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“Winston comes from a great family. They’re well-off, and their company is poised to become one of the largest in their sectors for the next decade. With your—”
“No. Please, stop. Winston’s nice, but I’m not dating him. Why can’t you understand that?”
“Because, honey, this musician? What is this? Another one of your jokes like you used to pull? Is one of your little friends around filming this as some sort of reality show?”
My scoff almost echoes over the pool. “Wow. I can’t believe you.”
“I only want what’s best for you. You have to see where I’m coming from on this.”
My arms cross, and I glance around the pool area, the kids shouting in joy. Beyond them, my mother’s eyes connect with me, giving me a confused stare. I shake her off, then see Maddox eyeing me carefully before Winston says something to him. I can’t believe my father is acting this way.
“I know you want what’s best for me, but I know what I want. Maddox is a good person. He might not fit your mold of what an appropriate partner might be, but he’s nice and caring, and most importantly, he likes me. He wasn’t set up by two billionaires to date me.”
“Honey, that was never how I saw it. I wasn’t setting you up with a business partner’s son. Winston has his life scheduled out for him. This Maddox, what does he do? He plays music. How long can something like that last? Winston’s family’s company will—”
“Yes, Daddy. He plays music. In the biggest band in the world, but I don’t care about any of that. I like him. Why can’t you understand that?”
For a moment, I think this entire discussion is futile. That no matter what I say, he’ll never understand my reasoning. I get where he’s coming from, as annoying as it is, so why can’t he understand my position? Then his face softens.
“Of course, sweetheart,” he says, pulling me closer. After a small hug, he holds my face. “I do understand. I just want you to be happy.”
“I am.”
He nods with a slight smile, then leaves my side, heading off toward a group of men I’ve seen him talking with earlier. Heading back to Maddox, his eyes are suspicious, while Winston still looks like he’s in trouble.
“Cece, sorry, I didn’t know what to say when he invited me,” Winston says.
“You okay?” Maddox asks, taking my hand, his emerald eyes with a seriousness I haven’t seen on him before.
Nodding, I give his hand a squeeze, then lay my head on his shoulder. “Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Don’t worry about me,” he says, wrapping his arm around me. “I guess I still have a bit to go to win over your dad.”
“I guess so.”
