Page 19 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

“The point is, I’m a sucker for a beautiful?—”

“Too-young-for-you models, actresses,” she says, ticking off her fingers. “Flight attendants, my friends?—”

“I married Deandra, so I think that makes her more my friend than yours.”

“Oh, trust me, Daddy. She’s not my friend anymore, but she was in high school and one of the few people I thought I could trust. Why do you think I left California?”

That’s a lot to unpack, and I’m thinking that won’t happen tonight.

The drinks arrive, allowing each of them to catch their breath. Marlow crosses her arms and looks across the sea of people while Bob looks at me.Shit.

Covering her hand, Bob returns his attention to his daughter. “I’ve hurt you and caused you pain. I’m sorry, sweetie. That wasnever my intention. I’m not always the best with this kind of stuff, so I’m glad you have Rad to rely on.”

Marlow’s scowl softens. “I don’t want to fight with you. I’ll weather the paparazzi storm like I always do.”

“That’s my girl.” Bob grins like he’s saving the day he just shit on. “I have a surprise for you if you’re up for it?”

He knows the way to Marlow’s heart. Her eyes brighten along with her disposition. “What is it?”

“I’ve been so proud of how you’ve pursued your passion and landed a job at the gallery. You’ve really pulled your life together.” Signaling toward me, he continues, “Rad’s in your life, and well, I know living in the city is expensive, so I thought I could help you two lovebirds with a little nest egg.”

Wait, what? Lovebirds? Nest egg?

“Lovebirds?” Marlow asks, sounding just as confused as I am.

He pulls his napkin back onto his lap with a grin. “Yeah, I know you two like to keep things under wraps, as we say in the industry, but I want to buy your apartment. Then you won’t have to carry that burden.” Eyeing me, he adds, “Fewer hours at work means more time to play at home. Right, Rad?”

“Um . . .” I’m thinking now is not a good time—personally or professionally—to disclose that Tealey’s moving in with me. “Right, sir,” I answer begrudgingly, feeling caught between my job and my life.

Although Marlow’s not hurting for money, her dad’s offer is chum in the water. Not sure how she’s planning to break it to him that we’re not together, but by her wide smile, she’s already fallen hook, line, and sinker into this plan.

Since I’m one-half of the future owner of this purchased apartment, I’m thinking now would be a good time to speak up. “Although we appreciate the offer?—”

“Thank you, Daddy.” Marlow throws her arms around him. “We’ll take it.”

“Uh.”

She turns to me. “Don’t worry. It will all work out how it’s supposed to.”

Between gritted teeth, I say, “It’s too generous.”

Shrugging, she laughs. “He wants to.”

“I want to. I like to keep things in the family. That’s why I asked you to represent me. You can run interference with the press. You can’t break client privilege, and since you’re dating Marlow, they won’t drag her into the media this time. It’s a brilliant plan.”

And here I thought Marlow was the mastermind behind tonight’s dinner. I think she did as well, but Bob’s outplayed us both. It actually is a brilliant plan. I don’t know whether to be impressed or worried.

He takes a long pull of his scotch, and then adds, “My baby girl snagging a prestigious East Coast bachelor, a Wellington, at that, will bring plenty of good PR. And you won my daughter’s heart, so everyone wins.”

Everyone does not win, namely me.

Two things:

Firstly—Why the fuck would he assume Marlow and I are dating?

Secondly—Tealey will be pleased to know that I figured out what snagging entails.

I start, “I didn’t snag?—”

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