Page 69 of Uproot

I rub her back gently, then point to her plate, “Go ahead, angel.”

We all start to eat, and Bianca turns her attention to me once again, “What kind of business do you have in New York, Beckett?” she asks, as she plays with her salad.

I rarely enjoy answering this question for a list of reasons, but tonight I’m more than happy to respond.

“I own a company my father started. Kade Technology,” I respond casually, reaching over to help Selah cut her steak.

36

Beckett

The table grows quiet and Selah and I look over to see Bianca and Carey gawking at me like I just announced I’m Santa Claus.

“YouownKade technology?” Carey asks doubtfully, his eyes narrowing.

“I do, yes,” I reply, continuing to cut into the steak as if it’s no big deal.

I’m used to this happening when I meet people. Though a lot of people already know who I am in Manhattan, I am not in the public eye much for my company. I leave that to Bobby and our Marketing team for the most part.

There have been many times I’ve met people who have little interest in speaking to me until they realize I run a multi-million-dollar company.

Like right now.

Carey’s face goes from bored indifference, to wondering if I need a few new cars, in a matter of seconds.

“That is very impressive indeed,” he says, actually smiling.

“Well! I sure do understand now why Selah has been so busy the past few weeks and not really taking my calls,” Bianca laughs, winking over at Selah as if they have some kind of inside joke together.

That’s not the only reason why she isn’t speaking to you.

Selah cuts me a look, warning me to keep my mouth closed as if she can read my thoughts. She takes a big bite of her steak so she doesn’t have to respond to her mother’s comment.

Thankfully, her mother doesn’t seem to need Selah to answer, continuing on her own. “It’sveryimpressive all that you’ve accomplished Beckett. You know my stepson, Connor, just graduated from medical school and is going to be a Podiatrist. And my stepdaughter, Clarice, helps Carey run our family dealerships. They are both justsoaccomplished too,” she says, beaming over at Carey who is more interested in his steak than her fawning over his kids.

Bianca pokes at her salad, shaking her head, “I always hoped that Selah would be a doctor, or join the family business too. But she wanted something a little simpler I guess. Not everyone can handle challenging careers can they?” She sighs.

Selah freezes next to me, her fork suspended in mid-air as she frowns across the table. I set my fork down, my blood pressure rising hearing her mother’s harsh words. Selah’s other hand moves to my leg, squeezing it under the table as she subtly shakes her head at me.

I bite down on my tongue so hard I taste blood, my appetite drying up like the chicken on the plate in front of me.

“Oh!” Bianca chirps, seeming to not have a clue her comment just hurt my girlfriend’s feelings, and likely ruined her appetite.“Clarice, and I started taking these new body sculpting classes at the gym she goes to. You should come down and do it with us now that you’re out of classes. It will tone you up, and help you drop some pounds,” she says, looking expectantly at Selah.

Selah sets her fork down on her plate, and I push mine away from me, having reached my limit of tasteless food, and even more tasteless conversation.

“Why would she need to lose any weight?” I ask calmly, steepling my hands together on the table.

Bianca’s eyebrows knit together, as if I’ve asked an obvious question. “Oh. Well..you know, she’s always had a bit of trouble saying no to sweets and things,” she chuckles. “Her weight has fluctuated since she was a little girl, and I’ve always encouraged her to-“

“She’s pretty perfect from what I can see,” I interject, sitting forward in my seat and looking her in the eyes. “Where would she possibly need to lose weight? Are you a dietician, or some kind of trainer?”

“I-I well no,” Bianca stutters, looking at Carey for help, but he sits in silence, frowning at our exchange. “I just like to keep up with my kids and make sure everyone is healthy, and looking their best.”

I nod, “Wonderful. So maybe you could turn some of that passion to help others towards him,” I suggest, pointing to her husband and his protruding pot belly. “Or does your advice only get offered tomygirl?”

Bianca squeaks out a high-pitched sound, opening and closing her mouth like a fish that’s been thrown to shore.

Carey points his finger at me, moving to stand up from his chair, “Now listen here young man-“ he starts, but I’m already done listening. I stand up and move to pull out Selah’s chair for her.

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