Fishbowl Diaries
Chapter 27
Author's Note : To my readers. I can't believe what this story has become. And a large part of that is because of you're support.
Weeks Later
The father and son came to an agreement. The next meeting with Richard would include Lucas.
Lilly was over at her aunt Haley's and uncle Nathan's. Catching up with her best friends.
It was quiet at the River Court. It was evening now. The sun would be setting soon.
Nixon is the one who picked the location. According to what his son had told him. Richard didn't play sports.
Lucas stared at the man from top to bottom. As he approached him and Nixon.
"Richard what are we doing today.?" Nixon asked.
Richard's face lit up at the sight of Nixon.
"Whatever you want. I thought we could head over to the River's Edge. There is always something to do there. Lucas is invited of course." Richard said.
Lucas heard the tone in the man's voice. And could see from the way he was looking at him. His presence wasn't welcomed.
And Lucas couldn't have cared less what Richard thought.
"Why don't you go wait by my car." Lucas suggested. Looking to Nixon.
"Nix feel free to wait by my car. There is room for all three of us in there." Richard suggested.
Nixon wanted his dad to be included so he shook his head in agreement and left the River Court. He went right over to the parking lot area.
"I didn't realize you were joining us Lucas. If i did i would of changed the plans. I imagine working in a cafe must take up alot of time and energy." Richard proclaimed.
"Hard work. That i love. And that contributes to the community."
"Nothing wrong with that. I know it's a concept you know nothing about. But for most of us who live and work here it's how things continue to grow and thrive."
"I find it interesting and very odd that in all these years you somehow kept tabs on Nixon enough to know where he is and who he's living with yet you didn't attempt to make contact. Why exactly is that.?" Lucas questioned.
"I was ashamed. Humilated. I was angry at myself for wasting so many years. Haven't you ever done something you regret and wish you take back.? I can't turn back the clock. But i can be a presence in Nixon's life." Richard replied.
"Cut the act. You may fool Nixon. But i'm not buying it." Lucas shot back.
Richard sighed deeply. Getting out his checkbook.
"What is you're number Lucas.? What amount of money will it take for you to step back and let me be a father to my son.?"
"I'm giving you an out. Clean break. You have you're hands full with Lilly and that cafe."
"You don't have the money. Time. To go to court for a custody battle. That i could make go on for years. Draining you of you're income. Or i could write you a check and you could wash you're hands of the burden being Nixon's father figure has been all these years.."
"What do you say.?" Richard asked.
"Fuck you! I don't want or need you're money! There are more important things in life then that!" Lucas exclaimed.
"What's going on.? Why are the two of you fighting.?" Nixon asked. Once he walked back over to the River court.
Looking from Lucas to Richard.
"Lucas and I were just discussing a schedule. Where you can split time between my house and his." Richard replied.
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