Darling Rose Gold(32)
Billy feigned a look of horror. “An absolute crime.”
Then he grinned and put his arm up to hail the server. “Let’s exchange numbers, and then we’ll figure out a date when everyone’s free.” He handed me his phone. I typed my name and number in it. He reached for my phone to do the same, but I held on to it and added his information myself. I didn’t want him to see how few numbers I had.
The server dropped off the check. Billy pulled out his credit card. I reached for my wallet, but he waved me off. “This is on me,” he said.
“Are you sure?” I asked. He nodded. I couldn’t help but beam, almost forgot to cover my mouth. This was just like on TV, where dads paid for their families’ meals and all the kids said, “Thanks for dinner, Dad!”
“Thanks for dinner,” I said.
Billy walked me to my car, and I smiled again. He was like King Triton at the end of the movie, after he stopped being so hard on Ariel. I had to make sure he knew I’d forgiven him. He was one of the good guys.
“This was the best day I’ve had in a long time, so thank you,” I said, peeking at him sideways. “And I hope you know I’m not mad at you or anything. Thanks for being so honest,” I finished.
Billy watched me for a while. “I’m glad we’re getting a second chance,” he murmured.
I couldn’t resist. I pulled him into a hug, this time a tighter one. Softly I sniffed him. One more whiff of that dad smell.
He pulled away and held me by the shoulders, his palms damp but strong. Up close, I could see all the wrinkles on his forehead, the stress in his eyes. “We’ll talk soon, okay?”
I nodded, climbed into my car, and waved one more time. “See you soon—Dad!” I waited to see how he’d react.
He stumbled a little when I called his name, but turned and waved back to me with a quick smile before getting into his Camry. I watched his car pull out of the parking lot and drive away. My hands shook against the steering wheel. I couldn’t stop grinning like a dope. Cheesing, she called it. I frowned.
I reached for my phone. One more text.
Me: I did it, I met him! He’s the greatest guy ever. I couldn’t ask for a better dad. I’m going to visit him in Indiana soon!!!
Alex: yay
I opened a new note on my phone, listing all the questions I’d forgotten to ask at Tina’s. I wanted to know everything about my dad. I’d have to space them out, maybe one text per day.
I couldn’t risk scaring him away.
9
Patty
One morning I wake up and decide today will mark my return to society. The good people of Deadwick have been Patty-less for too long, and they need someone to spice up their otherwise tedious lives. Mary might not be ready to forgive me, but the rest of them will be. Besides, it’s been two weeks since I got out of prison, and I haven’t left the house since then. Thanksgiving is next Thursday—a trip to the grocery store is the perfect stage for my resurrection.
My social calendar may be empty, but I’ve made progress on other fronts. I started the Free 2.0 job, I’ve begun decorating the house, and I wrote my old cellmate Alicia the letter I’d promised. Rose Gold even left me home alone with Adam once, although only for twenty minutes. I’m no closer to figuring out what she’s up to.
Sometimes I have to remind myself how patient I am.
In the shower, I realize my legs have turned into Chia Pets and groan. Some people find shaving relaxing, but I am not one of them. Keeping up with body grooming is exhausting. There’re leg shaving, armpit shaving, bikini waxing, eyebrow threading, nail clipping, nail painting, hair dyeing, hair cutting, daily bathing, and an unfortunate patch of peach fuzz around my throat that means neck tweezing. By the time I get through a round of all these chores, it’s time to start over and do them again. Sometimes I want to embrace my inner hippie—be the type of woman not bothered by hair all over her body. Mostly, I wish I were hairless.
After showering, I stand in front of my closet, weighing a few options. I choose my favorite T-shirt. Printed on it in purple lettering is Not a morning person doesn’t begin to cover it. Actually, I am a morning person. I’ve woken up at five thirty every day for the last decade. But a lot of folks find morning people insufferable. Better if I bring myself down to their level.
The house is quiet, humming. Rose Gold left for work hours ago, dropping Adam off at Mary’s on her way. I’ve started trying the doorknob to her bedroom each morning after she leaves. But the door is always locked. Today I try using a bobby pin to pick the lock, but end up breaking the pin. My curiosity swells from an itch to a rash. I want to get inside that room.
I set the task aside for now and bundle up in my heavy winter coat. I decide to walk the twenty minutes to Walsh’s Grocery. Not like I have much choice without a car. I head outside, surprised by the ferocity of the cold.
Most people in Deadwick view the months from November to April as a feat of endurance. I inhale. All the hairs inside my nose feel glued together. Even the houses look cold, driveways empty and living room curtains closed. I stand at the end of our driveway and squint at the Thompsons’ old house, looking for signs of life. Maybe I’ll take a quick peek inside, reassure myself no one’s watching me.
I take small steps across the street until I’ve reached the edge of the abandoned lot. I hesitate, then tell myself not to be ridiculous. Striding across the lawn, I pick my way around the piles of trash. The wind moans, and I pull my jacket tighter around me. I pause before the two stairs leading to the porch, debating whether this is a good idea. The air around me stills, suddenly silent, save for a distant creaking noise. Is it coming from inside the house?