Page 32 of Antagonist

Megan gives her dad the most pleading look. He’s dead to the world if he can say no to that face.

“I’ll think about it,” he says.

“So what brings you to Nona’s on a Friday evening? Date night?” I say playfully to change the subject.

“It’s a special day,” Megan says.

“Oh really? Is it your birthday?” I take a guess, knowing I’m probably wrong since her mom isn’t with them.

“No, my doctor said I don’t need to do physical therapy anymore if I do my exercises. They’re boring, but I guess it’s better than therapy,” she grumbles.

“That’s excellent news. Congratulations, Megan.”

“And Mommy has a new boyfriend.”

Harrison nearly spits out his coffee. “Megan!”

She stares at him, confused.

“That’s personal. You can’t go around telling people about our personal life.”

“But if Mommy and Dr. Mike are going out together, then everyone will know.”

I try to bite back my comment, but I can’t resist teasing Harrison. “She has a point. Dr. Mike is very popular with”—I look at the young audience and think about my words—“the unattached female population of Stillwater, and the gossip mill is very healthy.”

“Told you,” Megan says.

Harrison opens his mouth and closes it again. I shrug, and he gives me a semi-murderous look.

“Aw, sweetie pie, you haven’t even thrown a fork at me. I’m growing on you.”

He doesn’t have a chance to reply because Nona comes over with their order.

“Are you coming to the meeting on Wednesday?” I ask, changing the subject again.

“I have a late meeting. I’m not sure,” he says.

I lean forward on the table and wink. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

He almost chokes on the bite he takes off his waffle.

“What if I can’t go?”

“I can call my new best friend…”

“Fine. I might be a little late, but I’ll get there.” The corners of his lips curve slightly. Maybe he’s not as opposed to attending the meeting as he’s making it sound.

I finish the rest of my omelet, which now tastes like cheese, veggies, and victory.

Wednesday can’t come soon enough.

I wonder what’s the likelihood of convincing him to come over to stroke my snake after the meeting.

10

HARRISON

I takea quick glance at the time. I can still finish reading through this separation agreement before heading to the school for the parent meeting.