Can't Have You (#wattys2019)

Part 34

Joe drove to his favorite place and sat down with the bottle of vine thinking how his life changed in a matter of seconds. Before he was living an empty life without love, without thinking he will ever have it all but now all is in the grasp of his hands. "I have a daughter." He whispered and then yelled for the whole world to hear him. After drinking the whole bottle he walked back home but he stopped at Patty's house when he saw her dancing, holding a margerita.

Her hips moved in the way he could almost hear the music throught the thick walls. If he would get to her he would rip her clothes off and take her on the kitchen table just like he did all those times before.

The truth keept hiting him. He was the reason they are not together. He is to blame his daughter is living a life without his dad but he will fix it starting today. Joe looked towards the garden and picked up a bouqet of mix flowers. He grabbed a tie from his pocket and tied it together with a note saying "I love you."

After leaving the flowers at Patty's doormat he walked slowly to Nonna's kitchen to tell her the big news. "Nonna I'm Sofia's father."  He ran in, smile on his lips but was surprised at how calm she was. "Don't tell me you knew?!" He fell down to his knees and cried like he never cried before. "How long have you known?"

Nonna pulled Joe in to a hug but he wiggled out of it. "You knew all this time didn't you." He punched the wall. "Did Monica knew?" He leaned his ferehead to the wall because he already knew what her response will be but when he heard it his world broke apart. Three girls that were the most important in his life lied to him about something so important.

He let the tears fall as he made his way out of Nonna's house. After walking for what seems like forever he sat down on the stairs in front of Patty's front door, falling asleep.

In the morning Joe woke up feeling something licking him. His eyes flew open as he suddenly remembered where he fell asleep. "Hey you." Sofia looked down at her dog Lucifer, who was licking Joe's face. "Lucy loves you." She giggled.

"Hey." He rubbed his eyes looking at his beautifull daughter. Joe was about to open his mouth when he saw Patty looking at him with furrowed eyebrows. "I'm sorry I had nowhere to go." He rubbed his forehead, standing up.

"What are those?" She looked at the flowers sitting by the door. She scanned his eyes and she could tell he was crying. "Joe..."

"Please just take them." He protested, pushing the flowers in to her hands.

Patty giggled. "I will, they are from my garden." She looked at the man who she once loved dearly and she may love still. "You look like crap..."

"Well I know." He protested, lost in his smile.

Patty rolled her eyes. "I was gonna invite you for a coffee if you would shut your mouth." She opened the door for him and Sofia grabbed his hand, dragging him in.