Struggles of a Single Father (Book 1 of the Struggle Puff Series)

Chapter 45

Written – 5/21/2020

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October – fourteen-years-old

"So, I'm thinking that if we get a place in Cobb, it'll be harder for anyone to really look for them."

"I agree. My only concern is that because it's a little on the higher end side of town, they'll be uncomfortable."

Jake and I were on the phone for nearly an hour discussing the location of the new café, and we hadn't made a whole lot of progress on it, so imagine my relief when I heard a soft knock at my door, and find my daughter waiting outside of it.

"Jake, I'll have to talk to you about this later."

"Sounds good. I'll drop by the café tomorrow. Bye."

I tossed my phone onto my bed and stared down at Tilisia, somewhat awkwardly.

Could you blame me? We hadn't really spoken outside of a few passing words since the phone call incident. She wasn't kidding when she said she didn't need me anymore.

"So... how's it hanging?" I hated myself for saying that.

"Uh, not so great. How's it... hanging with you?" She was clearly as uncomfortable as I was.

"Same ol' same ol'." I leaned against the door frame and crossed my arms, "Anything I can assist you with?" I couldn't break the awkward cycle for some reason, and it was killing me.

She was the first to break the weird barrier by sighing heavily and slouching, "I need to talk to you. Can I come in?"

I stepped aside and waved her in, "What's going on?"

Once she got situated on the end of my bed, she looked at me in earnest and said something I've rarely ever heard her say.

"I'm sorry." She took a deep breath, "I'm sorry for how I spoke to you that night, how I've been treating you lately, how I've all but ignored you, and how I've basically disregarded your existence. I had every right to be upset, but I had no right to deal with it the way that I did. So, I'm sorry about all that."

I felt relief wash over me at the realization that this would soon be in the past, "It's okay." I sat down next to her, "I owe you an apology too. I haven't really been trying with you either and it's not fair to put the ignoring thing all on you. Neither of us have been handling this well. Honestly, I've been kicking my own ass about that night. I'm sorry for not checking my phone or checking up on you in general."

She laid her head on my shoulder, "It's all good. I just want to put this whole thing behind us."

"You took the words right out of my brain." I placed a kiss on top of her head and let out a breath of relief, "What have you been up to lately?"

"Basically ruining every relationship I have. What about you?"

"The exact opposite. Actually, I'm working on opening a new café." I looked down at her to see her reaction, only to be disappointed by how her nose scrunched up.

"Why?"

"Long story short, I was approached with an opportunity to help people in need with another café." I scratched the back of my neck, "Actually, that doesn't really explain anything. I'll start from the beginning."

From there I regaled her with the tale of what happened during Jake's meeting and how I was pulled into it. The more I spoke, the more her face scrunched up, and by the end of it, she was basically a paper ball.

I rolled my eyes and mentally prepared myself for her upcoming criticism, "Alright, what is it that you don't like about it?"

"I'm so glad you asked." She sat up straight and continued, "The problem is that in your desperate attempt to integrate them back into society, you're actually secluding them by opening up a completely separate café. You're trying to keep your businesses separate when it should be together as to avoid arousing suspicion. If anything, by keeping them in a populated area, they're more likely to feel safe because there's more witnesses to anything that could happen."

"Hm... that makes sense, but what about living places?"

"From what I understand, this lady you met could probably procure a living space for these people, so I say you let her focus on that. As for what you can do for people that feel they need a safe place at night, you take a risk." She bit her lip and leaned back on the palms of her hands.

"Your body language and face tell me that you already know what you think I should do, so spit it out."

"I think that you should make the café a twenty-four/seven place." I felt my mouth gape.

"And you think that's a better idea than just opening a new café?"

"I do. I think it would solve multiple problems for multiple people." She looked up in thought before smiling brightly, "I'll come with you to work tomorrow and I'll show you something that'll convince you."

I returned her smile, but with a raised eyebrow, "And why can't you just tell me now?"

"Because," She hopped off my bed and walked towards the door, "My point will be better made with examples of what I've noticed."

She walked out and closed the door behind her after saying that, leaving me to ponder in my own curiosity.