Chapter 8

Joshua

What the heck did Nate think he was doing? Was he really just feeling up my girlfriend? And was she really just letting him?  I guess I could have made him stop, but for some reason I couldn’t bring myself to say anything and just watched it. What was wrong with me? At least my stepdad and his brother were being cool. I don’t know if it was because Sarah was with us or if they finally decided I was worthy of their time, but I finally started to feel I was a part of the family. Maybe that’s why I didn’t say anything to Nate. Maybe I was afraid everyone would start treating me like an outcast again. Whatever the reason, Sarah didn’t seem to mind too much. We continued our boat trip as though nothing ever happened. 

We’d been on the boat for several exhausting hours before finally returning to the lake house. As we were unloading the boat my stepdad announced he’d be barbequing steaks and for all of us to shower and get ready. 

“Is there anything I can do to help Daniel?” Sarah asked. 

Daniel gave her a stern look. “Now Sarah, I’m not going to keep having this discussion with you. While you’re with us I expect you to call me Dad, or Daddy.”

I wanted to butt in and tell him to f-off but couldn’t bring myself to say anything. 

Sarah gave a polite smile, “I’m sorry, it’s just weird. I don’t mean to be disrespectful or anything it’s just, well, you’re not my dad.”

My mom started to say something but Daniel held his hand up to silence her. “Sarah, it’s not supposed to be weird. It’s a sign of respect in this family.  I am the head of this family, I make the money. I make the rules. Besides, I’m sure if Joshua here has his way you’ll be married someday anyway so you might as well start calling me Dad now don’t you think?”

Sarah looked over at me and then back at Daniel. “I guess. I mean we’ve never talked about that but I guess I understand where you are coming from. Maybe it’s just weird since I haven’t really had a dad.”

Daniel tilted his head as if contemplating what to say. He then reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into his arms. You’re right. I forgot. Well, now you do. And I expect to be treated as such.”

“Ok, thanks, Dan...I mean Dad.”

“There you go, that wasn’t so hard was it?”