Page 142 of Freshmeet
“Of course, Mom.”
A tense silence fell over the table. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long for our food.
“So, Connor, what are you studying?”
Of course, Mr. Tilney asked right after I took a bite of pasta, so I had to quickly chew and swallow. “Business. I’m going to get my MBA so I can join my uncle’s construction company, doing something other than drywall.”
“Your uncle’s company’s pretty successful?”
“McCormick Construction does okay.” It felt gross using my uncle and his company to impress this guy, but I would do anything to make this dinner go smoothly for Sarah. I figured a little name-dropping might make her dad like me more.
“McCormick?”
“Mm-hmm.” I had him.
“They’ve led some big regional projects.”
I didn’t answer because it wasn’t a question. Uncle Rick had a growing reputation throughout the Midwest.
“And he’s offered you a position if you get your MBA?”
“As long as that’s what I still want, I’ll start in management and then who knows. But I have five years until I graduate, so things could change.” I looked at Sarah, taking her hand in minewith a smile. It was too soon, but something in my gut wound told me my future would include her.
Mr. Tilney’s laughter pulled me from staring into Sarah’s crystal blue eyes. “You’d have to be an idiot to turn your back on an opportunity like that.”
I frowned, unsure what to say. Sarah, on the other hand, was raring to go. “Some things are more important than money and status, Dad.”
He snorted. “Like what?”
Sarah looked surprised to have been given an opportunity to speak and was working up the courage to say what she really thought. The polite mask had fallen, and her beautiful face was hardened and fierce.
Shaking his head, he dismissed Sarah and took a sip of his wine. I snuck a peek at Mrs. Tilney as she silently ate her fish, unaffected by the douche energy coming off her husband in waves.
“Dad. Some people care about more than money, status, and the kind of success you find so important.”
Mr. Tilney’s lips parted. The look on his face suggested he was gearing up for some next-level dickhead nonsense.
“With all due respect, Mr. Tilney.”
“Jack,” he said, leaning his forearms on the table.
“Jack. I love your daughter and will do everything in my power to make her happy. If that’s making career changes, so be it.”
“You’re too young to make those kinds of promises.”
I huffed out a laugh. “Sir, I may only be twenty-three, but I know what it means to support my people. You’ll never have to worry about Sarah. I’ve got her.”
Sarah’s hand landed on my thigh, and she whispered, “Connor.”
I turned to her, and all the anger drained from me. “Baby, don’t cry.” Cradling her face in my hands, I wiped away her tears with my thumbs.
Her flushed face broke into the most beautiful smile. “I love you. Can we go?”
“Yes.” I gave her a soft smile and looked at her parents. “I’m going to take Sarah home. It was nice—well, I met you.”
Mrs. Tilney waved her hands. “No. Please don’t go.” She glared at her husband. “Apologize, Jack.”
“Margot—”
