Page 2 of Band of Brothers - MFMM Menage Romance (Sweet Treats 8)
“Come on, Daddy,” I urge. “What’s the problem? Why are you so upset tonight? Out with it. You’re nit-picking on stuff that doesn’t matter in the long run. I get good grades, and I’m doing my college applications as we speak. Maybe I won’t get into one of the Ivies, but it’s fine. I’ll at least get into Sunnydale Community College, and that’s a good school. They have a lot of programs that look interesting. So what’s up, Owen? Why are you trying to push my buttons today?”
My dad looks down at the table still, and his blue eyes won’t meet mine. But then he sighs again and finally tilts his head my way.
“Sometimes, June, I just don’t know if I’m a good father,” he says slowly. “After your mom left, things were so unclear. I tried to be a stellar parent, but there’s no manual for raising kids. Much less as a single dad to a daughter with an independent streak.”
I shake my head and smile encouragingly while taking his hand in my own.
“But Daddy, of course you’ve been a good father. When Mom left, I barely even noticed her absence. She’d been out of it for so long, and was hardly even living in the house anymore. You did everything, and I’m proud of you, Owen. I’ve turned out fine! You don’t need to worry.”
But my dad still looks unconvinced.
“I’m just not sure,” he begins again.
I nod encouragingly.
“But about what? Spit it out Daddy.”
Owen looks like he’s got the words at the tip of his tongue, but then he shakes his head again.
“I want you to talk to some people,” he begins.
I stare at him with disbelief.
“What? Why? No!”
He holds up one big hand, and his blue eyes are troubled.
“I think it would be for the better, June. You’re a teenage girl, and god knows, but I don’t know my way around adolescent girls. I’d like you to talk to a couple people to get some perspective and guidance.”
I stare at him.
“Okay, but about what? And who were you thinking? You’re not thinking of shipping me off to a mental hospital, are you? You know that psychiatrists are quacks. They’re just looking to prescribe medication, and trust me, Zoloft and Prozac are not miracle pills. You have to address the root causes of your ailments before attempting any medical intervention.”
He shakes his head.
“I know, and I’m not sending you off to see any doctors. But I do know some older girls you could talk to. They might be able to offer some … uh, guidance on womanly issues.”
I squint at him.
“Womanly issues? What is that, pray tell? And you’re not thinking of having me talk to Jane or Rebecca are you? Trust me, I know more than them. Jane is just clueless, and Rebecca’s always floating around in her drama world. I think she’s even more lost than me, to tell you the truth.”
Owen shakes his head uncomfortably again.
“No, not them.” He looks down for a moment, and then looks up with determination. “I belong to a club, June. It’s a very private, discreet club that helped me after my divorce. It’s really only for adults, which is why I never told you about it.”
I stare at him.
“Really? A club? Like the Freemasons or the Rotary Club?”
My dad looks pensive. His handsome features are tense, and his fingers drum a steady beat on the kitchen table.
“Sort of. Well, no not really. You see, this is a particular club that helps long-haul truckers. Most of the members are men, but we also have a contingent of attractive women.”
I stare at him.
“What do you mean, ‘attractive’? Why is that even relevant?”
Owen looks uncomfortable and clears his throat.
“I misspoke, sweetheart. I meant ‘accomplished,’ not attractive. But regardless, the women are well-rounded and very friendly. I’d like for them to talk with you a bit and offer some life advice.”
I stare at him.
“This is not going to go well, Daddy. I don’t need any counseling and I’m perfectly sane. You’re overreacting, Owen, and I don’t even know why. What’s behind all this?”
But my father won’t say. He merely gets up from the table and stands while looking at the ground. My dad is huge and his head seems to block out the light. His features are severe, and his black hair seems even darker than usual. He looks like he’s about to say something, but then shakes his head and changes his mind again.
“It’s nothing you need to worry about, June. Now, I’m going to go hit the gym. I just got back from a long road trip, and it’s time to get some weight-lifting in after all that travel. But be ready, okay? I think I can set up a time for you to speak with some older girls next weekend. Would that work?”