My Big Fat Fake Wedding(114)
“And the wait?” Dad follows up.
I smile. “We did things all out of order. We fought first, got engaged, moved in with each other, fell in love, and got married. We never really dated. I’m looking forward to doing that with Vi.”
Mom’s smile is wry. “Is it really dating if you’re already living together?”
I chuckle. “Well, it didn’t make sense for her to move out because she’s already my wife.”
Yeah, there’s that. We decided to stay married and not seek an annulment. We know what was in our hearts as we walked down that aisle, and that’s what matters. When we’re ready, we’ll do it again, and it will mean just as much. A continuation of our marriage vows, a renewal of our commitment, and another date for me to remember.
Abi threatened to tie me down and have both dates tattooed on my ass so I’d never forget. I think she’s still worried that I’m going to fuck this up and ruin her relationship with her best friend. But I’m not that asshole I was in high school, not the cocky bastard I was just a few long weeks ago. And that’s mostly because of Violet. Okay, and Abi and Court, though I won’t ever tell them how much I appreciate the kick in the ass. And Dad too, but I did tell him that in one of those clumsy conversations.
Dad jokes back, “Okay, so you’re living together. Does it make sense to date your wife?”
Mom answers for me. “Yes, Morgan. Yes, it does.”
“Oops, walked right into that one. Sorry, dear. Maybe we could go to that restaurant you like this weekend? The one with all the spicy food that gives me heartburn?” He smiles, and I laugh as I figure out where I got my slick moves with the ladies . . . like flirting by putting frogs down their shirts.
She nods, committing him to a weekend of antacids, and I come in like any good wingman, pulling a distraction. “How’re things at the office?”
He sighs gratefully. “Actually, Ross, I wanted to talk with you about that. Any chance you’d like to come back and rejoin the board of directors? Not the VP role. I know you want to step away from that, and Courtney is thrilled to step up and take on more responsibilities. She’s already doing well with that. But the board position is less time-intensive, so you could do it and whatever else you decide to do.”
I think it over, but as I do, what comes to my mind isn’t the prestige of being with the company. It’s the late nights, the hours that I’ve spent working, and how I’d much rather spend that time with Violet. My time at the company was never a nine to five.
“Dad, I’m not saying no . . . I’m saying I’m not sure I can give you an answer right now,” I admit. “The idea of being part of the family company is nice, but the idea of being with Violet and spending time with her is pretty damn nice too. And this would be something we need to discuss together.”
Dad purses his lips, disappointed but respectful. “I understand. It’s open to you any time you’d like to have it. What are you thinking you’re going to do?”
I appreciate that there’s no pressure, no drive to get out there and make something of myself right this minute. “I’m still discussing it with Kaede. There’s a part of me that wants to see if I can do what you did, build something of my own too. You taught me a lot, and I think it’s time I put all those hours at your side to good use. If you or Courtney ever need me at Andrews, I’ll be there, but I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”
He smiles proudly and nods. “I’m sure you’ll do whatever you put your mind to, Son.”
*
The warm evening’s perfect for dinner as we light up the patio and set everything up for dinner. While I wish Marissa, Estella, and Vanessa could join us, along with the rest of Violet’s family, they all had to leave town and return to their own lives. Apparently, the triplets’ performance at our reception earned them some positive notoriety, and there’s talk of their doing some recordings when they’re on break from school. That was a silver lining to that particular dark cloud, at least.
“Good news, everyone,” I report as we settle in and Nana starts passing around a huge tray of lasagna. “I got a call from Colin Radcliffe’s lawyer. He’s agreed to drop his suit if Abi and Violet are willing to drop the lawsuit over his recording on private property. Seems they got a rather threatening call from someone at Andrews?”
Courtney smiles like she’s some sweet, innocent thing, but I know it was her. It was a stroke of genius, and all Courtney’s idea, but a little bit of research by our lawyer found that Colin violated quite a few laws with recording Abi and Violet’s conversation. It seems video recording on private property without the owner’s permission is a huge no-no, and partner that with the audio recording, which is a separate offense, and Colin was looking at potential jail time. That was before we tacked on the civil suit with solid cases against Colin for defamation and trespassing at the wedding and reception with ill intentions.
Around the table, my news is greeted with smiles, except from Aunt Sofia. “I would have liked to have had a few minutes with that . . . excuse me, I must watch my tongue,” she says, her lips pinching shut. “Father O’Flannigan says I inspired him to learn a little Italian, and I already owe him enough Hail Marys as it is. He’s learning a new language. I’m learning to bite my tongue.” She holds her hands up to the sky. “Dio Mio!”