“I assist a lawyer in preparing wills and making sure people have everything finalized how they want them, that their final wishes will be followed through with.”
“Does it get morbid?”
“Not at all.” She takes a sip from her beer in the glass bottle. “I put a lot of pride in knowing I am helping people who are making their final decisions.”
“I’m sure, you having your relationship with your grandmother helped prepare you for that.” She shook her head in agreement.
“Have you been busy too?”
“Yes, and I don't see a slowdown anytime soon. Plus we are shorthanded.”
“I get that. I am one person doing three people’s jobs. I swear I should have been born with six hands.”
“My job is usually a lot of bad news…but I had a call on a baby being abandoned at a hospital. Then another call of the same baby at a fire station…”
“How horrible.”
“Yes, but it turns out the grandmother is going to take the baby in and raise it. I was so happy to hear it. His name is Ashton. Closed case, and a good outcome.”
“That baby will be lucky like me,” she said sweetly.
“So what else has gone on with you?” I asked.
“I hate to bring it up right now. My father… I am so sick of having to discuss him.”
“Go ahead.” I stated.
“Okay, please don’t think any differently of me. I hate I have to do this and have this conversation but I…”
“Breigh?”
“He asked me to go to dinner and he showed up drunk as a skunk. He had said he was going to stay sober and… anyway… he is under the impression you are my ‘boyfriend’ and you are rich…and he was asking me for money.”
Her face looked completely humiliated.
“I wish I could say I was shocked, but I’m not.”
“This doesn't shock you? It does me. I mean, he had asked me for money as soon as I got my first job, but to assume we are a couple and that he can ask me or you for money? He has some nerve. He is so embarrassing! You have no idea what it is like have a father that…”
I reached for her hands and held them both on top of the table. “Breigh, look, I most definitely know what that is like, but just in a different way. Not everyone gets how you and I are. We have worked for everything and they don't see that. I’m used to this, really. All my life, I have been asked for things because people knew who my father was, or knew my last name. No one has ever asked me about why I have always worked like I do, why I moved away from Houston, and why I am the way I am.”
“I know.”
“So first off let’s get this straight. For someone to think you are my girlfriend; I love that. I don't know how you feel about that, but I’m honestly pretty hooked on you. Especially after this chicken-fried steak.” I smiled and winked. “But your dad asking for money, it won’t be the first or last time. He won’t get a penny from me. I work for my money, and I work a lot.”
She listened but didn't comment.
“I can call him and let him know that he doesn't need to come ask you for money…”
“You don't have to do that. I refuse to give him any more money.”
“Well, if he asks again, tell him to call me. He has my card. I’ve given it to him before, but I’m betting he won’t though. He was trying to look for an opportunity to get something for free, which seems to be his MO.”
She bit her lip like she was trying to keep her mouth shut.
“I’m sorry, that wasn't the nicest thing to say.”
“It’s the truth. Wyatt, I know what my father is, but the last part is what scared me. He said he owes some people some money who aren't going to let it go.”
“Has he had that issue before?”
“My father, probably, but it didn't fall on me.”
“Let’s not worry about it tonight. He knows how to contact me at the station and we can go from there. The truth always comes out.”
I didn't tell him that was what I was afraid of, not the truth about me; I had nothing to hide…but my father.
WYATT
I drove up to his single-wide mobile home, knowing Breigh wasn't going to approve of what I was doing. Nevertheless, I had to do it. I had to make a point and put a stop to what he thought was acceptable.
I debated back and forth about talking it over with her before going, but I knew she would be against it for various reasons. The reasons I wanted to do it would be the reasons she didn't want me to do so. She was selfless and would want to make sure I understood she had zero interest in my money. I knew that even before I showed her my home. She was genuine.
Walking up to the home, if you wanted to call it that, I stood outside of the door that was propped open. I knocked on the trim around the door, hoping since his door was open he’d be here.
“Go away!”
Yep, he was here and had his normal extra friendly attitude.
“Greg, come out and talk to me for a minute.” I stepped back and waited for him to come out.
He made his appearance, shirtless, in a pair of jeans that must have been pre-two hundred pounds. His beer gut hung over and the denim barely stayed put on his waist.
“Wyatt, what brings you here?” He looked me up and down, taking in my uniform that he more than likely despised.
“I think you probably know the answer to that.”
“Sorry, I don’t.” He shook his head then rubbed the corner of his forehead. He swayed a little, catching himself.
“I can’t be arrested for being drunk at home,” he stated matter-of-factly.
“I know the law better than you do, Greg,
