Just Be True To Me

Chapter 5

Clifford slapped the cap back on the pen after he finished signing the document. He leaned back in his chair and intertwined his fingers behind his head.

His assistant, Nicki, knocked before entering. “This came for you,” she said, tossing the envelope on his desk.

He tore off the right side and pulled the paper out. He sat up straighter as he scanned the words, leaning forward by the time he reached the bottom. His lips pulled back from his teeth as he balled it up. Knowing that Mia wouldn’t accept his calls, he dialed her from his office phone.

“Mia Bishop, speaking.”

“Don’t hang up, please.” He listened to her breathing for a few seconds before continuing. “I got your letter.”

“Good. I’ll email the invoice later this afternoon. It shouldn’t set you back too much.”

“I’m sorry Mia. I didn’t mean—”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” she said. “I’m the one who messed up. I talked to my partner, he’s agreed to take you on.”

“I don’t want him. I mean, I want you. I want to still work with you. I didn’t mean what I said. Your opening statement was terrible, but I know that it had to be for a good reason.” He closed his door and sat on the edge of his desk. “How are you?”

“Never better.”

“I’m about to take a lunch break. Would you mind if I come pick you up? I think it would be better if we talk in person.” The noise coming through the speaker quieted. “You still there? If you’re not available, I’d love to take you—the phone clicked, the dial tone appearing shortly thereafter.

***

“What do you mean he’s on his way to see me,” Mia said. “Mom, you know I don’t want anything to do with him.”

“He’s your father Mia. You can’t avoid him forever. Just sit down and talk to him.”

The thought of seeing her father brought back memories of her conversation with Clifford. She’d panicked when he’d asked about her pain. Tamara was the only one that knew the true cause, and she damn sure wasn’t ready for Clifford to know. Him asking about it was a signal that her façade was beginning to crack, that people could see her, and that was the last thing she needed. Or wanted. Also, talking about the problem made it real.

“Well, when is he supposed to get in town?”

“Hey, baby girl.”

Mia’s mouth dropped open. She turned her head just enough to see him out the corner of her eye. It felt like years has passed since the last time she’d seen him. She didn’t want to move, but her mind willed her feet to turn around. “He’s here. Call you back.”

“That your mom?”

She nodded.

William remained in his spot, the light brightening the reds and pinks in the bouquet he held. “I got you these.” He extended his arm.

“Thank you. They’re nice.” Unable to look at his face, she observed his frame, noticing that he’d lost a few pounds. “I was just about to go to lunch, would you like to join me?” Her tone was professional to ensure that he didn’t confuse the state of their relationship.

“That would be great. As long as you’re not busy.”

“I’m not.” She slid into her jacket and walked past him. I only have to entertain him for half an hour and he’ll be out of my hair. And hopefully my life.

The conversation was light and casual. Both Mia and William did a good job at skating around the issue. William stopped her before she reached into her purse.

“No ma’am. You know I don’t let a woman pay when she’s with me. Especially my daughter.”

No telling how many women that is.

Mia thanked the waiter for taking her plate. She wished she’d chosen a different restaurant, the scenery making it hard to stay mad. The vibrant greens, blues, and reds surrounding her reminded her to be grateful. The restaurant was also one they’d used to frequent when she was younger. She couldn’t help but think of the good times.

“Remember when you dropped your ice cream,” he said. “You cried so hard. You thought it was the end of the world.”

“Mom got mad at you because you bought me another. She said it was a good lesson in taking responsibility for my actions,” she said with a laugh. “I was waiting all day for that ice cream. I spent three whole hours making my room spotless. I couldn’t wait for you to get home.”

“I know. You jumped right into my arms as soon as I came through the door.” William stared across the street. “I taught you how to ride a bike over there. You still owe me a dollar you know.”

“You said you could teach me in an hour. If I remember correctly, it took 32 minutes.”

“You don’t wanna pay up, that’s cool.” His laughter slowed to a giggle before dying off completely.

They attempted to speak at the same time. His nod granted her permission to go first.

“I enjoyed this.”

He smiled. “Maybe we can do it again soon. I’m in town for a while.” He held her hand. “I know things aren’t normal right now and that it’ll take a little while to get back there, but I want to work on it. I’m sorry for hurting you, baby girl.”

All the initial questions she had rushed back into her mind. She settled on the most important one.

“Why?”

“Why what,” he asked.

“Why did you…cheat on…us?” Mia sucked down a good amount of juice to keep her throat from tightening.

Her father’s knuckles wrapped on the table. He squirmed in his chair, his eyes bouncing from place to place. Each time he opened his mouth he closed it without speaking.

“There is no reason,” he finally said. “I knew exactly what I was doing. I knew the consequences but I did it anyway. You didn’t do anything wrong. Your mother didn’t do anything. It was all my fault.” His shoulders dropped as he spoke. “I take full responsibility for my actions. And I know full well the damage they’ve caused. I’ll do whatever I have to, to make it up to you.”