I wasn't sure how Breigh was going to feel about me speaking my two cents, but if I was going to be around for the long haul, I had things to say. I had hoped she would understand everything I said was in her best interest. If not, she would certainly let me know.
Of that I had no doubt.
Eleven hours later, I walked into the tank to see if Greg was still there and he wasn’t, to my surprise.
I asked Officer Price where he had gone. “Our frequent flyer was picked up by his daughter about five minutes ago. I think this would mark the eighth time since I have been at the station.”
“Eighth?”
“Yes, sir. He can’t get enough of us, I guess.”
“Thanks.”
I texted Breigh to see if I could help with anything;
Wyatt: Hi, Breigh, Are you still around the station?
Breigh: Around the corner at Blue’s. Come join us, if you want. xoxo
BREIGH
Numerous times my phone had rung overnight, and more times than not it was my father. When I got the call last night, I had already crawled into bed and refused to get up to go get him. He had gotten himself in the situation for the umpteenth time, and he could wait until they released him or I could come get him.
He cussed me like he had all the times before and I hung up.
When I got here this morning, his attitude was completely different. They were about to release him, and I asked if I could take him to breakfast.
I loved him but it was time I set things straight. Enough was enough. It was finally okay for me to let him go, even if I had to keep reminding myself that.
We sat at Blue’s and I took control of what he was ordering. “He will have a coffee and water, I’ll have the same.”
“I think I can handle ordering for myself.”
“That might be the only thing you can handle…”
“Did you bring me to breakfast to insult me? Or is that just a bonus? Because if that is the case, I have to find a place to live and need a shower.”
“You’re officially evicted?”
“Yes, not that you care.”
“You know better than that. I care. But I can’t continue to pay your bills. You need to work and you need to stay sober.”
“I don’t NEED the lecture.”
Our beverages were delivered just as he was raising his voice, making the waitress nervous. “Are y'all ready to order?” She asked sweetly with her Texas drawl. It sounded fake to me.
“Breakfast sampler for both of us. Eggs over easy. No sausage for him, double his bacon and put that on my plate, please.”
“What? Now you are monitoring my food?” He spat.
“Thank you.” The waitress smiled and walked off shaking her head.
“I’m paying so I’m ordering you a meal that I know you will eat. Now, if you are done acting like you are two, we need to talk.”
“What now?” He was clearly mentally ten, frozen in time.
Wyatt walked in just as my father was pouring more sugar in his coffee.
“Hi, Breigh…Greg.” He leaned down to kiss me on the cheek and then slid in beside me.
“Perfect timing, Wyatt. I was just about to have a heart-to-heart with my dear old dad here.”
“Why does he need to be here for this? It is bad enough he left me sit in there last night.”
I turned to look at Wyatt and he looked back at me then Greg. “You needed to sober up. I won’t make any apologies for that.”
“Dad, let’s be honest. That was probably the first time you have been sober in weeks. What I can’t figure out is how you even have money to drink…you don't work.”
“I find ways. Can we get on with this?”
“I am drawing a line from this day forward.” I watched as he was observing people in the restaurant, acting as if he wasn't the least bit interested in what I was saying.
“Dad!”
‘WHAT?”
“Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes, you are drawing a line. Again.”
“I will not pay for anything for you. I will not come and get you from whatever place you end up in, be it jail, the curb, etc, don't call me. I am going to be the kid now, in a manner of speaking. I never have been with you, and I’m starting now.”
“You’re telling me, now at age twenty-eight, you are going to act like a kid? That is absurd.”
“What I am telling you is I am not going to be your safety net any longer. I will be the kid and you can be the parent. Don't even think about calling me for anything unless it is to talk, or be kind. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“What you are saying is that you are now with this Galloway and think you are too good for your father.”
“Dad, I was too good for you far before Wyatt. I should never have put up with the abuse you have given me. Grammy tried for years to get me to…”
“Do not bring Helen into this. This has nothing to do with her.”
“It does though. She stepped in to take care of me when you didn’t. She is the one who taught me to be a woman and live life to the fullest.”
“So live it. No one’s stopping you.”
“You act like a big weight on my leg that I can’t shake off. I can’t handle it anymore. I love you, will always love you because you gave me life, but other than that you haven't done anything, in my best interest, for me. If it didn't benefit you in any way or shape, you didn't do it.”
“You don't see things my way.”
“And I never will.”
“Because she isn't selfish,” Wyatt spoke up under his breath. I can’t blame him but it wasn't the time.
I glared at him
