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The expression on my father's face was almost laughable except I was afraid of that expression because it meant I'd be pestered and pestered about him.
"He's working as a bicycle courier as he goes to college to get his degree in Commerce,
" I said, upset now that I had to defend a fictitious Keith, blending the story I first thought about Josh with the truth about his past. "He wants to be an entrepreneur when he graduates."
My father turned back to his food and cut his steak, and I could see the wheels turning in his mind. He was struggling to figure out how to respond, knowing that his instinct was to be dismissive, but fighting it in an attempt to appear reasonable.
"What do you know about his family? What's his last name?" he asked.
"If you think I'm telling you, you're crazy," I said and took a long drink of my wine. "We just met and are just friendly. We went out for a meal and have gone to a bar with other employees from work. If anything more develops, I'll let you know."
"Okay, dear, whatever you think is best," he replied, and I was surprised that he was so willing to accede to my wishes. "If and when you want to let us know more, you can always call me, and I'll come down and meet him or you two could come up to Concord for the Christmas or New Year’s holidays. Keep it in mind."
"I will, Daddy," I said and smiled. "Thanks for understanding."
The dinner ended and so I went back to my tiny studio apartment and went to bed, waiting for Josh to call me so we could talk -- and maybe Skype sex if he was interested. Frankly, I was tired from my day walking around Manhattan with my mother and could have happily just talked with Josh, but I knew that if I heard that sexy voice and watched him, my body would respond, and I'd be ready and eager.
My cell dinged, indicating an incoming text.
JOSH: How was your day?
I smiled when I saw his text and sent a reply.
ELLA: Good. I had lunch with my mom and made the mistake of telling her about losing my ID and stuff. I said a nice bicycle courier helped me out and of course, I got grilled about you for the rest of the day. I didn't say who you really were, though. I don't need the aggravation.
JOSH: That's too bad. I'd like to meet your father.
ELLA: I don't think you would like to meet him. He thinks you're the enemy.
JOSH: That's no good. I don't want to be anyone's enemy. Especially not your father...
ELLA: It's the bad blood between them because of what happened to my father's business partner.
JOSH: I understand. They were friends as well as partners. He took it personally, I guess.
ELLA: Yes, and he still holds a grudge against MBS because of it. What's going on in La-La-Land? Are you having fun?
JOSH: They're working on music for a new EP at David's villa, so the place has been busy as you can imagine a rocker's villa would be.
ELLA: Lots of pretty young thangs? Groupies dying to be with the boys from the band? Should I be jealous?
JOSH: No, not in the least. There are a few women around, but believe it or not, they're actually girlfriends or wives of the band members. No groupies in sight. You'd think the guys were all hard rockers because of the music, but they're mostly just musicians and family men or in serious relationships. All except David, that is. He's a confirmed bachelor.
ELLA: In my father's parlance, that means he's gay.
JOSH: Nope. Just really sour on marriage. He's in between girlfriends but he makes it pretty clear he's not interested in anything monogamous.
ELLA: I guess he can get away with it. So, are you enjoying your stay?
JOSH: It's nice in SOCAL but I wish you were here with me. I'm going to Skype you, so I can hear your voice and see your face.
ELLA: Okay.
In a moment, my cell rang, and I answered it, positioning the phone so he could see my face.
“When are you going to David’s?”
“Tomorrow after the convention ends.”
