Page 41 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“Dad’s a comedian who thinks being charming gives him a free pass on commitment,” I said. “Mom got tired of waiting for him to grow up.”
“Can you blame her?” Xander asked. “Thirty years of ‘someday we’ll get married’ would wear anyone down.”
The back door opened with a bang, and as if summoned by our conversation, Ron Valentine himself strolled onto the patio. Even at sixty-five, our father commanded attention. His mocha skin barely showed his age. The silver threading through his beard made him look distinguished rather than old. He wore a leather jacket over dark jeans, and his smile was the same one that had charmed audiences for decades.
“My boys!” he announced, arms spread wide. “Looking good enough to steal all the women in St. Louis.”
“Dad,” we chorused, standing to embrace him. It was impossible not to smile when Ron was around. His energy was infectious, his laugh soothing, and his love for us absolute, even if his approach to relationships was questionable.
“Sit, sit,” he waved us back down, pulling up a chair from another table. “Don’t let me interrupt the brotherhood meeting.”
“What brings you by?” Elijah asked, signaling for another glass.
“Can’t a father visit his successful sons without having an agenda?” Ron clutched his chest, feigning offense. “I was driving by, saw the cars, thought I’d stop in and see how Cherry’s treating you.”
“Aunt Cherry’s treating us fine,” Xander said. “It’s you we worry about.”
Ron laughed, accepting the Brandy Elijah poured for him. “You boys worry too much. I’m living my best life, performing, traveling, enjoying my freedom.”
“Traveling, huh?” I said. “You mentioned Miami a few weeks ago. Everything good down there?”
Ron’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly. “Miami’s always good. Who can resist sunny beaches and beautiful women who appreciate a distinguished gentleman.”
“Dad, we know you’re single, but let me remind you, we don’t want to hear about other women from you,” Elijah said.
“Why? Your mother has moved on with her life, I can’t talk about her anymore.”
“And for good reason,” I added.
He grunted. “It’s time for you all to get over it.”
“We’re over it,” Xander said. “We still don’t want to hear about other women from you.”
“But why?”
“Remember we saw how your separation broke our mother.”
“You won’t let me forget it.”
“We would if you wouldn’t bring up other women around us,” Elijah pointed out.
“Okay, okay. I’ll try. But if I slip up don’t hold it against me. I’m relaxed around my boys,” he smiled. “It’s easy to talk to you.”
“We understand,” Elijah said. “But in case you do slip up, all this back and forth is unnecessary when we mention not hearing about other women from you. Just pivot and talk about something else.”
“And be careful,” Xander added. “Some of us have reputations to maintain.”
“Please. You boys got your charm from me, and I got it from your grandfather. We Valentine men are irresistible. It’s genetic.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Is that your excuse for everything?”
“It’s not an excuse, it’s a fact. Look at you three—handsome, successful, breaking hearts all over Missouri. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“Some of us are trying to build something meaningful,” Elijah said quietly.
Ron’s expression sobered slightly. “And some of us learned the hard way that meaningful doesn’t always mean permanent. Your mother and I loved each other, but we wanted different things. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is let someone find what makes them happy, even if it’s not with you.”
The conversation was veering into territory none of us were comfortable exploring. Ron’s relationship with our mother had been complicated, passionate, turbulent, and ultimately unsustainable. But it had produced three sons who adored both parents, even if we didn’t always understand their choices.
