15. Sebastian #2
“Sebastian! How are you, son?” he says in a booming voice the second I answer. He always sounds like he’s holding a press conference.
“Good, and you?” I keep my voice even and brace myself for his typical conversation style, where he provides a lengthy update but fails to ask a single question in return.
“Great. Still hard at work. I switched companies recently, but that’s the market these days. No stability.”
To be honest, I have no idea what my father does.
It may have something to do with oil and gas since he lives in Alberta, but given how rarely we’re in contact, I don’t try to keep track.
He could be in the mob for all I know. I tune out after a few sentences about his recent position, and I’m wondering what to have for dinner when he breaks into my thoughts.
“But you don’t need to know all about my work. What have you been up to?”
I nearly drop the phone. My father usually sees everyone around him as a non-playing character. “I started a tech company with my friend Seth, remember? S- Squared?” The name is silly, but it sounded cool when we came up with it back in university, so we felt loyal to it. “We’re app developers.”
“Oh wow, anything I’ve heard of? I try to keep up with tech developments.”
Sure you do. Dad always has to claim expertise on everything. “Likely not. We’ve got a successful dating app, but it’s aimed at the Toronto market.”
Dad surprises me by chuckling. Of course, the way to get through to him is to mention dating. “Great idea! I myself have used a number of them, so I’m happy to give you my thoughts on what works and what doesn’t.”
Aging men with a half dozen divorces under their belt aren’t our key demographic, but I let him go on.
“Some of them have too many bells and whistles, but I can’t fault them for trying.
It’s so much easier than it used to be. Back in the eighties and nineties, you had to read the personal ads for that kind of thing.
It did work sometimes, but you can’t go wrong with approaching a lovely lady at a bar, can you?
That’s been my method of choice. I met many a woman like that, especially back in those days before online dating was reliable. ”
Just what I always wanted—insight into my father’s sex life when I was a small child. I change the subject quickly. “Is there anything new in your life, Dad?”
“Speaking of ladies, indeed there is!”
Real shocker. I wait for him to continue. “Her name is Aimee, and she’s a massage therapist. Great with her hands, if you know what I mean.”
I do, and I don’t want to. I shudder. “That sounds nice.”
“She’s lovely. You’d love her! Petite and blond, like that one girl you dated. You know the one.”
I freeze. Is it possible he remembers Ashley after all these years? I always figured that whatever’s happening in my life goes in one ear and out the other, but maybe he paid more attention than I’ve given him credit for.
“Great, great.” I don’t know how to keep this going. It’s the longest conversation we’ve had in a decade. “How long have you and Aimee been together?”
“Oh, a month or so. New love! You know how it is, Sebastian.” I get the sense he’d be winking at me if this were a video call, but I suppose it’s nice that he’s talking with me and not at me. “Anyway, I didn’t just call to catch up.”
Is this where he asks me for money, or maybe a spare organ? I take a breath and let it out slowly as I lean back on the couch.
“I’m planning a visit to see you and your sister. It’s been too long! I’ll probably come in April or May. Let’s stay in touch about the details.”
This would be the first visit in many years. Last time, he bought us tickets for a basketball game, then invited some woman he met at his hotel bar, so we only had a drink together. I’ve been burned so many times. Although, this is the first time he’s given more than a few days advance notice.
“Sure,” I answer, unclear how to feel about this whole thing. I don’t want to get ahead of myself and let him spin stories of a bonding trip that won’t materialize. “Listen, Dad, I’ve got some work stuff to do, but I’ll be in touch.”
“Of course. Send me some details on your app so I can take a look.”
“Will do.”
I hang up and stare blankly at the wall.
Having an actual back-and-forth dialogue with my father like we’re both adults was nice—I almost hope we can talk again.
Is this what it’s like to have a real fatherly relationship?
I’m close to my mom, but I have no idea how dads work.
At the very least, I don’t feel a sense of dread at the idea of seeing him, so maybe I’m growing as a person?
No, I’m getting ahead of myself. This is only one conversation.
I shake my head and pour myself a drink.
After talking to my dad, I try to distract myself with work, but I’m soon interrupted by a video chat request from Seth. Despite being concerned this will turn into some sort of wedding planning session, I accept. Diana literally squeals when she sees my face. Oh boy.
“Sebastian! You heard our news.” She holds up her hand. I can’t see the ring she’s waving across the tiny screen.
I paste a grin on my face. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”