Chapter 11 "I can't get much past you, can I ? " Dad asked. I shook my head and continued eating. He told me that this woman is younger than him and a single mom of five years old. I noticed he, tensed when he said younger." How much younger are we talking? " I asked. I don't think I can handle him dating a twenty- year -old. It would be gross to me." She is thirty-five," Dad told me . So five years older than me. Still a little weird but I will get over it on one condition. "Daddy, does she make you happy ? " I asked. "Yes, princess she does," he said . He was smiling so big. I have only seen him do that, is when he is talking about me. " Tell me about her. And the kid." I told him. He told me how he met her in the cafeteria at the hospital a year ago while waiting for me. Her name is Gena and she is a nurse on the obstetrics floor. He asked her out right away and she turned him down. It took him two months to convince her to go out with him. He didn't meet her son until four months ago because she didn't want to introduce him until she was sure their relationship was serious. I like her already for that. Dad told me about Xavier, Gena's son. I could tell he loved that little boy. "And she knows you have a grown daughter?" I asked. I had to know. "Yes, princess. I have told her all about you. Gena has even gone to the ICU to see you just to know who you are." Dad said. I can see how much he wants me to meet them. But more importantly, I can see how happy he is. "I'll meet them. Set it up." I told him. My dad's face lights up." You will?" he asked. I nodded. "Thank you, princess, " he said looking relieved. "Don't thank me yet. She better not hurt you or she will have to deal with me. " I told him . I wasn't joking. Nobody messes with my daddy and gets away with it. We had just finished eating. Dad was telling me he would get with Gena and tell me when a good time to meet was. He was thinking of having "everyone over for dinner. I could handle that. We were chatting when Merigold came over to our table ." Hey Silvy," she said. I got up and hugged her . Marigold looks at my dad and doesn't look the least bit intimidated. Not surprising considering her husband and brother. " Are you going to introduce me to your friend?" Marigold asked. " Merigold, this is my dad, Tony," I said. I watched as Merigold's eyes get big in shock. I'm used to that reaction. Dad doesn't look his age. "Dad, this is Merigold. I have told you about her a few times. " " Dad? What did you do? Have her when you were twelve? " Merigold asks. We all have a good laugh while Dad and Merigold shake hands. Then she told me a bunch of them are going to the lake today for swimming and a barbecue. "You should come with us." Merigold invited me. I start shaking my head but Dad stops me. "Go have fun with your friends, princess. Soak up some sun and enjoy your day off. I'll call you to come to the house for dinner." he said. I guess I'm going to the lake. I tell Merigold I have to go home to change and pack a bag but I will meet her there. With a goodbye hug from Dad I head home. Chapter Comments 3 Write Comments SHARE 1/1