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“Terrific. My apologies for not taking the time to speak with you at Sebastian’s party. The children had fun, but business never sleeps. Or waits for your children to blow out their birthday candles.” He laughs. “Do you have any siblings?”
“A sister,” Maddox answers.
“She’s a musician, too,” I add. “She’s also a member of the Kings.”
“Wonderful,” my father says.
He continues on asking about Maddox’s upbringing, why he chose to be a musician, and what his future plans are. Thankfully, the question of the future plans is about his life and business, and not about me. It’s a lot of questions, but he’s friendly through them all, listening to Maddox’s answers and offering advice on business dealings with negotiation with record companies. He even tells Maddox if he ever wants to look into property or real estate to not hesitate to contact him.
For his part, Maddox mostly just listens. I definitely didn’t expect him to have in-depth conversations with my father. After all, if the age difference wasn’t enough, they come from entirely different worlds. Still, I’m surprised at how quiet Maddox is. If it’s a yes or no question, that’s all he offers. If he’s asked about something that involves a more detailed answer, Maddox keeps it incredibly brief. He doesn’t look intimidated by my father, so I don’t understand why he’s not a little more open. But then again, maybe it’s just one of those boyfriend/dad things. Perhaps there is always an invisible barrier between those two camps that makes conversations awkward.
After we’ve eaten, and my father has discussed more dealings on the business side of Mavin International, we finally come to the end of dinner. When the waiter offers the check, my father is quick to take it. “Please, allow me.”
For the first time tonight, Maddox’s leery expression morphs into something akin to annoyance. When the waiter brings the credit card back, we all get up from the table, making our way out of the restaurant. I take Maddox’s hand while we trail behind. I didn’t find the dinner as awkward as I thought it might be, though Maddox might be feeling different. However, I’m still thankful that he put up with it and smile at him. He offers one back, but something is missing.
The valet heads off to get our vehicles, bringing mine around first. Walking over to my father, I give him a hug. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“Of course, sweetheart. Drive safely.” He gives me a kiss on the cheek.
Before getting into my car, I go back to Maddox. Giving him a light kiss, I wrap my arms around his neck. “Thank you, Maddox,” I whisper to him. “Don’t let him intimidate you when I leave. He loves his power suits, but he’s a teddy bear.”
Maddox lets out a low chuckle, and for the first time tonight, I see a genuine smile from him. He doesn’t respond but gives me a slight nod, and I head toward my car and get it, the valet shutting the door behind me.
Offering one last wave to them, they each wave back, and I drive away.
