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“Do you expect him at my sixtieth birthday celebrations?” His brows arch before he reaches for the red wine and half fills his glass.
Dad’s birthday is this weekend, but he has postponed the party to the end of March when Will returns from college, and his friends in Sydney, who are tied up with business, can get away. They have planned not only the party but a men’s weekend including an AFL football game and five days holidaying at Victor Harbour, fishing, and then touring the McLaren Vale wineries.
“I hope so, but…”
“So do we,” Faith says. “I’m looking forward to meeting him. As for Rose, book an appointment with the doctor, and I’ll come with you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” With Jake working all day and late into the night, I’m grateful to spend more time with Faith.
“See if you can get it on a Thursday when the kids are in daycare.”
“So where are we going for dinner?” I ask.
“Lombardi’s. It serves the best Italian food in the city,” Mum says.
“Yasmine’s sister, Cleo, works there.”
“The physiotherapist?” Faith asks.
“Yes. She’s saving to travel, so she is working two jobs.”
“I saw Yasmine at the health shop on Jetty Road,” Mum says. “How long has she worked there?”
“A while now. She’s studying naturopathy and is an influencer on Instagram. She uploads videos of her special shakes and herbal snacks and now has two hundred thousand followers.”
“Is that impressive?” Dad says, obviously clueless.
“If you checked our hotel’s Instagram profile at all, then you would know it is. I have to say Ethan has done a great job marketing Monte Hotels while I’ve been away.”
“He has. I hope he stays with us, but I think our HR role isn’t the challenge Ethan wants.”
“But he’s also doing the marketing, and he’s involved in the recent development.” I’m not sure if Dad was hinting at something else.
“Yes. I think Ethan is ready to take on an assistant managerial position.”
The room falls quiet.
I stop walking, and Faith’s eyes meet mine. In the silence, there’s an understanding passing between us.
“Don’t you think it’s premature to be promoting him in ourfamilycompany?” Faith says seriously.
“Ethan’s been working with us for a year now. He has demonstrated his capabilities, and I see his potential through his commitment. And he works late almost every night.”
“What about Dana?” I interrupt. “She has been with us for decades. I think it’s an insult not to promote her first.”
“These are two different roles. Besides, I think Dana’s husband is looking to transfer interstate. I really don’t know how long she’ll continue working with us. I hope a while longer. Otherwise, I’ll need to find more admin staff to assist you when you return to work.”
“Me?” I look at Faith to get a gauge if she knew about any of this. She rolls her eyes. “I can help for now, but I don’t know what my future holds. I haven’t ruled out studying nursing either. It will depend on Samuel when he returns and on his work as well. I mean, we may need to move to the country for him to get a job.”
Dad huffs. “Every damn hospital is crying out for doctors. He’ll get work here. Besides, you don’t know when and if this will happen. In the meantime, you need to work and secure a future for you and Rose.”
“For one, Eden will have maternity payments from the government for a few more months,” Faith argues. “And I think it’s up to her to decide what her future holds.” She holds up a hand when Dad attempts to interrupt. “And don’t speak like she’s going to be alone for the rest of her life.”
Standing behind Dad where he can’t see me, I mouth to Faith, “Thank you.”
“Thank you for a lovely dinner, Mum. I’ll try to settle Rose in her crib while she’s quiet.” I walk around the table and kiss Faith goodnight. Then I meet Dad’s gaze. “I understand what you’re saying about Monte Hotels, and it concerns you how Faith and I aren’t there to work, especially when it’s our family business. Please be careful, that’s all. Will hasn’t even finished college yet. Give him a chance to decide. What I’m saying is, I don’t want you to hand it over to someone who isn’t family.” His expression changes, and I know exactly what he’s thinking—what he hopes for Ethan and me. “When you meet Samuel, I think you’ll understand why I’m holding out with every drop of hope I have inside of me that he’ll return to me safely. He truly is the best man for me and the best father to Rose. I just have to be patient.”
I head to bed thinking about what Dad said. The notion of Samuel not returning sticks in my head.
