I'm going to try and be nice. For Mom.

Dave motions for you to sit next to him on the leather sofa.

"And your hair is so long and luxurious."

"Thanks, I guess." Nervously, you stroke your fingers through your hair, not realizing what a feminine gesture it is. "I was thinking of getting it cut, actually."

"That would be such a shame. Beautiful hair like that? I think you should grow it longer."

"Longer?"

"Yes, it will look even better longer." [More like a woman] "But don't just take my advice, ask Dawn and Rebecca what they think."

"Okay."

The conversation pauses, awkwardly.

You notice a stack of four flat cushions on the floor by the desk. What are they for? You wonder. They look like... kneeling cushions?

Why would Dave need to kneel in his own office?

Unless it's for someone else to kneel...

Oh god.

"What was that?" you ask, since Dave was talking and you weren't paying attention.

"Feel free to call me whatever you want. Dave is fine. Or Dad. Rebecca calls me father. Even Daddy if you want. Dawn calls me Daddy."

You gag at the thought of calling him Daddy. Is Dawnie actually doing that? Yuck.

"Dave is fine."

"Whatever's most comfortable for you. Anyway, I know it may take a while to get to know and trust each other ..." Dave pauses, looking at you intently. For a second you feel rooted to the spot, as his eyes capture yours and he looks into your soul. Your breath starts to come out in short, shallow gasps...

"... but I'm always here to talk about anything. I look forward to having an open and... mutually beneficial relationship."

That's a weird way to put it.

"Me too," you say.