Chapter 2- Mystery Woman

I wake up feeling just as exhausted as I felt when I finally drifted off to sleep last night. Today I have a day off and I immediately feel very thankful, because I am struggling to get out of bed this morning. My eyes find there way to the fan circulating above me .

My thoughts begin to drift to the awful scene that happened yesterday at the coffee shop. I feel my face heat up and roll over with a groan. I grab my phone off of the night stand and check the time.

9:30 a.m.

My phone lets out a loud ringing sound and I nearly drop it. I check the call ID and see that my dad is calling. I smile and immediately answer.

Hey dad! what's up? I ask, clearing my throat.

I can practically hear him smiling ,as he responds in a cheerful voice, hey sweetie! sorry if I just woke you, but I want you to come down and have some lunch with me at our usual spot at noon. I have someone that I have to tell you about.

I quickly sit up as curiosity takes over my thoughts. Did he meet someone? yeah ,sure dad. Who are we talking about exactly?

He coughs and I can tell he's nervous. Just someone that I've been interested in. I'll tell you all about her at lunch.

He pauses briefly before continuing.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it before. I didn't know how serious I felt about her. Until a couple of days ago, and I didn't want to bother you about it.

I run my hand through my hair and the corner's of my mouth lift. Dad I'm so happy for you. I was hoping you would meet someone when I left. I'm excited to find out who this mystery lady is!

He must've been holding his breath because he lets out a big sign, I am so glad honey. I don't know why I was so nervous to tell you. It's not like I've actually made a move or anything.

My poor dad always worrying about everyone except himself. I assure him that I will be at Susie's Diner at noon and hang up.

I set my phone down and start to get ready for the day.

At 11:30 am, I am ready to go. I check my appearance in the mirror and feel satisfied with how I look. I decided to keep it simple and threw on my favorite light blue blouse with small white flowers etched into the collar line, and my favorite pair of jeans. I decided to to leave my hair down because it look decent enough as it is.

I grab my bag and say goodbye to fin. He looks up from the corner of my bed, stretches out, and immediately curls back up into a ball, falling asleep. You lucky cat!

When I reached the diner I spot my dad in the window, sitting in our usual spot. We used to coem to this diner every Saturday night consistently for years, and get the same order of burgers and fries. Unfortunately, it's been weeks since we've eaten here together because of my busy work schedule. I feel a little sad thinking about our tradition being broken so many times.

My dad looks out the window as if he knows I'm here, and starts waving at me when he sees me. I wave back and wipe the corner of my eyes before heading in. The host guides me at the table smiling brightly. Hmmm... She must be new, because I've never seen her before.

My dad and I catch up and immediately ease into our usual banter. I almost forget that he told me about the mystery lady, when our server Jebby walks in with a huge grin. Jebby was very beautiful, and you wouldn't think she was anywhere near her early 50's. My dad and I have known Jebby for years. She's always working at this diner, and she's always been our server.

Hey Jeb! My dad said in her cheerful voice.

Jed? hold on a second....

I look at my dad and his face is flushed. Okay , either my dad is getting sick or something is going on here.

Jebby looks down at my dad and I swear there's an electricity that wasn't there a second ago. She breaks eye contact after a couple of seconds, and my dad loudly clears his throat. He immediately hides his face behind the menu, which is odd considering we get the same thing every time. Interesting.

Jebby breaks the brief moment of awkward silence by turning to me, How are you Addison? I feel like its been ages since I've seen you here! I know your dad has been missing you.

My dad was still hiding his face behind the menu as Jebby and I catch up.

I'll just bring up the usual?

I nod and hand her my menu. My dad hands over his and I swear the catch him wink at her. She tucks her hair behind her ear and walks away blushing.

Who would have thought?

Jeggy and My dad might try and deny it but it's obvious what's going on here.

So.... Jebby huh?

My dad chokes on his water and goes into a coughing fit. I know my expression on my face is full of amusement, but I can't help it. He is being so weird about this.

Is it that obvious? He asks after he is finished coughing.

I nod my head and grin. So how long have you two...

His faces goes red, and he scratches the back of his head nervously. Well we haven't gone out or anything.

My eyes widen, Why not? It's about time you started dating again dad! Plus it's obvious that you two like each other.

My dad bites his nails and shakes his head as if he's unsure what to say. Sometime my dad can be the biggest chicken.

Dad! This could be your real chance at finding real love again. Don't you miss having someon to love?

My dad looks up at me and his eyes soften. He seems to be searching my face as if tryin g to figure something out. Surprising me, he balls his hands into fists and grins so wide the lines on his face stand out. You're right baby girl ,I need to do this.

Uh oh... I have no idea what he means by that.

As if on cue, jebby walks back over to our table, this time with our food in her hands. She places our plates loaded with burgers and fries, down onto the table .Well there you go sweetheart can I get you anything else?

I go to shake my hand and thank her when my dad suddenly stands up ,his face still red. He turns to Jebby and grabs a hold of her hands. Jeb, I think you are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. I should've done this ages ago. Will you do me the honor of going on date with me?

My mouth drops open, and I feel a bit uncomfortable as people start to turn in their seats to see what's going on. Jebby eyes widen, and she says nothing as if she's too shocked. I think she might be redder than my dad is.

She doesn't say anything for a long moment, but I'm afraid she is about to reject him, but instead she smiles and hugs him. W-well I mean of course I will! It took you long enough!

Loud clapping rings out all around us. I clap along with them and smile at my dad. He beams at jebby and kisses her cheek. Jebby starts giggling and shoves at his shoulder playfully. I shove a fry in y mouth and look out the window and sigh. Must be nice to experience something like that.

My dad walks me out to my car and pulls me in for a hug. I close my eyes and instantly relax. I needed today so bad. Thanks again baby girl. He pulls back and ruffles up my hair. I laugh at his playful gesture, and smooth my hair back down, It was nothing dad. All you needed was a little push.

He laughs and runs a hand through his dark cropped hair. My dad and I look a lot alike, and I love that. He looks me over and says suddenly, what about you?

Puzzled I ask, What about me?

When are you going to start dating? You are a grown women now, and I think it would be good you to find someone. Someone who can support you ,and love you as much as your old dad does.

I burst out laughing ,good one dad!

My dad's face becomes serious, honey, I mean it. When are you going to start trusting someone other than me? You are never going to be happy if you are always afraid to trust.

I bite my lip and look away almost embarrassed. Memories of hearing my father cry alone in his room at night and trying to hide it the next morning with a smile, flashed in my mind. My mother had abandoned my father and when I was just in elementary school. My father was completely heart broken. I was so hurt and confused when she left and I still have a hard time understanding why. After going through all of that, I've learned that relying on other people won't get you anywhere except probably hurt. If my own mother couldn't stick around, why would anyone else? Honestly, I don't know why my father is so worked up about me meeting someone. I mean I'm perfectly happy by myself.

My father sighs, and leans over, and kissed my forehead. Addison, you know I love you so much. I also know you have a heavy weigh on your shoulders because of me. You don't have to worry about me. Please don't hold yourself down because of your mother's mistakes.

I can feel my eyes sting with tears. I swallow hard and rub my eyes before any tears try and escape. I hug my dad again and he doesn't pull away until I do. I love you dad. You don't know how much I needed to hear that. Thanks for inviting me out today .I missed this.

Anytime baby girl! I'm always here if you need me.

I wave goodbye to my dad as I pull out of the parking lot. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me and it makes me feel hopeful. When I get home I immediately plop myself onto my couch and turn on the tv.

My phone starts buzzing , and I pressed answer without reading the caller ID.

Yes? I sound so bored.

Hey girl! Guess where you and I are going tonight? I smile as soon as I hear Jessica"s voice.

Um, well I don't know about you, but I'll be in bed. I turn off the tv knowing an argument is coming. No is not in her vocabulary.

Jessica's voice raises an octave and I have to move the receiver away from my ear.

Oh no you are not! I'm picking you up at nine for some dancing nd drinks ! you need to stop being a hermit and get yourself out there! I'm going to help find you a real man. One that doesn't have orange fur.

Hey! Don't bring Finn into this! I defend my cat.

She continues to argue, and insist she is coming over .I groan and rub my forehead.

Jess...I really just want to stay home and binge watch movies on netflix. sounds like my kind of night.

Okay one , that sounds so boring, and two, I am not taking no for an answer! Be ready by 8 or you are sooooo dead! I heard the line click off and I panic.

Hello?! Jessica!

I toss my phone onto the couch feeling defeated and kind of pisses. Great... This wonderfully planned evening of sitting in my PJ's and doing absolutely nothing is ruined.

I go into my room and begin rummaging through my closet for something decent to wear. I pulled out one of the only few dresses I own. It's a short black dress and it's the one thing I have that is remotely sexy.

This is such a bad idea. Tonight I am definitely going to need more that one drink if I'm going to survive this night out....