“Dad!” I shouted over him humming the musical part.
He was half swinging me around, half dancing with me, total y ignoring me, and he kept going. He ended the song as usual, on a hug, swaying me side to side and humming the sad saxophone finale.
“Dad,” I whispered again, my cheek pressed against his stubbly one and he stopped swaying and held me close.
“Jet,” he whispered back and tears stung my eyes, a couple leaking out the corners.
We stood that way for a few seconds, holding on to each other and then he pushed me back, stil holding my arms.
“How’d you find me?” I asked, wiping my cheeks.
“Went to that place you used to work. Sweet-talked the old biddy behind the counter into tel ing me where you were. Why’d you give up a cushy job like that?” He was wearing an old army jacket, a t-shirt with a Mack truck on the front, a pair of worn out jeans and construction boots. His graying, sandy blond hair was too long and (if I was honest) a bit dirty. His hazel eyes were dancing, as usual.
I ignored his question.
“What are you doing here?”
“Came to see my girl.” His eyes scanned my face, and then went to my hair.
His hand came up and he yanked the ponytail holder out with a tug. Without looking where it was going, he tossed it over his shoulder. I watched it fly, and, stil watching, saw Eddie’s hand reach out and nab it in midair.
“Shee-it. Your mother gave you a beautiful head of hair, don’t know why you’re always hidin’ it.” He arranged my hair around my face, “Much better.” he said.
“Dad.”
He snatched me in his arms again and gave me a tight squeeze.
“Fuck!” He shouted. “You feel good. Been missin’ my girl.”
When he let me go, Eddie was right there. Indy and Al y were staring at us, not even trying to pretend they weren’t and I didn’t have to turn around to know Tex was watching.
Eddie held out my ponytail holder.
“Thanks Eddie,” I said, taking the band and I could feel the heat coming into my face.
Dad looked between Eddie and me.
“Who’s this? Your boyfriend?”
My lungs froze and my mouth went dry.
Eddie just stood there.
Dad looked between Eddie and me, again.
“Wel ? Are you gonna introduce me?” Dad asked me.
My mind disengaged.
Dad took matters into his own hands.
“I’m Ray McAlister, Jet’s Dad.”
“Eddie Chavez,” Eddie replied and shook Dad’s hand.
Dad nodded and smiled, “Figures. Jet’s always had a thing for our Southern brothers.”
Oh Lord, please save me.