Ch. 3

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Walt cocked his head to one side.

"Who said I wanted to talk to you about something?"

Cady laughed, her blue eyes shining at her father over the small table in his kitchen. She put her fork down and folded her arms across the wooden table top.

"It's not every day you invite me for breakfast, dad."

Walt leaned back in his chair and smiled at his daughter. As usual, she was right about his motives.

"There is something I want to tell you."

Cady nodded.

"Told you so."

Walt grew serious. Revealing pieces of himself had never come easy, not even with his own flesh and blood. In fact, it always seemed a little harder with her.

"I haven't always been open with you in the past, Punk, and I want to change that. I don't want us to have secrets between us."

"Me too, Dad."

He sighed. It wasn't getting any easier.

"I'm seeing someone."

He breathed in relief. Cady's eyes widened slightly.

"Not the same doctor you were seeing?"

He shook his head.

"That's been over. This is something different. Something more serious."

"Someone I know? Are you going to tell me?"

Her gaze was leveled at him, inquiring and curious.

"It's Vic."

There was a moment, where there was no sound. He could see the actual second where she processed what he had said.

"Vic?"

"Yep?"

"Vic Vic?"

"Do you know more than one?"

Cady's mouth formed an O.

"Wow, I...wow. When did this happen?"

"Couple of weeks ago. You're the only person who knows so far, Cady. I would appreciate it if you kept it that way for now."

She nodded.

"Sure."

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Cady spoke up.

"I suppose I should have seen this coming. I mean...I've seen you guys and it's kind of obvious you're closer than normal."

"Cady..."

Cady held up her hand.

"It's okay, Dad. You don't owe me any explanation. Just tell me this. Are you happy?"

Walt lowered his eyes and then lifted them back up to meet hers.

"Happier than I have been in a long time, Punk. Since your mom."

They both knew he didn't need to finish that sentence. She slowly slid her hand over his.

"I'm happy for you then. That's all I want is for you to be happy. How's work then?"

The corners of his mouth turned up a little.

"We're working through that. It's all new and there's a lot to figure out but we're getting there."

"I really am happy for you, Dad. I'm really glad you told me. I appreciate that."

She stood up.

"Do you need me to help clean up?"

Walt shook his head.

"I've got it. I know you've got things going on. Thanks for coming."

She gave him a hug.

"I'll see you around, dad. Love you."

"Love you, Punk."

Cady breezed out the door, Zach in the back of her mind.