Emperor of Destruction [EDITING]

xlvi.

XLVI

I hand the menu to the waiter and he leaves, promising to return with our beverages and appetizers.

"That bracelet looks beautiful on you. Your old man has some taste."

I grin at him over the table. "Yes, you do." I say, admiring my silver bracelet that he bought during our journey downtown.

We decided to get off our feets for a bit and get something to eat at a nearby restaurant. After walking the entire day my feet started to become sore. It was my idea to rest for a bit.

Spending the day with my dad was something I looked forward to my whole life after I left. After we took a painting class, we opted for hiking and ended up standing above the most beautiful view. After that, we walked around and I met some of his friends.

It's now 7pm. Safe to say I'm exhausted for another two years.

Our food comes and we dig in. Dad's stuffing his face with steak and downing it with red wine when I decide to speak up and ruin his peace. "Would you want to come back to New York with me?"

He nearly choked on his food, his hand slamming on the table. I immediately rush to his side and offer him my support by patting his back and offering him a napkin to spit in. He shakes his head. "I'm fine, princess."

I return to my seat. "I'm sorry for blurting out that question." I offer him an apologetic look. "It was extremely inconsiderate of me. You have a life here just like I have a life in New york, and-"

"I want to go." He says.

My eyes light up. "Really? I can have Silas-"

He stops me with a hand. "What I mean, Autumn, is that even though I want to fly back with you and be in my daughter's life again, I can't."

My mouth opens then closes and opens again, and I nod trying to feign my happiness for him. "I understand."

"I would have no place to go even if I do come with you."

"I could get you an apartment close to Darlington, that way I can see you everyday and you could come visit me."

He fixes his suit, then stops and looks at me. "You have no money for that."

I rolled my eyes at his dull tone. You didn't have to sound like I was thousands of dollars in debt. "I can't but Silas can." I continued. "I don't think he'll mind it at all."

Dad's brows slightly furrow at the thought that he'll be accepting money from Silas, but nevertheless nods. "Give me time to think about it, sweetheart." He nods at the food. "Until then let's enjoy this wonderful meal."

We converse in light conversion as we eat, laughing as we reminisce about the old and good times.

An hour passes before we end up leaving. We nearly fall as we leave the restaurant. By we, I really meant Dad. He was drunk to the point he could barely walk.