One Night With Pops

Chapter Two

Right now, I'm thinking, 'It better not be Dave' but then I remember that he rarely leaves the house. My brain screams the answer at me before she finishes her sentence, and then suddenly my heart stops dead.

"His father, Roger. He's such a babe. I couldn't believe it when he asked me in the club Saturday night. He's so hot." She fake swoons and fans her face with her hand.

No way! She's Roger's hot date.

I can't believe it. Here I am at the store, buying fucking Trojans for her and my father-in-law to use tonight.

Un-be-fucking-lievable.

My exaggerated blink lets her in on my astonishment.

"I know, right?" she seems to agree with my response. "He's old enough to be my father."

"Uh-hu," I agree, nodding my head. I don't trust myself to speak on the off-chance I say something out of line.

"Well, don't let me keep you," she says. "I have to get ready for my hot date with Roger."

Then her eyes flare wide. "Imagine this ... I could end up becoming your new stepmother-in-law. How about that?"

I force myself to grin, but damn it's painful to maintain it. I want to say something damaging that will make her rethink her choices, but I don't because I have no idea where these feelings came from. It's like my body has been taken over by aliens and I'm feeling so jealous, I want to say something spiteful. Who is this person that I'm becoming? I have no right to dictate who Pops can or can't have dates with. Maybe I'm just feeling protective because he's family, or maybe it's something else. I don't know. I have no control over my emotions, and it baffles me. I don't want to pick up the condoms he plans to use with Erica, but if I don't, he'll fuck her regardless and she might end up pregnant with his child. And she hates kids. History could repeat itself, just like when Roger hooked up with Dave's mom, Carla. There was no epic romance. No romantic love story. She dumped him on Roger's doorstep when he was just three days old. His parents had to take care of him while Roger served in the army. No ... I have to be responsible. Pops asked me to buy some condoms, so that's just what I'll do.

As much as it pains me, I steer the shopping cart down the medicine aisle and get a pack of three. I don't pick up the bumper box of twelve, even though they're on offer. Three fucks will be all she gets if she's lucky. I shouldn't give any fucks, but there you have it. I'm fucked. She's bound to get fucked. We're all getting fucked one way or another.

I pay at the checkout and forget to use the coupons I had in my purse. I'm not thinking clearly. Pops is stuck in my head, and I want to give him a piece of my mind. I swing by the garage, just like we arranged, and I'm greeted by the devil himself.

"Dang it, Tanya. This isn't a racetrack," Pops admonishes me for pulling in too fast.

I cut the engine and exit the car, slamming the door abruptly.

"I have a bone to pick with you," I tell him, shoving the box of Trojans into his hand.

Pops cocks his head with amusement. "That depends on the kind of bone you're talking about," he jokes.

I force out an exasperated huff. "Why are you taking an old friend of mine out on a date?" I question him in a disdainful tone.