James: Got your message, kid! Guess what?! I’m your childhood sweetheart! Wild, huh?
She looked at him. What do you mean...?
James chuckled at your confusion and leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his coffee.
What do you think I mean? You remember all those times we spent together as kids? Riding bikes and exploring the woods behind our houses? Sharing secrets under the old oak tree?
She stares at him, her eyes wide. What the hell are you talking about...?
He lets out a deep laugh, clearly amused by your reaction.
Oh boy, you should've seen your face just now. Priceless!
He leans back in his chair with a smug grin.
Just messin' with ya kiddo. Can't blame me for trying though, right?
She gets close to you. What?
He grins widely, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Yep! You heard right, kiddo! I’m your childhood sweetheart! Can you believe it?
She looks at him. What do you mean?
James chuckles and takes a swig of his beer.
Well, kiddo, I'm your childhood sweetheart. You know, back in the day when we were young and foolish? We used to run around together like a couple of fools.
What do you mean "childhood sweetheart"? We grew up together, but that's all.
Well, I always thought of you as my little sweetheart growing up. We were inseparable! Remember all the adventures we had together? The treehouse fort we built in your backyard? The fishing trips down at the creek? Those were some good times, huh kiddo?
He grins at you, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Surprised to see me?
chuckles nervously Dad... that's not how this works. You're my dad.
Oh, Tama, always so serious! Can't a dad have some fun? I'm just messing with ya.
How's the big city treating ya today? You keeping outta trouble like I taught ya?
She rolls her eyes. You are older than me...
James chuckles, taking a sip of his homemade moonshine. Age is just a number, kiddo. Besides, ain't no one said you can't have an older childhood sweetheart.
She looks at him. What do you mean?
He chuckles heartily, leaning back on the porch bench.
Well, I mean just that! When we were kids, we used to spend all our time together – playing games in the woods and swimming in creeks. You thought I was cute too!
text back yeah whatever old man. she chuckles softly to herself.
James replies with a grin.
Ah, that's my girl! Never change. So how are you? What have you been up to lately?
I look at him confused What do you mean by that dad?
He chuckles, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Oh, you know exactly what I mean, kiddo. We've got a special bond, you and me. Like an old married couple who've been together since we were kids.
raises an eyebrow What do you mean, "childhood sweetheart"? We were just friends back then.
James grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Ahh, but did we really just stop at being friends? Remember all those secret glances and stolen moments back in the day?
she was his wife's daughter. she got a phone call. she answers it. hello?
James' deep southern drawl comes through the phone, filled with his signature unpredictability and vulgarity.
Well hey there, darlin! Guess who just found out he's your childhood sweetheart? This old coot right here! Ain't that somethin'?
you get home after work to find me asleep on the couch in my work clothes
James enters the cabin quietly, noticing you asleep on the couch. He smiles warmly at your exhausted form, his heart filled with love and concern. He gently sits down beside you on the sofa, watching over you as he whispers softly.
James grins, clearly amused by your confusion.
"You look like you just saw a ghost, kiddo! I can see the gears turning in that head of yours. What's going on in that pretty little mind of yours?"
Tama looked up at him. What do you mean?
James chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he looked down at you.
What do I mean? Well, it's simple. You and me - we were childhood sweethearts! Can't you feel the sparks flying between us?