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I don’t want to talk about relationships. My mom always wants to see me settled down and happy. When my ex cheated on me, she was devastated—probably even more than I was.
“I have news,” I say, changing the topic. “I bought the restaurant.”
“What?” Mom looks surprised before her face splits into a smile. “When?”
“I just came from it. We still have to get the paperwork taken care of, but after that, it will be mine. It’s beautiful—as soon as you get out of here, I’d like to show you.”
“I’d love to see it,” Mom says.
“See what?” My dad asks, stepping into the room.
“Mason bought a restaurant,” Mom says proudly.
My dad doesn’t look impressed. “Are you still on that?”
“Was I supposed to get over it?” I asked tightly.
“Please, don’t argue,” Mom urges. “I think it’s wonderful.”
“And what are you planning to do? Feed the nation? The whole city is full of restaurants. How are you going to make enough of a difference that you stand out above the rest?”
“I am Mason Gill,” I point out.
“Ah, yes, the football player who gave it all up. I’m sure they’d love to see what you have in store, next.” My dad scoffs and unpacks a couple of things from a paper packet in the drawer for my mom. He always runs around to get whatever she needs.
“There’s nothing wrong with using the name I’ve worked hard for,” I say.
My dad shakes his head. “I just don’t understand why you have to give up all that hard work for something else. Why don’t you keep playing? I never understand you.”
“Because that chapter of my life is done, Dad. Do you have any idea what caliber the newest players are? They’re younger than I am, faster, and stronger. It’s time for me to retire.”
“No one decided that for you,” my dad says bitterly. “You’re throwing in the towel before it’s over.”
I’m getting angry. “I’ve done my part, and now it’s time for me to do what I’ve always wanted to do.”
“You can’t tell me that you hated every year that you’ve played on the team.”
“No, you’re right. I can’t. But I want to open a restaurant, and I’m going to do it.”
My dad waves his hand in dismissal. It’s all I’m going to get from him. He’s never agreed with my plans—when I told him I wanted to go to college, he said I would never be able to get a scholarship to afford it. When I got the scholarship and started playing football, he told me I would never make the NFL. And when I played pro ball, he told me I was doing it for the wrong reasons. For the money—which he doesn’t mind taking whenever I offer it—rather than the passion.
It doesn’t matter what I do. He’s never going to approve.
“Charlie, please,” my mom says and she sounds exhausted. “Can we not do this right now? I’d like to have both my men in the same room without a fight for a change.”
My dad sits down on the opposite side of the bed and takes my mom’s hand.
“Sorry, sweetheart.” He glances at me, and it’s not a friendly look.
“I have to go,” I say, standing.
“So soon?” Mom asks, but she knows that we can’t make this work for her sake. My dad and I just don’t see eye to eye and I don’t want to exhaust her more.
“I have a couple of things to take care of. I just wanted to share the news.”
“Congratulations, my boy,” Mom says warmly.
I lean over and hug her. I offer my dad a curt nod before I leave the hospital room.
