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“Seeing anyone special?” I wish he wasn’t such a workaholic, and so bitter and burned by my mother. He dates, sometimes, but I already know the answer I’m going to get.
“Nah, don’t have time for that nonsense. Nor can I afford it.” He snorts. Well, he could—he really could—he’s one of the most successful real estate developers on the planet, and we’re sitting in a mini mansion with a garage full of classic cars and a wine cellar worth millions, but I think what he’s really thinking of is the emotional cost.
“You could meet someone at the country club,” I muse. “Live a little.” Look at me, giving my dad life advice. If that isn’t the dictionary definition of ironic, I don’t know what is.
He pours seltzer water into a crystal-cut glass, drinks it, and sets it down. “Let’s focus on you. You’re going to get seriously hurt one of these days. Do you really enjoy taking balls to the face on a regular basis?”
Unfortunately, I’m also taking a sip of water as he says that, and I choke and splutter, water dribbling down the front of my shirt.
“Oh, grow up,” he says with annoyance. “And don’t drool on my couch. You know exactly what I mean.” He hands me a cloth napkin and I dab at the couch.
“Well, no, Dad, I don’t. Since we use pucks in hockey, not balls.” I cough and clear my throat, smirking.
“So you chose a sport that requires no balls to play,” he muses.
“Ouch.” I shake my head at him.
“Come on. You could be sitting in a high-rise office with a beautiful view of Manhattan, planning and building empires. There’s enormous satisfaction in that. You were good at your architecture classes, I remember. Good at your business classes, too.”
I took those classes just to please him. “I’d make huge changes to your business, Dad. I wouldn’t walk in and run things the way you want me to.”
He brightens up and my heart sinks. Have I just given him false hope? I didn’t mean to. “I’m not interested. I’m sorry.”
“You can change things, of course. You’d be taking over the business. You’d put your own stamp on it, and I’d be proud.”
“I’m going to be playing hockey for at least a few more years, Dad. I will stay in the game for as long as I’m physically able and as long as the team will have me.” It pains me to have this conversation with him again. I don’t want to fight with him, I don’t want to upset him, I don’t want to piss him off, but I am my father’s son, and I’m as stubborn as he is.
My father’s jaw has that stubborn set to it. “Then I’ll be stuck there until you come to your senses. Which means I should get fitted for a coffin that will fit in my office.” Argh. Not the guilt again.
“Why don’t you have Jeffrey take over?” I name his extremely capable CFO.
He narrows his eyes at me. “Jeffrey is old.”
“Pot ... meet kettle.” I snort.
“You know what I mean. He’s only a couple of years younger than me, not in any position to take over a business empire. He’s nearing the end of his career.”
“Look, you keep complaining that you want to retire, and I’m saying you have options. Like Jeffrey. He’s more than capable of running things until I retire from hockey. He’s not an old fart like you.”
My father mock-glares at me. “I could still take you.”
He couldn’t, but I would certainly let him win at arm-wrestling just to save his ego. “I know, Dad. But child abuse is still illegal.”
“Damned softy liberals. When did a little child abuse ever hurt anyone?”
“Uh ... I’ll just let that one go, along with the balls to the face comment, but seriously. Talk to Jeffrey. You’ve got the perfect team in place. All you have to do is step down, and you can spend your days sailing and fishing.”
“I don’t own a boat.”
God, is he a stubborn son of a bitch. “Buy one.”
We spend a pleasant afternoon arguing and having my life choices questioned until my phone beeps. It’s a text from an unknown number.Hey sweetie, it’s your mom.So she’s guessed that I blocked her old number.See you soon. I’m so excited to spend time with my boy.
“Your mother?” my father guesses, from the look on my face.
“Yeah. I might as well head home anyway,” I tell him.
After I’ve said goodbye, I drive home, return the rental car, and cab it to my house.
