Chapter 8
You could at least have attended the game, Dad said. His tone was colder than ice cream. And obviously much less sweet.
I looked at him over my coffee cup. Sorry, I had other things to do.
His eyes flashed with anger. Rubie, we talked about this.
I know we did, but?—
What was so important that you missed another game? He slammed his mug down on the table. You know how much this means to me.
I know, I said slowly. Honestly, I wasnt sure what to tell him. I could try the truth, but then hed want to meet Ollie and know all about him. The fact Ollie was a Rapids fan may work in his favour.
Then why? He scowled at the puddle hed left on the table. That was a waste of perfectly good coffee.
On the upside, you have an excuse to go back to Kona to get some more. I smiled brightly.
If there was ever a bad time for me to fly off to Hawaii, this would be it. When the Down Under Bowl is over, I might do that.
Just think, I said, you can get a break from me as well.
If I didnt know better, Id think youre trying to get rid of me. He raised his eyebrows at me.
I raised mine back at him. Why would I want to do that? Its not like we even see each other, even when Im living here. This house was so big we could avoid each other for days if we wanted to.
He shifted in his chair. Actually, thats something I want to talk to you about.
That sounds ominous. I sipped my coffee and lowered my eyebrows. Youre not going to disinherit me are you?
Not exactly, he said.
I placed my cup down on the table and cocked my head at him. Okay, now you have me worried. I knew he was pissed I missed the game, but cutting me off would be extreme.
He looked down at the table. I was thinking when the divorce is final, I might move to Queensland full-time.
I blinked at him. Huh? I thought you just said?—
I did just say that, he said. Once the Rapids win the Down Under Bowl, that will be ticked off my bucket list. After that, it will be time to move on.
Youll be selling the team, I said hopefully.
No, he said slowly. Im looking for someone to take over.
It took a second for me to grasp his meaning. And by someone you mean me? I might need stronger coffee for this conversation. Sometimes I wished I drank alcohol.
Rubie… If you just try. He had that firm set to his jaw that meant he had made up his mind. Nothing I could say or do would change it. I expect you to make an effort. If you dont…
What? I asked, genuinely curious. Hed never threatened to throw me out of the family, or actually cut me off, or any of that shit, but that didnt mean he wouldnt. My trust fund kicks in?—
He shook his head. Rubie, this isnt about money.
Then what is it about? I asked. Football? Me being a responsible adult? I can do that, you know.
I know you can. His voice was terse. I want you to do this because its important to me. Isnt that enough?
I wanted to say no. Not in any universe was his interest in the team enough to make me feel obligated. It shouldnt be.
At the risk of sounding like a spoiled brat…
The look on his face was enough to make me stop for a moment. Is this anything to do with the fact youve never had a son?
Its not too late for that to happen, he pointed out.
I wrinkled my nose. Ewww. I did not want to think about my father having sex, much less getting anyone pregnant.
He reached out for my hand. This is to do with you being my child. Son or daughter, I want someone to take over the team when my time is done.
I sat up straighter. You’re not dying are you? He wasn’t allowed to die. It was against the rules… Or something like that.
That depends, he said, will you do as I ask then? Nothing was wrong with him, he was just being a facetious bastard.
Right now Im trying to think of a reason why I shouldnt kick your ass, I growled. You scared me.
At least I know you care. He leaned over and patted my arm.
Of course I care, I said. Even when youre being a bastard, I still love you.
And even when youre being a spoiled brat, I still love you. He gave me a soft smile.
When is what’s-her-name moving in? I asked.
He evaded my gaze.
What? I watched his expression for a moment. Did you two break up already? I tried not to look too hopeful, but failed miserably. If he wanted to be with someone, I wished hed choose someone his own age.
Not exactly, no. She… She doesnt want to move in here.
And? When he didnt answer, I realised what was going on. Shes the one who wants to move to Queensland, isnt she? What did you do, make it a condition of you being together?
He bristled visibly. I want to do this too. Itll be a fresh start for both of us. You can come and visit.
Well, Im sure as shit not going to live with you both, I said darkly. Will you be selling this place?
I dont know, he admitted.Its a big place. You can move back in and stay here on your own but its probably too big to?—
Yes it is, I snapped. Dont worry about me. I like where I live. For now. Maybe, someday, I could move in with Ollie.
Wait, what? I couldnt believe I even thought that. I barely knew the guy. He probably had a tiny little cozy apartment where wed be falling over each other.
It sounded wonderful.
Rubie— Dad let out a frustrated breath. I cant plan my life around you all the time. Youre an adult.
I couldnt agree more, I said. Maybe I should get a job doing?—
He slammed his fist on the table so hard it made me jump.
Enough, he growled. I havent worked hard all these years just to have you turn your back on it.
You made your money in real estate, I pointed out. Why not give me a job in that?
I can only describe the sound he made as choked out snort.
You want to start selling houses to people? Or buying and renovating houses? Youd give up on the first day, when you chipped a nail.
I would not, I protested. He was partly right though. I wasn’t a contractor or interior designer. Then again, neither was he. He paid people to do that. He chose the buildings and delegated everything to project managers. How hard could it be to learn to do that?
I leaned forward and propped my elbows on the table. Ill tell you what, lets make a bet.
He eyed me with undisguised skepticism.
Yeah, okay Id look at me the same way too. I was clearly up to something.
What kind of bet? he asked carefully. He didn’t get filthy rich by jumping into things blind.
I pretended to consider for a moment. If the Rapids win the Down Under Bowl, Ill take over as owner, I said.
He raised one eyebrow. And if they dont win?
Then you sell them, I said.
He blinked a time or two. You realise I fully expect them to win, right?
Then you have nothing to lose. I shrugged. I didnt want to hope they lost, but… I couldnt finish that thought. Hoping my fathers dreams didn’t come true probably made me a really shitty daughter. That was nothing new.
He looked thoughtful. Okay, Ill take all that, but on one condition.
Whats that? I should have known hed add extra terms of some kind. He was a businessman, he did nothing without getting something in return.
You take an interest in the team, he said simply. Go to games, go to parties, everything an owner would do. By the time we reach the Down Under Bowl youll want them to win.
Fine. It couldnt hurt to take an interest in something Ollie liked. Besides, I liked the hot dogs they sold at Rapids Stadium. Ill play along, as long as you dont expect me to scream myself hoarse at the games. If I was going to scream for anyone, it would be for Ollie.
Deal. Dad held out his hand for me to shake, just like one of his business deals.
I looked him right in the eyes and shook his hand. In the meantime, I might call dibs on a little apartment you have in town. The one beside mine. Unless you have plans for it?
He made a face. You can have it. It’s going to cost me a fortune in remodelling, isnt it?
I smiled. Yes, probably. It didnt need much more than a coat of paint and a change of furniture. Although, if Dad was paying, I might as well get a new kitchen. And maybe a bathroom as well. Maybe Dad would realise I was better suited to that side of his business.
He sighed theatrically. Ill have to sell this place just to pay for that. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Think of it as a labour of love, I said.
Ha, he barked. Its blatant exploitation on your part. I hope you realise Im not going to be organising this for you. Youre on your own.
I wouldnt want it any other way. I looked at him side on for a moment before adding, You dont think I can do it, do you?
You have a long history of not needing to do things for yourself, he said. I blame myself for that.
I cant think who else you would blame, I said facetiously. Unless you blame the staff.
As much as Id like to, I dont think that would be fair to them. He peered into his empty coffee cup.
I think that might be the first time youve actually admitted youre not perfect, I teased.
Dont tell anyone. He waved a finger at me.
I laughed. No one would believe me anyway, I said.
Thats true. He wiggled his eyebrows at me.
Are you sure you can move away from me? I asked. Im going to miss these conversations. The idea made me more than a little sad.
Me too, he admitted. But like I said, you can come and visit. And Ill be here a lot. I wouldnt want to miss the Rapids playing.
I rolled my eyes.
You and that team. Maybe you should marry them. You could live a long and happy life with them in Queensland.
You know how many men there are in the team? he asked. That would get a little crowded. On the other hand, maybe I should introduce you to some of them. They all have good jobs.
I wrinkled my nose. If you call playing a game a job.
I do, he said firmly. They work hard, train hard, play hard, and entertain people. The job is just as legitimate as any other. He gave me a long look before he added, Much more useful than a social media influencer.
Ouch. I pretended to be offended. Wait, I was offended, a little bit anyway. I know its not brain surgery…
No, its not. But I never expected you to be a brain surgeon.
But you hoped? I challenged him to deny it.
You never know when you might need a brain surgeon in the family, he pointed out. Or a mechanic for that matter.
I laughed. Can you imagine me as a mechanic?
No. No I cant. He smiled. One speck of dirt on your hands and youd be out the door.
Im not that fragile, I argued. I suspected if I was, Ollie wouldnt have given me the time of day.
No, youre not, Dad agreed. No daughter of mine would be. If you were… He looked down at the table. I dont think you would have survived being my kid and stayed normal.
Thats the second time youve admitted youre not perfect in only a couple of minutes, I said. But who says Im normal?