The Affair

46. Billiards and You

I pulled up my jeans and threw on my jersey. I cannot believe I agreed to this. After everything, all that was said, all that was done, I'm going to go see him. I agreed to meet him for a coffee, not because I want to 'rebuild' a relationship but just pure curiosity. As much as Id love to have my Dad in my life, he's never been a good one. I doubt he could change. 

As I  walked toward the cafe, I could see him sitting outside. I recognise his cap anywhere, he's always wearing that thing. I notice he's grown out his beard. He stood as I got closer. 

'Avery' He smiled. I smiled back, weakly. 'You look beautiful' He's forcing kindness, I know, because I literally threw my outfit on and I didn't even brush my hair.

'Thanks'

'Sit, please, did you want a juice?' 

'Sure. Thank you' He ordered himself a coffee and me a juice. He also got us a muffin each, yum.

'Thank you for agreeing to this. I was nervous, I didn't think you would' 

'Curiosity got the best of me, I guess. So.. Whats up, Dad?' 

'You called me Dad' I rolled my eyes, unintentionally. 'I have some news.. We.. Are having a baby' My eyes widened. 

'You're kidding' 

'And we sold the house and in the process of buying a new one'

'Congratulations' 

'I wanted to give you something' He handed me a small box. 'Open it' I opened it.

'Whats this?' 

'The keys to your brand new car' 

'What?' 

'Well, the house sold for a very generous amount. And we, as a family, agreed that we wanted to buy you a brand new car. Ive always wanted to, even when your mother and I were together, I had always wanted to buy you a brand new automobile. I couldn't then so Im making up for that'

'Dad, I can't take this'

'You can and you will..' He pointed over my shoulder. I turned to see a gorgeous black SUV.

'That.. Thats mine?' 

'Thats yours. New model, has all the best specs. I really want you to have it, Avery, please' He looked me in the eyes and I could see guilt behind them. 

'I.. I don't know what to say' 

'Thank you is sufficient enough' I stood up and gave him the biggest hug. I haven't hugged in what feels like decades. I think the last time I did was right after mum passed. 

'I can't believe it. Thank you, Dad. I honestly am lost for words' 

'You deserve it, Avery...' There was a long pause as I looked at my new keys. 'You miss her?' I couldn't even look at him. I know id start crying. I just nodded in response. 'She would be so proud of the women you've become, Avalanche. She always was' Great, here come the tears. 

'I miss her so much' My voice broke. 

'Why don't we go for a test drive. Theres another little gift in there for you' We walked over to the car and it was button unlock, I didn't even need the keys! Im so not use to that. I opened the door and the new car smell hit me in the face. Ahhhh, I love it. The cream leather seats, the screen, its so gorgeous. As I sat inside, I noticed an air freshener hanging of the visor... Oh my gosh. 

'What... Oh my god, Dad' It was a picture of mum, as an air freshener.

'I know its a little lame, but I saw it online and I had too' I cried even more as I hugged him from the seat. 'Now lets see what this baby can do!'