CHAPTER FOUR

EDWARD

      This was not how I had imagined the day to turn out for us. This day was supposed to be enjoyable for Anna. A father and daughter moment but Instead, it began with tears. I was one second away from getting the hell out of this place but stopped when Anna nodded to a milkshake Steph who turned out to be a waitress and not a kid offered. 

It is difficult to believe that in today’s world people would lift a finger for someone unless it is serving some ulterior motives of their own. 

Could be depressing, seeing things from my own perspective but I deemed it advisable. That is how things work in the real world, one works their way up the ladder and stays on top of their business.

My thoughts were interrupted when I saw her walking up to us. “A Strawberry milkshake for the pretty girl!” She stopped before us and most dramatically placed the glass in front of Anna who in turn giggled.

“Steph, This is my daddy.” Anna grabbed my hand and beamed at her. I supposed that was my cue to introduce myself.

“Edward Dan.” I stuck my hand out and noticed her look at it. There was this split second of contemplation in her crystal blue eyes before she overcame it and brought her hand forward.

“Stephanie Smith.” So she really was the ‘Steph’ Anna was bestfriends with? She passed a polite smile while taking my hand. I stared at her hand and was irked at how perfectly it fit in mine.

Retracting my hand, I gulped down my annoyance. I didn't trust her “You were defending my daughter out there. You were risking your job.” I slightly tilted my head, awaiting an answer.

“That woman was clearly crossing her limit, I would have given her more if I wasn't in this place” Her face contorted a bit in annoyance before she exhaled and the small smile was back on her face. “Would you like to order?”

“A black coffee.” She nodded and took her leave. Leaning back in my seat, I watched her retreat until she was out of my sight. She might definitely be doing all she does for Anna because she loved her, nothing more. I needed to get to know people more now.

I shifted my gaze to Anna who was enjoying her milkshake. It was not long before she started talking about how Stephenie’s milkshakes could bring happiness to one’s life. This girl will be the death of me. 

Soon, Steph returned with my coffee and a box of cupcakes. Did I ask for that too?

She dropped the cup of coffee in front of me and turned to Anna who was staring at the box like it was a gem. Stephenie offered her and she picked one taking a bite and moaned with delight. Something she does whenever she’s eating something nice.

“Strawberry flavor?”, she asked with a lot of enthusiasm. Stephanie chuckled and nodded.

“See, I have a very best friend! I told you daddy” I chuckled at her choice of words so did Stephanie who looked excited. She ruffled Anna’s hair and whispered something in her ear which made Anna giggle. She glanced at me for a few seconds and took her leave.

She must be very close to Anna because Anna does not take things from anyone to eat. 

When Anna was done we headed back home. The moment we walked in through the door Anna left my side, walking her way to Emma.

“Did you and Daddy have fun at Treats?”, she asked, bringing in a lot of enthusiasm in her words.

“ A lot of fun! Stephenie gave me a whole box of cupcakes but a lady yelled at me” I drawled to which Anna seemed to take no notice of. Emma on the other hand raised a brow at me. “What happened?”

There couldn’t have been a more appropriate timing for my phone to ring and interrupt us, saving me the trouble of engaging in an otherwise long conversation. I however was less amused the second I saw the name flashing on my screen.

“Anna will fill you in.” I excused myself and walked out to my study and closed the door behind me. I had a fairly good idea as to what this call was about and would kill to not have this exchange. “Dad?”

“I suppose now is a good time to talk?” The start of the conversation was clear enough that it was exactly what I thought it was about.

“Yeah, pretty well.”

“You have been avoiding my calls”. He said dryly.

 I let out a humorless chuckle.“I have no reason to avoid your calls, do I?” There was a crisp edge to my voice. Even if he did catch on to the note of ill-disposed sarcasm in my words, he did not show it.

“None, I could think of.” He took a beat.“Your grandfather's will. I hope you remember that.” I rarely regretted my decisions. It was some sure instance. I regretted picking this call.

“I do”

“And?”, I heard him heave a sigh of disappointment. “Edward, you have worked hard for Dan Realty and I hope you know how much effort I have put into our business in taking it where it is. I would hate for it all to go to waste.”

“I know” I tried to be as calm as possible 

“And what have you done about it? You only have six months left, Edward! Have you found someone suitable for marriage?” 

Narrating our experience at the diner to Emma seemed like a more tolerable alternative than this discussion I was having. In fact, I would have done anything to get out of this. “I am seeing someone.” The words were out of my mouth without me thinking.

After a long few seconds of silence, he asked. “You are seeing someone?”

It was done and now I couldn’t go back. “I believe that is what I said. Yes.”

“So, why haven’t we met her?” His question came out quick and with a tone of underlying suspicion.

“Well, I wanted to know her. Make sure I was not making any bad decisions.” I kept my voice even.

“Right. Bring her to dinner this weekend.” This told me he had his doubts. I wasn’t surprised by it though. He was my father and knew me too well.

“I’ll be busy.” I made up at once.

 “Whatever you need to do can be rescheduled”

I pressed my lips together in sheer annoyance. He was not letting it pass and I wouldn’t be able to avoid him much longer. 

“Next month.” He said as if giving me time to go find a real woman. I'm sure he knew I was lying. 

“Well, ok that is settled, I would like to get back to my daughter now.”

“Of course.” 

Only after he hung up did I take a moment to realize the consequences of my unthinking lie. I had until next month to find myself an actual girlfriend.

FUCK! 

Way to go Edward.