
“I have no interest in meeting her, Dad.” I shrug. “I don’t know why you insist on forcing the women you’re dating on me.”
He rubs his chin and lowers his eyes toward the ground, having no clue how to handle these situations with me. What can I expect from him? He’s never been a parent, just like I’ve never had a father. This is new for us, and we’re both navigating it the best way we can.
“I’m not trying to force them on you. I simply want you to be a part of my life,” he says.
“I know, but this isn’t the way.” My eyebrows pinch together, and I fold my arms across my chest.
“I’m sorry if that’s how this is making you feel. I spent a lot of time without you, and I don’t know how to do this,” he admits.
“It’s something we need to learn how to do. Let’s just be in each other’s lives, and that’s it. I don’t need to meet or even have a relationship with everyone you date.” I pause. “No matter how young or old.”
His forehead creases. “Is that what this is about? That I usually date younger women?”
“I think that’s part of it.” A warm breeze whips past my cheeks, blowing a few strands of hair in my face. Annoyed, I aggressively bat them away. “If you want to have a relationship with me, I would love that. Let’s work on that first.”
I love my dad because he’s my dad. But I want to get to know him better. He acts like time hasn’t passed over the last few years since we’ve connected. He is trying to have a relationship with his young daughter that no longer exists. I’ve grown up and need time to adjust.
I’m sensitive to the fact that he’s trying to make up for lost time, but our relationship will look different now than it would have as a child. He doesn't get access to me or have me make him a priority in my life—we have to work toward creating a relationship that works for us. I don’t know what that life looks like. I do know it has nothing to do with anyone else.
My dad raises his palms in the air between us. “Alright. I get it.”
“Thank you.” I feel my body relax. “It’s just a lot sometimes. You’re dating a woman half your age, and mom is dating men who are practically double hers. ”
“Your mom’s boyfriend is in his eighties?”
“He’s like late sixties, but you get the point.” I chuckle uncomfortably. “What’s so wrong with dating people in your own decade?”
He laughs, tracing a line around his mouth. “Fair enough. And I can’t speak for your mother—obviously, but people can’t help who they connect with.”
Why my parents are the way they are is a mystery to me. I can have relationships with people my own age, so why can’t they? And why do I even care? It feels strange, I guess.
“It’s fine. How about we have lunch or dinner with just the two of us in a few weeks? How does that sound?” I say, leaning in for a side hug.
“That sounds great,” his voice is lighter as he pulls me tight. “I’m not perfect, but I am trying.”
“I know, Dad.”
I could have handled that situation better. Those are my feelings, and I do not apologize for them.
My dad and I say our goodbyes, and I’m on my way back home.
Not too long later, I walk through my front door to find my mother and Zoe sitting on the couch, chatting.
“You know, Lina, I could have my interior designer come in here to spruce the place up,” my mother offers condescendingly.
I drop my keys into the bowl by the door. “I like it, thank you, and if I wanted your unsolicited opinions, I’d ask for them,” I spat.
I hear my sister giggle under her breath. She would have been fun to grow up with. I give her a hard time, but I’m glad I get the chance now.
“It’s so bland. Your entire place is monochromatic.” She waves a hand into the air, gesturing around the downstairs living space.
“I enjoy all shades of beige,” I retort.
She bats her extended fake lashes at me. “Why do you never let me help with stuff?”
I push out a heavy exhale. “What is with you and dad today?”
Her upper lip quirks up. “Zoe mentioned you were having lunch with your father.”
“Yeah.” I grab a wineglass from the cupboard and an open cabernet from the fridge. “And he wasn’t alone, as you can imagine.”
“It’s barely noon.” My mother’s voice raises at the end, full of internal judgment.
I lean my back against the counter, pour myself a glass of wine, and take a big sip in front of her. “It’s three o’clock on the east coast.”
“What does three o’clock mean?”
“It means I’m closer to five.”
My sister lets out a belly laugh.
“Whatever, Lina. I shouldn’t be surprised that you live by your own rules. You always have.” She wipes her hand down her wide-leg linen pants before standing. “Will you and the girls be coming to the masquerade ball at the end of the month?”
I nod. My cheeks are full of liquid grapes.
“That’s good,” she says, swinging her branded purse over her shoulder. “We have three memory care facilities that will benefit from the event this year. ”
“That’s great,” I say, walking over to the couch.
“Don’t you come near me with that red wine,” she warns, tucking her purse further into the crook of her underarm. “This bag was more expensive than you know.”
I narrow my eyes. “Give me a break.”
“It is!” she snaps, then turns to my sister. “Ready to go, Zoe?”
“Sure.”
My mom plasters on a fake smile most people can’t see through, but I can. I’ve always been able to. “I’d love for you to come grab a late lunch with us since I’m sure the one you had with your father wasn’t adequate.”
I bring my palm in the air. “No, thanks.”
She shrugs her shoulders. “As you wish.”
When my mom and sister leave, I’m left in precious silence—until a quick vibration of my phone breaks it.
Glancing over, I see the notification is a text from Finn. Finn is my New York hookup.
Finn: When are you back in New York? I miss your body.
Yuck . He can be so over the top sometimes.
I was hooking up with Finn for a few months, while my friend Piper was hooking up with his twin brother Landon. We’d see them every time we flew into the city. They are trust fund babies and love to not only flaunt how much money they have, they like to spend it just as much.
The last I saw him was when Piper and I snuck out of their hotel rooms in the middle of the night a couple of months ago. For our own reasons, we both didn’t end up sleeping with either of them that night.
Finn has reached out a couple of times since then, but he’s usually not interested unless he’s going to get laid.
Me: Hi.
Finn: When are you back? I’m going to make plans for us.
I’m not into it.
Me: I don’t have my schedule on me.
Finn: I’m trying to get us into one of the most exclusive restaurants in New York City. Maybe you could find your schedule?
He’s bribing me to come. I guess we could have dinner, and then I could complain about a stomachache or something. Maybe I’ll say I’m on my period? I haven’t been laid in so long, but perhaps I’ll be in a better headspace by then.
Me: The 15th.
Finn: Fantastic. I’ll see you then. Bring that red lacy lingerie I bought you.
Finn: Never mind. I’m going to buy you new ones.
Me: Okay. Sounds good.
As soon as I fire off that text, I instantly feel guilty. I don’t want to use him for a free dinner or lingerie . Do I, though ? It’s not like I’m playing games with a nice guy who wants a meaningful relationship. He wants to get fucked.
Maybe I don’t feel so bad.