Page 37 of Jag

Chapter Twelve

River

After I closed thedoor, I heard Dom ride off, and I walked toward the kitchen. It was going to take plenty of coffee to deal with the phone call that needed to be made.

With one cup consumed and the cup refilled, I sat on the same stool as last night and picked up my cell.

“Hey, honey. What are you up to?”

“Drinking coffee and talking to you,” I said, and my dad chuckled. I took in the sound because when I got done talking, he wouldn’t be in the best of moods. But the one thing I could always count on with my dad was support. Any anger he showed would be on my behalf.

“Well isn’t it a coincidence that I am drinking coffee and talking to you,” he said, and it was my turn to chuckle.

“Dad, the reason I’m calling is I’ve got a few things to discuss with you.”

“What is going on, River? Has something happened?” The instant concern in his voice was blatant.

“Mother called yesterday evening,” I started from the beginning, and my dad listened without too much commentary. Other than the occasional curse word he let out at different times.

When I finished, he was quiet for a few moments, and I knew he was digesting everything I said.

“I’ll get the restraining order ready for you to sign. That needs to be filed pronto. I’ll go with you on Monday to get it filed. Helps to know the judges in the District Court. As for your mother, honey. She changed after she left here and I’m sorry for her putting you through that. But, River...”

“Yeah, Dad?”

“Proud of you. You should have called me last night, I would have come over. You shouldn’t have been alone, River.”

“I...wasn’t,” I said tentatively. I’d left that tidbit out initially because I wasn’t sure how he would react.

After a short pause, he spoke, “I’m going to ask you something, either yes or no will do. I don’t want to know more. Were you at Dom’s?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I’m happy you weren’t alone. And if it matters to you, I like Dom. But even with that, I’m a dad. When I look at you, I see my little girl.”

“I love you, Dad.” I chuckled.

“Love you too, honey. Hope you have a better day. I gotta get ready for work, but if you need me, call.”