Page 60 of Glass & Groundwork
“A farm? A dairy farm? I know those are big in that area.” He was no doubt envisioning Gio knee-deep in manure.
“No, it’s mostly flower fields now, but our main crop is actually honey. McNeely Honey Farm. I’m a beekeeper, essentially.”
“Abee keeper?”
“You should see it, it’s incredible,” I jumped in, needing to balance out my father’s disgust at manual labor.
“Bees. Bees! You married a man who has bees?” My mother shook her head as if it was the worst thing a person could do. Her hand went up in the air again and I knew a bloody Mary would be appearing momentarily.
“I married a man who is kind and generous and has a beautiful soul, who happens to have bees. But I love the bees, they are a crucial part of our ecosystem, and they make a lot of by-products that can be used in many things.”
Gio gave me a quick smile and another squeeze on my leg. “I love it. They say that when you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life, and I’ve found that to be true.”
My father, who valued work above all else, but I don’t think he truly enjoyed it, scoffed at the idea.
Still, Gio continued, “It’s one of the things I admire so much about your son. His passion for his glasswork is inspirational. He’s really talented, too. I’m so proud of him.”
Unable to stop myself, I leaned across the bench seat and gave him a quick kiss. Public displays of affection were another giant no-no in their world. Unless it was men with their mistresses, then they seemed to be all hands.
I didn’t care what they thought. For the first time in my life I felt that burden fall off me. Their lives were so small. Their wealth was great, but what did it amount to? My life had onlygotten bigger since meeting Gio, and now it was time for me to sever the final tie.
Settling back in my seat, closer to Gio, who draped an arm over my shoulder, I folded my hands on the table, and faced my parents. “Speaking of my glasswork…”
My mother stirred her drink with the celery stick and tutted. “Dear, we’ve talked about this.”
“The thing is… I’m married now. I no longer need your permission. I’m here as a courtesy so you wouldn’t have to hear it from someone else.”
My father sat straight up. Oh, yeah, I definitely had his attention now, so I pressed forward. “As you know, there’s a stipulation on my trust fund, one that transfers it in full to my ownership upon proof of marriage, which we have.” I held up my hand to show off my ring. “I believe you were the ones to request this stipulation, and here we are.”
I tried to hold back the smug grin that fought for its place and maintained a cool, unaffected expression.
My father’s eyes darted to Gio and a scowl took place. “Why are you doing this? Is it for the money? Is your farm going under? Tell me a number, and I’ll save you the headache and write you a check right here.”
The fuckingnerve. I couldn’t believe he thought he could buy Gio out. No, Icouldbelieve it because they always believed they could buy whatever they wanted.
Gio, in his calm strength, didn’t flinch at the accusation. “My farm is fine, it’s paid off, actually. I’m not here for the money. I’m here for support, because I care about Jasper.”
“Bullshit,” my father snapped out in a hushed tone.
“Gio doesn’t care about the money, I know that’s hard to believe because it’sallyou care about, but he doesn’t. I had to force him to even let me pay for utilities for my shop. But you know what? Even if he wanted the money, I would give it tohim, because he has shown me wealth far greater than any bank account can hold.”
“If you’re so altruistic, what do you need with the trust fund?” My mother asked with mock disinterest as she sipped her drink. I knew beneath the surface she was simmering with fury, but… appearances and all.
“The thing is, I don’t reallyneedit. I’m rich enough without, but I’m taking it anyway, and you will no longer get to dictate what I do with my life. I’m happy. I love my life, I love my family, and I won’t have you speaking into what you think it should look like.” Months ago, it would have been impossible to say this, to stand up for myself, but I had something to fight for now, beyond myself and my own dreams.
“Well, I… I never.” My mother tossed her napkin onto the table. “I’m not going to sit here and listen to this.”
“Whether you listen or not, it doesn’t change a thing. This is happening. We’ve already made an appointment with Mrs. Lewis at the bank.”
“We’re leaving,” my father announced as he stood up from the table. My mother slid out and they waited for us, like we were going to follow suit.
Gio didn’t make a move to leave the bench, and said, calmly, “I think we’ll stay. We’re not done eating, and I’d like to enjoy the beautiful ocean view with my husband.”
“Then you can pick up the tab,” my father hissed.
“That’s fine. I love taking care of Jasper. He deserves to get spoiled. It was nice to meet you both.” If a smile ever said “fuck you very much”it was the calm one Gio offered.
The grin I’d been holding back broke free at last, and I gave them a dismissal wave.
