She Almost Felt Like His Girlfriend

Vera let out a heavy sigh when Matt walked away. That conversation had aged her. She nearly jumped out of her skin when a familiar concerned voice spoke up from behind her. 

"Are you alright?"

"Casey! Sorry, I didn't see you there. I'm fine. I just didn't think he would show up," she said tiredly. 

"The man in the leather jacket?" he asked, following her line of sight. 

Vera knew he didn't like being nosy and always panicked when he accidentally asked a personal question so he wasn't going to ask who it actually was. He was considerate that way. But she was so annoyed she ended up telling him anyway. 

"Yeah. Tilly's only sibling, my deadbeat dad."

She couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice and he could sense it. He reached out to squeeze her hand. "Sorry you have to deal with him. Family can be the worst."