Leaning down, I press a kiss to the top of his thinning salt and pepper hair. “You heard what the doctor said. You need the vegetables. You can’t live on pizza and burgers any longer.”
“Aye-aye,” he mutters, grumpy as always. Instead of putting up a fight, he shovels a forkful of carrots into his mouth and makes a show of chewing. Frowning at me, his voice is brisk as he asks, “What are you doing here?”
For some unknown reason, Dad’s against me visiting him at his house. At first, it hurt whenever he’d tell me to hurry and leave, but now I just ignore his grumpiness, telling myself it’s because he’s not feeling well.
My parents never married. I was the result of a one-night stand, but they never made me feel unwanted. Mom raised me, and even though Dad traveled a lot for work, he tried to see me as often as he could. He might not be the world's best father, but he’s never missed one of my birthdays, and the little time we got to spend together are some of my best memories.
“I wanted to check on you, and I have good news,” I grin while sitting down in one of the empty chairs. I sneak a carrot from Dad’s plate and pop it into my mouth.
“Well?” He lifts an impatient eyebrow at me. “Don’t keep me waitin’.”
“I just got my first permanent job!” The excitement and relief bubble over my lips. “As a receptionist.”
God, I still can’t believe it.
A smile tugs at Dad’s mouth. “Where?”
I nod at his plate of food so he’ll eat some more. Reluctantly, he scoops up another bite of carrots.
“Byrne Enterprises. I’ll work in the lobby. It’s a big company, so there are many opportunities for growth,” I ramble, my excitement growing with each word.
The starts are the limit.
God, I needed this job. I only had enough in my savings to pay Kristine until the end of the month. Now I can afford her until Dad’s back on his feet, and I’ll be able to move out of the shoebox I’m currently living in and into a better apartment.
Dad’s features grow dark and tense, his eyebrows drawing together. “Byrne Enterprises.” He does not look happy for me, his voice laced with warning.
My gaze flits over his features as I try to gauge his mood. “Yeah. I’ve applied all over the city, and lucky for me, they’re okay with my lack of experience. I really needed something more stable, and the pay is good.”
Dad shakes his head, the corner of his mouth drawing down as if I just told him I’d be working in a dumpster and not a multi-billion-dollar company. “Over my dead body, will you work at Byrne Enterprises.”
What?
My happy bubble pops, and I slump back in my chair. I really thought Dad would be excited for me. I really don’t get why he’s against me taking this position. “I don’t understand. This job pays well, and I’ll be able to make a better life for myself. Why are you against it?”
The expression on Dad’s face only grows grimmer, and I start to worry the conversation will make his blood pressure shoot through the roof, and we can’t have that. Under normal circumstances, I would stand my ground, but I can’t risk Dad suffering another heart attack. The doctor warned the next one could be fatal.
Anger brims in Dad’s voice as he says with finality, “You will not work at Byrne Enterprises. If you’re strugglin’ financially, move back in with your Ma.”
Mom lives in a small studio apartment, and besides there being no space for me, I’m twenty-four and need to build a life for myself. Why can’t Dad understand that?
My eyes flick to Kristine, and when she shakes her head, silently telling me not to upset Dad any further, I get up from the chair and pour myself a glass of water.
This is not how I pictured the conversation going. Damn, I really thought Dad would be happy for me.
Kristine starts to clear the table, then checks Dad’s vitals. With a stern look at him, she says, “You need to calm down. Come,” she starts helping him up from the chair, “let’s watch that car show you like so much.”
Dad’s eyes rest on me for a moment, and I don’t miss the worry swirling in his green irises. “Finish the water, lass. You need to go.” He turns toward the door, then pauses and adds, “Don’t come over again. You know I don’t like it.”
With disappointment filling my heart, I watch Kristine usher Dad into the living room.
I don’t understand his reaction to the good news. I thought he’d be happy for me.
With a heavy heart, I follow them into the living room. I wait for Dad to sit down on one of the couches, then bend over him and press a kiss to his forehead. “Bye, Dad.”