really good, too.”
“A starvin’ artist, huh?” Dad chuckled. “I need you to get wit’ someone who can take care of you.”
“How do you know he can’t?” She winked at her father. He shrugged.
“I guess I just assumed. Usually artists don’t make much.”
“They do if they get with a company for consistent work, or work for themselves and are successful. The days of broke artists is coming to an end, Dad. Things have changed. Technology has assisted, allowing them to sell their work globally and get more exposure. Not only that, most of the New York art community knows who he is and is familiar with his work. He’s already got a leg up.”
“Oh? He’s just that good, huh? Well, that’s excellent. That’s what I like to hear.”
“He’s got an art show coming up. If you want to come, you can. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Some celebrities will be there, too. It’s just that important.”
“Cool, yeah. I’d like to meet him and see what skills he has. You know, I used to draw a little back in the day myself.”
“Stick figures and tic-tac-toe games don’t count.”
Dad burst out laughing and shook his head. Soon, he had to leave for work. He owned a small limousine company and liked to keep close tabs on his crew. She threw her arms around him and he returned the embrace.
“I’m sorry about your day, Suri. I promise it’ll get better. I’m looking forward to meeting your boyfriend. Maybe next week I can take you out to lunch instead, okay?”
“Yes, we can do that. Thank you so much for sitting with me. Talking with me. Being with me.”
“You’re my daughter.” He tossed up his hands. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“I don’t tell you that I love you enough, Dad. I do. Maybe I don’t tell you as a way to try and punish you, on some subconscious level. I don’t deal with things the way I should all the time.” She shrugged, feeling the sting of her eyes from hours of crying. “I think I’m stronger than everyone else, but today reminded me that I’m not. I’m scared to move in with my boyfriend due to my own insecurities.”
“Why?”
“Maybe he’ll see something in me he won’t like… and I’m in love with him, so I know it’ll hurt me if things end badly.” She sighed. “I’m afraid of going to work and getting another call like that, so now, I’m kind of frozen. I’m afraid that my staging business that I’m trying to get off the ground will fail. I hate this. I hate admitting it. I hate feeling it.”
Dad cocked his head to the side and crossed his arms.
“Fear is normal, Suri. You were always braver than me, your mother, and practically anyone else I know. But, it’s fine to admit when you’re scared. That’s life, baby.” he said. “I’m afraid of a lot of shit, too. I’m afraid of true commitment. Even at my old ass age. It’s not cool, I know that. I’ve hurt a lot of women, including your mother. One day, when and if I am ever ready, although it might be too late, I can’t let fear stop me. If you love this man, make the choice that makes sense. You’re not a little kid anymore. You’re beautiful, talented. Resourceful.” She smiled warmly. “I’ve seen your work, Suri. You’re just as good as those people in Home and Garden. Hell, better! You’ve got a real knack for that stuff. Go for it! As far as your job and the bad calls, yeah, there’s going to be more, but I know you can handle it. Just give yourself time.”
He drew her close one last time and kissed her forehead.
“Thank you, Dad. I’ll call you tomorrow.” She opened the door to let him out. As he stood right outside the threshold and she started to close the door, he paused and turned back to face her.
“I wanna tell you that I appreciate you showing me kindness, baby, even when I didn’t deserve it. I wasn’t the best father, but I tried. That’s why I never kept you a secret when I found out your mother was pregnant with you. I’d made a mistake when I cheated on my wife. You were not a mistake though, and I never regretted you. You are the best part of me. All of my children. Y’all are a blessing. I used to always tell you to listen to what I say, not what I do. I know