My Best Friend's Dad

Helping Eric Move

Tristan’s POV

I drank the rest of the evening just wanting to numb my feelings, especially after that text I sent to Elona last night. She just didn’t respond to me, but she did read it. I really do need to get away from this place. There are too many reminders in this place. Being alone in this place with no one around would probably be my own downfall after years of grief. It was just work and Cris that kept me occupied.

With a sigh, I checked my phone but still nothing from no one. I stood up from my bed. I didn’t even know what time it was exactly that I came to bed. I went over to my closet and started to pack a bag for Southampton. As I packed, my feelings were still the same, but then a knock on the door made my heart race just a little. I left my packing and walked all the way to the front door in hopes that it would be Elona.

I opened the door, and I was met with disappointment. “Eric, what are you doing here?” I asked with concern.

He took in my appearance. “You look like crap,” he stated.

I moved out of the way, widening the door further. “Are you coming inside or not?” I gestured with my hand towards the lounge.

He sighed and entered. I closed the door behind him and turned my attention back to him. “I’m here to tell you that I might be looking for a different place to work, but if you and Luca can sort your problems out, then maybe I won’t need to worry about having to look for another job,” he said, still standing.

“I would prefer if you look for another job. I don’t trust Luca enough to have you work for him. I can ask my assistant to look into other agencies. Better yet, just forward your portfolio to his email address, which you can find on my contact information on my company’s website. Tell him that I told you to ask him.” It was all I could do to help him with his dreams at this point.

“Also...” he looked at the floor, “I will be moving in with Elona,” my heart raced again just with the mention of her name.

“Oh,” I furrow my brows.

“You don’t look so happy about that,” he said hesitantly.

I took in a deep breath. “Look, I don’t mind that you move in with her. It means that she won’t be alone, and she will have someone to keep her company. I wanted to ask you before I go to Southampton, if you would move here again. I mean...this place is huge, and I didn’t want to be...alone.” I was afraid of admitting that part. “You are like a son that I never had. But the choice is entirely up to you, and I would prefer that you live with Elona.”

He nodded. “I never thought you of all people, would ever say that about me, so thank you for the compliment. If it makes you feel any better, you are a father that my own father never was towards me. I must admit, you are a cool guy when you can be. I appreciate all the things that you’ve done for me as any caring father would for his child,” he smiled, his eyes glazed over.

That put a little smile on my face, “Grab a seat and I will get ready. I will leave straight after I’ve dropped you off by Elona. Is there anything at the hotel that you need to get?” I asked.

“Yes, my bags and a couple of things. Also, I would like to get something from my room by my father’s house,” he said as he took a seat.

I nodded. “I will help you get them. Just please take good care of Elona for me.”

“I will, I promise,” he replied, reassuring me.

“Make yourself at home in the meantime. There is food in the fridge that you can heat up. I will get ready and complete my packing,” I said before I hurried down the hallway.

After a good warm shower and getting my bags ready, I carried them down the hallway. I plan to spend a week in Southampton. I placed my bags in the lounge. Eric was sitting at the kitchen counter, eating. I entered the kitchen and made myself some coffee. I really need it.

“Are you sure you will be fine here? I can always tell Elona that you needed me or something,” he shrugged, yet he had that look of concern on his face.

“You don’t need to worry about me. I will be fine,” I forced a smile as I turned towards the coffee maker and finished making myself coffee.

“I will try my best to speak to her in taking you back. I can clearly see you’re not fine,” he said, and I faced him with my mug of black coffee in my hand.

“I would appreciate that. But I know she might not want me back. If we are meant to be, then we will find our way back to each other again, but if we are not meant to be, then I have to set her free and move on. There comes a time when someone can only fight so much for a person because at this point, it feels one-sided for me. I just can’t keep on fighting for someone who clearly isn’t ready to have me back yet... I might not ever have her back. I will always be around, though, and I will wait. But the ball is in her court right now as much as it hurts,” I took a sip of my coffee.

He seemed saddened by what I’ve said. “I will try regardless,” he said.

After we were done, we went to the hotel and to Eric’s house to get more things. It was bags and boxes, and then we drove in silence to Elona’s place. My hands tightened on the steering wheel the closer we got, my knuckles turned white. Eventually, we pulled up in front of her apartment. I would have to help Eric carry the boxes inside, and I would be facing her.

“Let’s get you settled.”