My stepdaughter invited me to dinnerI was speechless when the bill arrived.
I hadnt heard from my stepdaughter, Primrose, in what felt like an eternity. So when she asked me out for a meal, I thought perhaps it was finally time to mend things between us. But nothing could have prepared me for the surprise she had waiting at that restaurant.
My name is Reginald. Im 50, and over the years, Ive learned to live with a great many things. My life is steadyperhaps too steady. I work in a quiet office, live in a modest house, and spend most evenings with a book or the evening news.
Nothing particularly thrilling, but it suited me. The one thing Id never quite managed was my relationship with Primrose.
It had been a year, maybe longer, since Id last heard from her. Wed never really got on, not even from the moment I married her mother, Winifred, when she was still a teenager.
Primrose had always kept me at arms length, and in time, Id stopped trying too hard. So when she called out of the blue, her voice strangely bright, I was caught off guard.
Hello, Reginald, she chirped, almost too cheerfully. Fancy dinner? Theres a new place Ive been meaning to try.
At first, I didnt know what to say. Primrose hadnt reached out in ages. Was this her way of making peace? Trying to build a bridge? If so, I was ready. Id hoped for something like this for years. I wanted to feel like we were family.
Of course, I replied, hoping for a fresh start. Just tell me where and when.
The restaurant was poshfar posher than I was used to. Dark wood tables, soft lighting, waiters in crisp white shirts. When I arrived, Primrose was already there, and she seemed different. She smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes.
Hello, Reginald! You came! she greeted me with an odd energy, like she was trying too hard to seem relaxed. I sat across from her, trying to read the room.
So, how have you been? I asked, hoping to spark a proper conversation.
Fine, fine, she answered quickly, flipping through the menu. You? All right? Her tone was polite but distant.
Same old routine, I said, though she didnt seem to be listening. Before I could say more, she waved the waiter over.
Well have the lobster, she said, flashing me a quick smile, and perhaps the ribeye too. Sound good?
I blinked, surprised. I hadnt even looked at the menu, and she was already ordering the most expensive dishes. I shrugged, trying not to dwell on it. Yes, if you like.
But something felt off. She was fidgeting, checking her phone, barely answering my questions.
As we ate, I tried steering the conversation somewhere real. Its been a while since we last spoke, hasnt it? Ive missed our chats.
Mmm, she murmured, not looking up from her plate. Been busy.
Busy enough to vanish for a year? I chuckled, though there was a note of sadness in my voice.
She glanced at me briefly, then returned to her food. You know how it is work, life
Her eyes kept darting around the room, like she was waiting for something. I tried to keep talking, asking about her job, her friends, her lifebut her replies were short, unenthused.
The longer the meal went on, the more I felt like an outsider in a scene I didnt belong in.
Then the bill came. I reached for it automatically, pulling out my card, as expected. But just as I was about to hand it to the waiter, Primrose leaned in and whispered something I couldnt catch.
Before I could ask, she gave me a quick smile and stood. Be right back, she said. Just need the loo.
I watched her go, a knot twisting in my stomach. Something wasnt right. The waiter handed me the bill, and my heart stuttered at the total. Far more than Id anticipated.
I glanced toward the restroom, waiting for her to return but she didnt.
Minutes ticked by. The waiter gave me a questioning look. I sighed and handed over my card, swallowing the bitterness. What the hell just happened? Had she really left me to foot the bill?
I paid, feeling hollow. As I headed for the door, frustration and sadness washed over me. All Id wanted was a chance to reconnect, to talk properly for once. Instead, I just felt used for a free meal.
But just before I reached the exit, I heard a noise behind me.
I turned slowly, unsure what to expect. My stomach clenchedbut then I saw Primrose standing there, and my breath caught.
In her arms was an enormous cake, beaming like a child whod pulled off the perfect prank. In her other hand, she clutched a bunch of bright balloons bobbing above her head. I blinked, trying to make sense of it.
Before I could speak, she stepped closer with a huge grin and announced, Youre going to be a grandad!
For a moment, I just stood there, unable to process it. Grandad? I repeated, as if Id missed a chapter.
My voice shook slightly. It was the last thing Id expected, and I wasnt sure Id heard right.
She burst out laughing, her eyes sparkling with that same nervous energy shed had all evening. Now it made sense. Yes! I wanted to surprise you, she said, holding out the cake. It was white, with blue and pink icing, and in big letters, it read: Congratulations, Grandad!
I blinked again, scrambling to catch up. Wait you planned all this?
She nodded, the balloons swaying. Yep! Worked it out with the waiter. Wanted it to be special. Thats why I disappearedI wasnt ditching you, I swear. I just wanted to give you the shock of your life.
Something inside me softened. Not disappointment, not anger. Something warm.
I looked at the cake, then at Primroses face, and it all started to click. You did all this for me? I asked quietly, still half in disbelief.
Of course, Reginald, she said gently. I know weve had our ups and downs, but I wanted you to be part of this. Youre going to be a grandad.
