Yours Truly (Post Malone)

12

Austin finally had to leave to go back home. He had work to do for his new album and had to return home for it. I was a bit saddened but it was what it was. Winter also missed Austin as they had grown quite close since he had come to visit. Winter had some of the best times around Austin and didn't want him to leave.

The day after Austin left, I stopped Winter off at school and went back home. I took a nap to prepare for my shift later that night. My parents were coming over to watch Winter as Jay was busy. Winter always liked visiting her grandparents, especially Anmol's parents. They always told stories about her father that she enjoyed listening to. I wondered how she truly felt about Austin being in her life and if she felt as though he was replacing her actual dad.

When I got up from my nap, it was time to get Winter and take her home. On the way home, she was a talkative little girl and was rambling on about her day. She had a fun day that was busy with activities.

"Winter, baby, do you like Austin?" I asked. "He's not here to have his feelings hurt."

Winter took a second to respond. "I like him. He's fun to be around and he's really nice to me. Are you going to keep him around? Because I want him to stay around."

I snorted. "I'll keep him around. He's nice to me as well. I just wanted to ask what your opinion on it was because he's probably going to be around for a bit."

"Good," Winter said. "I have a good feeling about him. I like him enough."

"Enough?" I asked. "What does that mean?"

Winter laughed. "It means that I like him. I want him around. Austin is fun and easy to be around. You remember how I was saying that I wanted a dad?"

"I do remember that," I replied. "Where's this going?"

"I know it's kinda early and you just started dating but if you stay with him, can Austin be my dad?" Winter asked. "My daddy will always be my daddy but Austin can be my dad too. Can I have two dads like that?"

"Of course," I replied. "Anyone can have two dads, whether it be a stepdad, two dads that took them in, or the man they were born to. You have Anmol, who is the man you were born to, and, if possible, Austin can be your stepdad."

"That'd be great," Winter said. "I'd love if that happened."

"I will try my best to make that happen," I said. "Anything for my little girl."

When we got home, my parents were already there. I stayed for a little bit before packing my stuff to leave. I left for work and got there with enough time to spare. It started off as a good shift and it was a night I would be performing. I always liked nights that I performed. We always had more crowds and I got more tips. More money meant more money I could pour into my little girl.

When I got a break, I texted Austin about what Winter had said. I put my phone away, trying not to be on it too much while I was at work. There was always a lot to do at work and I didn't want to be distracted. Besides, I had a performance to do and I wanted to focus on that. I wasn't the nervous kind of person but it was always good to get in the right headspace.

By the time I got up onto the little stage, there was a crowd. They turned their attention to me as I settled down onto the stool with my guitar and microphone. I introduced myself and started playing. I got into the zone and sang away my set. I couldn't think of anything else.

At the end of my performance, the crowd cheered. I thanked them and returned to my spot behind the bar. I checked my phone and saw a message from Austin. He thought it was a good thing that Winter wanted him to stay around and that he promised to stay for the both of us.

I spent the rest of the night working. I returned home late and went straight to bed. I was out like a light. Winter was spending the night with my parents and they had her for most of the next day. They were truly godsends and I wouldn't trade them for anyone else.

I woke up in the late morning to an empty house. I made myself a small meal and sat on the couch, finally looking through my phone. I had a few messages from Austin. He was checking in on Winter and I. He had sent those messages any two hours before I had woken up so I finally responded.

I told him that we were fine and was appreciative of him checking in on us. I loved how much he cared for both of us. I was so worried that he wouldn't get along with Winter or that she wouldn't like him. But they got along like two peas in a pod and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

The day went by and Winter came back in the afternoon. She was dropped off by her grandparents, who spent some time talking with us before they left. I would be spending some time with her before I had to work and Jay came to watch her.

Winter talked about her night over at her grandparents. She had a great night with lots of sweets. Jay would be staying with her for awhile that night while I worked. I hated that I had to leave her with other people while I was at work but a lot of what I did was for her. I wanted the best for my little girl.

Jay arrived to watch Winter and I left to go to work. It was a long day and I was already tired before I had gone to work. I was ready to go well before the shift was over. But I had to work and provide a good life for those around me.