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"So," Father says without wasting a bit. "What do you want? Has there been a challenge in the company? Has anyone been giving you trouble?"
"None that I can't handle. But I have met a woman," I reveal.
There is a long pause on the other end of the phone.
"A woman?" Father asks as if he's never heard the term.
"Felicity." I clarify. "We've been going on dates, she's met Eli."
I am shocked, not for the first time, at how naturally talking about Felicity as my future partner feels.
"I think she's the one."
"That's great news. I'm shocked that you moved so fast."
"Maybe our talk gave me the push I needed," I lie.
I should really start auditioning for movie roles at this point.
"I can see how that could be the case."
Could? Is he doubting me?
"You should bring her to dinner."
"Of course," I say, trying not to let my shock at his suggestion show.
What had I been thinking? That he would simply show excitement at my news of having met someone and hand me the position I seek on a silver platter?
"Good. This is really good, Son."
"I know," I swallow.
"You have always made me a proud father. You always listen."
"To the right words," I mutter because there have been times that I didn't, like when I went ahead and enlisted for Navy even though he had not wanted that for me. "You were actually right. Eli does need that mother figure. Although it's a little hard for him to fully accept that his mother and I will never be together again," I tell Dad, recalling my fight with Eli earlier, and the talk we've just had.
"Yes, I know. It will not be that easy, but he will eventually. It's a reality he will warm up to with time."
We talk about Mother and chemo, Father elaborately narrates about the hellish way Mother has been ensuring that he sticks to the doctor's orders.
"Sometimes, I fear that she could drive me insane."
I chuckle.
"That's what you signed up for."
Father chuckles.
"Bring her to dinner this Friday. Your mother and I want to meet this girl."
"I will."
"I also hope that you're not doing this for the position."
"Doing what?" I ask, my heart beginning to thud hard and fast.
"Stringing some poor woman along simply because--"
