Chapter 17 - Dad Breaks The Rule
I stopped ten feet from my car.
"What are you doing here?"
Dad lifted both hands. "I just wanted to see how it went."
"Then you could have called later."
"I thought maybe we could all get coffee."
I laughed once, stunned.
Mom came out of the building behind me.
She saw Dad.
Her face changed.
"Tom."
"I was trying to help."
She turned to me, not him.
"I didn't know he was coming."
"Okay."
"And I won't go to coffee."
Dad looked hurt. "Carol—"
"She said one session. You are turning it into a reunion because uncertainty makes you uncomfortable."
My mouth actually fell open.
Dad stared at her.
"I thought you'd be happy."
"I would be happy if Rachel trusted me again. That does not mean I get to rush her until I feel better."
For a strange second, I nearly laughed.
"Fine. I made a mistake."
"Yes," I said.
He sighed. "You don't have to sound so satisfied."
There it was.
A tiny jab.
Old habit.
I felt myself tense.
Then Dad caught it too.
He closed his eyes.
"No. Sorry. That was defensive."
Another first.
Accountability without collapse.
Love without possession.
I left alone.
That evening, I showed Evan the business card again.
"I think I might do another session someday."
"Someday is allowed."
A month later, I sent Mom one photo of Lily sitting in a high chair with mashed banana in her hair.
Mom responded with a heart.
Nothing else.
No comment about weight.
No advice.
No question.
I stared at the single heart for a ridiculous amount of time.
Then another message arrived.
Not from Mom.
From Jenna.
Rachel, you need to see what your mom just did at Grandma Ruth's birthday dinner.
May you like
My stomach dropped.
I opened the video.
