The Affectionate Player - Part1 (Editing Chapters 32-34)

Chapter 24

Confessions

Emotionally spent and in need of rest I quietly undress and visit the bathroom. It's 11.35pm when I finally turn out the light just as a text arrives from Caitlin. 

U2 hv got it so bad! Sort it, Gracie! He left 20ms ago with ur parents.

Minutes later I hear a knock on the door followed by dad's soothing voice. 

"Gracie, it's me. I'm alone." Opening the door I fall into the comfort of his arms. "There, there bairn, don't cry."

"Oh daddy, this is such a mess," I sob. Stroking my head he soothes me. "I only agreed to go to the party because I thought he wouldn't be there. One minute he wants...  Oh God! Who am I kidding?  I don't know what he wants."

"I know, lass. I know. He's downstairs now itching to come up and talk to you. He wouldnae take no for an answer."

"But it always ends up the same way. He draws me in with his sweet words and the lure of something more between us and I always give in. Look at me!" I plead, clutching my belly. "You see?"

"I'll tell you what I see, lass." Holding me from him like he did when I was a child I wait for my scolding. "I see two people who care deeply about each other who won't take the time to communicate. Love isn't always simple, Gracie. You know I'm not one for gush and romance but I'm telling you, he wouldnae be behaving like this if he didn't care about you. He's risking as much as you. Let him come up, lass."

I stare at my father in disbelief, his observations so accurate and frank for a conventional old-school gent. After a few brief moments of contemplation I agree. The quicker we sort out our emotions, the better we're all going to feel.

"OK. I'll see him."

"Thank God!" I hear Max bellow as he turns the corner of the hallway marching straight passed dad and into my room. "And thank you, Jock."

"I asked you to wait in the bar, Max. Do you ever do what you're told?"

"I'm sorry but I can't wait any longer, Jock. You know this."

"It's fine, daddy. I'll be okay. I'll see you at breakfast."

"You better not hurt my daughter, Max. I'm warning you. I'm not too old to set you straight!"

Great! The two men in my life that I love more than anything are now in danger of squaring up! Closing the door slowly I place my head against it. 

"I'm too tired to argue anymore, Max. I need to rest." Moving to the bed I watch as Max settles in the window seat.

"No more fighting, I promise." Looking anxious his hands move from his hair rubbing his knees repeatedly. "Can I take a shower? I feel icky."

"Help yourself." 

A few minutes later he's back in the room wrapped from the waist down in a fluffy white towel, his shoulders sprinkled with water, his hair damp and tousled. He continues to rub it dry, all the while eyeing me. 

"I thought our talk could wait until tomorrow but clearly that's not going to work."

"Why is that?" 

"Because as is always the case in our relationship, Gracie, outside influences upset the barrel cart. And if we're ever to sleep tonight we need to address our situation. So we'll try it a different way this time. You'll have heard some of this before but please bear with me. I'll start if you don't mind."

"OK. Fire away," I prompt, startled by his need to press on. Sitting on the edge of the window seat he inhales a deep breath before meeting my eyes.