Page 22 of DadBod

“Thank you.” He glances at Calvin and smiles. “Although, I’m not sure he’s tried much else here.”

“No matter.” Sandra smiles. Glancing at Calvin, she arches her brow. If I had to guess, I’d say she’s checking to be sure he’s okay with her telling Rome about Ryann.

“Uh. I think I’m gonna go use the john.” Calvin slides out of his seat and scurries in the direction of the restrooms.

“Probably good that he left.” Sandra turns to Rome. “You probably need to keep an eye on your eldest.”

“Excuse me?” Rome sounds angry.

“Apparently, she snuck out of her house last night. Late.”

“What?” Rome shouts.

Sandra holds up her hands. “Don’t kill the messenger.” She nods toward the restrooms. “She threatened to destroy some PlayBox thing.”

“PlayStation,” I say it softly.

“I’m going to fu––” He stops talking suddenly. Looking at the woman at table six, he nods. “Thank you. I appreciate you telling me.”

“Please don’t be angry at Calvin. He was put in a bad position.”

“Well aware,” Rome grumbles. “Dinner’s on me.”

“Oh. No. That’s not necessary.”

“It’s my pleasure. Please come back soon.” He turns on his heel, pulling his phone out of his back pocket as he goes.

“I hope I did the right thing.” She’s twirling her hands in front of herself nervously.

“You did.” I lean in. “Thank you very much for tonight. Calvin’s been struggling.”

“I enjoyed his company more than you’ll ever know. I hope he’s here when I come back.”

I look to the bar, but Rome isn’t there. “Why don’t I give you my number? Text me when you plan to come back, and I can see about getting Calvin here for you.”

“You’d do that?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I can certainly see why Calvin and his dad think so much of you.”

At that precise moment, Monica passes this table. She mutters, “Jesus,” loud enough for everyone to hear.

I shake my head. “No. I’m––” Why bother arguing? “Thank you. Have a good night.”

“I will. I have. Now.”

Later on, when I step back to the empty table, I find a hundred-dollar bill sitting there. “Wow.” I think that might be the best tip I’ve ever gotten.

“You should really give that to Calvin. He did all the work.”

“Thanks, Monica. I’ll do that.” And I will. She’s right, even though she’s acting like a bitch rather than being sincere.