Page 40 of Error Handling
“That’s very 21stcentury of you, Dad.”
“I didn’t do it. Mary did.”
“Let me talk to Mom and I’ll tell you which dinners I’ll be having with you and vice versa. Then Mary can adjust her order. Or leave it the same. It’s not like I eat much.” Especially when I’m anxious because my parents still refuse to get along.
My dad is silent for a moment.
“Fine,” he says, finally. “But she’s not allowed in my beach house.”
“Do you think she’d want to set foot in your beach house?”
“Maybe.”
“Doubt it.”
“Who are you staying with, me or her?”
“I think she expects to stay at my apartment, even though it stinks and it’s barely habitable.” The carpet already smells like wet dog.
“Do you need more money to upgrade your apartment? I told you I can up your monthly stipend.”
He’s offered me more money a few times, and I refused to take it. I don’t think he’ll hold this tremendous outlay of cash against me, but I watched him manipulate my mom during child support and custody battles, so I know he’s capable.
“I’m fine,” I say. “There was a water leak in the kitchen, which ran into the living room, down the front hall, and into the front yard. No biggie.”
And my car is at the Nissan dealership getting a new fuel injector, I add to myself silently, but it’s cool. I don’t need any help.
“Is your landlord taking care of it?” Dad asks.
“He sent someone out last night.”
“I’ll call him and chew off his ear if he doesn’t.”
“Dad, I have it under control.”
It’s not like Idon’thave it under control. I control my phone. At least that’s something. I’ll use it to call Gary as soon as I hang up with my dad.
“Okay. Well. I already scheduled a dolphin tour and sailing, and I rented you a bike.”
I fold my arms on the table and rest my forehead against them. “Can you text me the dates?”
“Those are non-negotiables.”
“I get it.”
“Okay. Well.”
“Are you going to text me?”
“Don’t I have to hang up first?”
“Yes, Dad.” How does my father run a business?
“Okay. Bye.”
I say goodbye and hang up, even more exhausted than before. My dad proves he knows how to text and sends me the times and dates of the activities he planned without my input.
The phone rings again.