Are you my Adonis?

Family Dinner

I took a deep breath before I opened the door to my parents' modest Craftsman Foursquare. Although we had money from previous generations along with our own generated massive incomes, my family always believed in being humble. Our family motto was “Live in modesty, not in excess, lest you invite thieves to rob your home.”

Wise words, and I try to live by them too. I never spent my trust fund on luxury items but used it to invest. The Presidium being one of them. I took that hotel from being rated the worst in the city to a premier luxury hotel. I used my income for more investments and bills. Although I did splurge on the Mulsanne and having Hank on staff, I don’t really spend on luxuries.

“Mom? Dad? I’m here I shout from the hallway” my parents made me keep a copy of the key to the house even though I moved out years ago.

“Honey, we’re all here in the living room!” shouted my mom back. I smiled knowing that the people I love the most were waiting for me.

I walked into the living room to Mom and Dad sitting on the love seat. Bill’s parents were on the couch, and Sally’s mom was in the armchair. Bill and Sally sat on the floor by the coffee table looking over an album on it.

“Look at us, we were what, six then?” Sally exclaimed while looking at a picture of all three of us in my backyard. Our toothless smiles and our brightly colored costumes made me reminisce on simpler times.

“We must have. We were playing “rescue the princess” every day then,” replied Bill, smiling that toothy grin that melts my heart every time. I remind myself that I can’t feel like that about him anymore and sit on the opposite side of the coffee table from Bill and Sally.

“Oh yeah, I remember. Bill and I would fight over who would be the dragon.” I laugh.

“Don’t remind me,” replies my father with chagrin. “Not once did you ever ask to play the princess.”

I smirk at my Dad. I think he was secretly disappointed that I wasn’t a girly girl. I think he imagined himself being invited to my doll tea parties instead of asking him to play Pirates. Instead of pink tutus, I wore t-shirts and jeans all the time. Still, he indulged me, and he was the best dad a little girl could have.

“It’s nice to finally see you let your hair down again,” teased Dad while pulling straight one of my loose curls. “I thought I would only see a bun on you for the rest of the year.”

“Yeah, Yeah. Sorry I missed the last two dinners. The acquisition in Seattle took several trips, and coordinating this collaboration with Gorgetech took up a lot of my time.” I half lie. Truth is, I really didn’t want to see Bill and Sally together in their wedded bliss surrounded by our family’s warmth. I need time away to heal from my broken heart.

“Hey, no work talk during family time!” exclaims my mother. My genius mother, who is the CEO of my family’s company, Diversity Investments. My mother’s family came from very old money, and when she took over the company, she rebranded from the stodgy old family name and had a new vision for the company. Trusting no one else to help her fulfill her vision, she made Dad the president. They worked hard to bring the old decaying company back to its glory days. My Mom will always be my role model even if she can be pushy once she gets an idea in her head.

“I hear you. Is dinner ready yet? I’m starving.” I agree with my mom.

“Come on, everyone, to the dining table.” My mom waves everyone to the dining room.

We sit at the table we always sat at once a month together. Only illness and college kept us from gathering together to catch up and talk. I guess I should add heartbreak and work travel to that list since I missed the last two dinners. The last time we all sat down together like this was the night before the rehearsal dinner and an informal dinner between us.

“Wow, Aunty Jenna. You never fail to put out a perfect dinner every time,” gushes Sally. I smile at my sweet best friend. She always reminds me of all the girly things I wasn’t, but I didn’t resent her for it. It actually made her even more lovable. Billy and I made a promise when we were eight that we’d protect her forever. To be honest, I think we spoil her and love doing it.

“Yeah, Mom. This looks really good,” I agree with Sally. The chicken in the center was roasted to perfection. The red potatoes with rosemary gave off a lovely scent that filled the room. I eyed the summer squash medley that was steamed just right. As soon as we sat down, the dining room filled with clinks of silverware on china and voices asking for dishes to be passed.

As we bantered and laughed, my mom maneuvered the conversation to drop a bombshell on me. So typical of her in the boardroom or at home; she always has command of the room.

“So, honey… your dad and I have been thinking… well, you’re 25 now, and it’s time to seriously think about dating.” She says cautiously, making the other people around the table stop in the middle of what they are doing.

“I’m not in a rush. I’m just waiting for the right person to come,” I reply evenly, trying not to sound as annoyed as I really am.

“Well, I was talking to Kevin Winthrop on the golf course yesterday, and he has a son about your age. I’m thinking it might not be bad to meet him for a coffee or something,” my dad said sheepishly. I knew from one look that Mom put him up to this.

“You got to be kidding, Uncle Ted,” Bill exclaimed. “If it is who I think he is, then it’s not going to work. If it’s James… well, let’s say he’s got a quiet of reputation for being a playboy.”

“That’s not always a problem,” replied Aunt Christina, Sally’s mom. “Sally’s dad was a notorious playboy in his wild days, but meeting me tamed him. He eventually settled down, and he made a wonderful husband until he passed.”

I arch my eyebrow at that. Like I need another headache in my life. I really didn’t need to be set up with another old-money family’s son, nor do I need to “tame” a wild playboy. I just want to accomplish my goals, make my parents proud, and bring the Biocell Memory System into the commercial market for wide availability. I really didn’t need to manage a relationship while trying to do all that.

“No, thank you, Mom. I’m really not interested in dating right now. I have too much to do,” I tell my mom emotionlessly.

“Honey, we are just worried about you. What if something happens to your Dad and me? You will be left all alone. At least, if you have a husband and kids, you’ll have a support system behind you.” Mom explains with pleading eyes.

“Okay, say that I am ready to date. But James Winthrop? His reputation aside, the last few times I’ve met him, he seemed vapid and shallow. And an old-money family like the Winthrops, they won’t like having a powerful executive as a daughter-in-law. They’re probably looking for a socialite.”

“We’re just asking you to meet him for coffee. We’re not asking you to sign a marriage alliance.” Explains Dad.

“Again, no thank you. Besides, I’m way too busy with work and planning the Fowler Foundation Charity Gala. “I counter.

“Ted, you know she’s got your and Jenna’s stubborn streak. The more you force her, the harder she digs her heels in.” Uncle John, Bill’s dad, defends me. I smile warmly at him. I’m so glad I have him in my corner.

“Yeah, Ted and Jenna. These things can’t be forced. Think about how your parents tried to set you with the Astor’s eldest son, Jenna. Our dear Mia said the same words you told your parents then.” Said Aunt Kelly, Bill’s mom, gently.

I turn to look at my Mom in shock. Other than my dad, I never heard her mention other suitors in her youth. My mom's cheeks turn red with embarrassment or anger. Maybe both. In the end, we agree that James Winthrop isn’t suitable for me. Dad said he'd call Kevin Winthrop and tell him I declined the invitation. I’m glad my parents can be reasoned with.