talks with my father

You stepped off of the pedestal and took him to a corner behind the racks.

"I know you still feel guilty but you shouldn't. You've more than made up for it."

"You think I'm doing this out of guilt?" He balked, "I bought Erin's dress do you know how much that was? Two-hundred dollars more than yours."

"It's just so much money-"

"And that's for me to worry about. You have other financial worries."

"You know about those?"

"I've talked with people." He sighed, "I know even with insurance it's more than most can afford. If the insurance will even cover it. You're on my insurance until you're twenty-six but it still only covers so much. I know name and gender change is ridiculously costly for the minimal effort they'd put in and that's not covered by insurance at all." His voice was awash with the desperation, sorrow, and anger of a father unable to provide for his child.

"How do you know about all of this?"

"Before you came back...before Erin would tell me where you were she made me go to a meeting," he laughed dryly at how stubborn and protective his daughter had become. "It was a group for parents of trans. She said it was supposed to help me understand better."

"God, what was that like?"

"Like PTA and AA had a weirdly supportive baby."

You giggled and shook your head, "I'll have to take your word for it."

Hearing the sounds of laughter Violet slowly stepped around the rack, "Would you like me to wrap this up while you get changed?"

You look between her and your father and nod, "Thank you."

After you changed, you met your family at the counter, Kyle sat on the floor leaning against the counter beyond ready to leave, while Erin held your dress box and your father continued to be the receiver of Margot's flirtations while Violet rang up the dress. "You've never been to Figlio Fortunato?"

"No, ma'am. I couldn't exactly afford that and feed my kids too." Joe laughed while Margot seemed shocked and appalled that the man she desired clearly couldn't afford such a fantastic restaurant.

"I've been, too much wine and cheeses, I prefer a beer and a burger kinda gal myself," Violet interjected as she tore off the receipt.

"Nothing beats a good beer, a juicy burger, and the Celtics." Joe smiled taking the receipt from Violet. Margot's face twisted in disgust as she quietly excused herself to the back.

You and Erin shared a look wondering if your dad knew Violet was interested in him or if he was in fact interested as well. "I'll have to remember that. Maybe you could call me and let me know when the next time a game comes on."

"Oh, it's really easy to keep track. Their website has a calendar."

You and Erin roll your eyes as Violet slowly nodded, "Right. I'll check that out." Her voice suddenly became short and professional. "Have a lovely day."

"You too." Your dad smiled obliviously before turning away from the counter and walking away.