Page 71 of Late Nights

Cannon took a big breath, letting it out as he placed his napkin on the table, officially done eating. “Well, for starters, I’m pretty sure her family won’t approve.”

“What?” my dad’s loud voice filled the room. “That’s ridiculous. Who wouldn’t approve of having a charming, successful, hard-working guy like you? Do they know you graduated from Stanford? That you work at a prestigious company and are one of the best venture capitalists in the city?”

Cannon rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I guess, but what about…”

“What about what?” my dad asked, sounding annoyed that anyone would think Cannon wasn’t good enough.

Cannon chanced a glance at my dad, his voice quiet. “What about where I come from? Or that I’ve dated so much?” His large stature seemed to shrink with each question, like that boy from so long ago had replaced the man we were so used to seeing.

My heart went out to him, and before I realized what I was doing, my hand settled on his arm. I wasn’t sure who exactly he was talking about, but even if it wasn’t me, my heart didn’t care. All I could think about was being there for Cannon, regardless of his feelings for me.

Kenneth looked between Cannon, me, and where my hand rested on his arm. For a second it had me wanting to pull away, like I had been caught red-handed in my feelings for Cannon, but I couldn’t seem to take my hand away. My body automatically responded to him, whether it was to comfort him or to maul him or anywhere in between.

My dad sat back in his chair, his face softening as he looked at Cannon. “You know that I do not get sentimental often, but you are as much a son to me as if I were your true father. And as such, I’ve had the opportunity over the last ten years to get to know the amazing man you’ve become, despite your past. And that is all it is—your past. Don’t let it define you now. Any woman would be lucky to have you, and her family would be blessed to have you join it.”

The heaviness that Cannon carried on his shoulders seemed to lift. Surprise and…something else filled his features. I let my hand drop from his arm, sensing that a lot of his worry had eased with my father’s words.

“Thank you, Victor.”

My dad nodded. “Now, I expect you to bring this lovely lady with you to our work party on Friday night.” His authoritative boss voice had come out, and when he used that tone, there was no going against it.

“Yes, sir.”

I still wasn’t sure who this conversation was about. I was pretty sure it was about me. Or it could have been about someone else. But I really hoped it was me.

Cannon had told me my dad and brother were two of the obstacles standing in the way of us being together, but they weren’t the only obstacles. So if he had been talking about me, and this hurdle was now behind us, that didn’t mean he was ready to be in a relationship. I didn’t want to get my hopes up again and have them crash and burn.

“Glad we got that figured out,” my dad said, like this was another business meeting but about family matters. He glanced down the table at my mother and then turned to me. “Demi, I hear you are enjoying hair school and working at a…bar.” I could tell it was hard for him to bring up this topic, and that he wasn’t thrilled I was working at a bar.

Before I had a chance to respond, Kenneth spoke up. “Demi, I’m so proud of you. Cannon’s told me how much you have been enjoying your classes. I think it’s admirable to set off on one’s own path.”

I chanced a quick glance at my dad, who was looking down at his hands in his lap, almost as if he were ashamed. “Thank you,” I said to Kenneth.

“Cannon also mentioned that you want to open up your own salon, is that right?” he asked.

“Yes.” I answered. “After I graduate, I’ll work at a salon for a while, and once I’ve built up my client list, I’ll get to work on a business plan to run my own salon.”

He smiled warmly at me. “So then your business degree can go to work. That knowledge will be invaluable as you start your own business. If you ever need any consulting, just give me a call.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Kenneth. That’s very kind of you.”

“I hate to eat and run, but I do have to get up early for my flight tomorrow,” he said. “Before I go, Cannon, can I speak with you for a moment out on the terrace?”

“Yes, of course.” Cannon pushed back his seat and waited for his grandfather before heading outside.

As soon as they left, I mustered up the courage to finally say what I needed to say. “Dad,” I said, pushing my shoulders back. “Can I please talk to you in private?”

He seemed taken aback by my request but nodded. “Of course. Let’s go to my office.”

From the dining room to his office wasn’t too far of a walk, and my nerves had me wishing it were longer.

Relax, this is your dad you’re talking to, I tried to remind myself.

He shut the door behind us and took a seat behind the large desk, while I took a seat in one of the plush armchairs in front of it.

“What would you like to discuss?” he asked.

It was like I was in a job interview or having a meeting with my boss. I took a deep breath and let it out, working to relax my racing heart.

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