Paige met me at the house and we walked in together. Blake was sitting on the couch and I took a seat next her. We went over the day, which was uneventful for my two girls. “How was you day, Daddy,” my daughter asked. “It was easy; Milt ran the store while Kev and I loafed. He’s opening up tomorrow, which should make for another smooth day.” “You’ve got them trained well,” Paige said. “That was the plan all along.” “Michael will be joining The Azalea Medical Clinic, in a few weeks, which wasn’t what he imagined, but it the only realistic opportunity for him now. He doesn’t have the money to open up his own practice, so this is the next best thing,” Paige said. “It’s a job, and he’ll eventually get his own practice,” I replied. “I know, and I’m good with it.” “Milt and Rory cut a four song CD that absolutely rocks,” I said, which caught Blake and Paige by surprise. “What,” my wife asked. “You ought to hear it,” I said. “Okay, throw it in,” my daughter said. I put the CD in the player and turned it up.
Man, these guys jam.
Blake looked at me in horror while Paige listened with apprehension. “My, God, they’re loud,” my wife said. “They rock, baby.” “They’re loud, honey.” “It’s hard rock, there’s no doubt about that,” Paige commented. “You like it,” I asked. “It’s okay, but I like it a little softer,” Paige replied. “This is the kind of music Elmer really likes, but I won’t let him play it in the house because it makes me nervous,” Blake said. “Are you going to make an album like this,” my daughter asked. “I’d like to.” “I think you should keep it mellow,” she suggested. “Why?” “Because you’re so good at that kind of music. I know you can shred, but what’s the point when you can play and sing like you can, Daddy?” “I like hard rock,” I replied. “Then make a hard rock album,” Paige replied. “I’m going to, but just for fun.”
We went out for dinner at a small seafood joint that served great oysters. Paige asked me about the movie, which I hadn’t thought about for the last few days. “I guess Seth has it under control. He said he’ll get up with me when I’m needed.” “Has he’s given up on you slowing down,” my daughter then asked. “I have slowed down, and Blake will tell you that.” “He has, and he’s home earlier and is far more attentive,” my wife replied. “That’s great, Daddy.” “I know what’s important,” I replied. “In fact, next weekend I think I’ll have a picnic at the house and invite some people over. Bring Michael, so I can insult him.” Paige gave me a look of surprise. “Come on, you know I’m just joking.” “I know,” my daughter replied in a shaky voice. “Is everything okay,” I asked. “I won’t be here next weekend, Daddy.” “Where you going?” “To Gatlinburg.” “Oh,” I replied.
She’s going up there with that no good Michael.
“Let me guess: you’re going up there with Michael,” I said. “Yes.” “I see.” “I’m a grown woman, Daddy.” “I know.” I looked at Blake, who obviously knew this before me. “She tell you this, too,” I asked. “Elmer, Paige is a grown woman, so leave it alone.” “Okay, I’m not saying anything.” “We’ve already made love, Daddy, so it’s not like we’re doing anything we haven’t done before,” Paige said in a snippy voice that pissed me off. “So you’re just throwing this in my face and the hell with old Dad,” I replied. “You’re such a hypocrite. You had no trouble going to bed with Mama, and you were a…” Paige stopped, and then got up and went to the restroom.
This sucks.
“I guess my past is an excuse for people to do what he hell they want,” I said. “Will you stop this,” Blake pleaded. “She tells me she’s going away to shack up with Michael, and I’m supposed to give it my approval?” “She wants you to treat her like an adult, Elmer.” “I just concerned,” I replied. “I understand, but you have to let her live her life,” my wife said. “This sucks,” I blurted out. “Paige is a sweet young woman in love with a nice young man, so you should be grateful. She shouldn’t have to worry about this at her age, so lay off and be supportive,” Blake replied.
I guess I have to try a little understanding.
Paige came back and I told her to have a good time. “I’m your father, so I’m supposed to be a pain-in-the-ass,” I said. “I know, Daddy, and I’m so sorry about lashing out at you. I’ve got to watch that,” my daughter replied. “Let’s enjoy the rest of our meal,” I said. “So, what cabin did you rent,” I asked. Paige pulled out a brochure and handed it to Blake. They talked like women talk while I tried to be understanding.
Love, understanding, and shacking up.
