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“I tried it for the first time the other night. The place is very good.”
“It is. It’s our third time this week.”
“Third?”
“Lucia likes it,” he replied. “She has good taste.”
“My mother?”
“Master Charles.” Fay’s eyes narrowed at him, then grew softer. “I told you that was between me and Aimon. I love the name, but he has a right to this decision too.”
“He likes it. Don’t you, boy.”
It wasn’t a question. I glanced at Fay, smiling.
“Actually…I think it’s perfect. My mother is no doubt very happy about the choice. Lucia. Yes, it feels right.” I took a seat, grabbing a piece of pizza as they continued to eat.
“What is it you wished to talk to me about, Aimon? I can’t deny I was surprised you called at all.”
“I call all the time. Why wouldn’t I call?”
Both of his eyebrows rose. “For years you’ve been doing everything you can to piss me off so I’d disown you. You’ve rebelled. Spent outlandish amounts of money on useless things. You made horrible business decisions, on purpose. You cost me a lot of money and man hours. Now you call asking if you can come over? Now you’re here after you’ve finally been set free? I’m just confused, is all.”
Anger. Yes. It flared as I pushed back the rage that had built over the years. It was not the time to fight.
“I am not free. Do you forget who is under your roof? I’m concerned for my daughter and Fay. You, more than anyone, know the cost of being in control of this family. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and I’m worried that when Fay is made to step up to the lead position.” I stopped. “What I’m trying to say is I know I’m not part of this family anymore in your eyes, but I’d like to protect what’s mine the best way I know how. I’ve come to ask your permission to marry Fay.”
“Marriage?”
I nodded to my grandfather, watching as Fay stopped midchew. Her eyes were round, and the top part of her body rose from hovering over the plate so that she sat upright. Slowly, she chewed, looking back and forth between us.
“Before you say no, I just want to make some things clear. By no means am I trying to ease back into this family. I’m very much aware of what banishment entails. We can continue to live just the way we are. Nothing has to change. And I’m fully committed to the vows. Both of you have my word I will not break any of them. To do so would bring more shame on our family. I’ve done my fair share, and I’m sorry for that. It won’t happen again. I won’t ruin Lucia’s chances at a suitable match someday. She doesn’t deserve the troubles that would bring, just as Fay doesn’t deserve to be bombarded with proposals because of her status.”
Charles pursed his lips, looking down at his plate. For seconds he didn’t speak. I didn’t like it. I didn’t like his expression, nor the way he wouldn’t look at me. My entire world was resting on his decision. Couldn’t he see I wanted this?
“Although your proposal highlights important issues, I’m afraid I’m going to have to say no.”
My heart squeezed in my chest, aching uncontrollably from the shock. “No?”
“No, Aimon. Not today.”
Back and forth my head shook. “I don’t understand. What do you mean, not today?”
“Just that. Fayette deserves more than what you can offer. Why would I give her to you when she could easily be matched with someone more suited?”
Slowly, my hand drew into a fist. I would not lose my temper. I would not.
“Maybe because she’s having my child.”
“Not good enough. Anyone can be a dad, Aimon. I played that role to you for how many years? Little good it did. We saw how you turned out.”
“Grandfather—”
“Not. Today. Do better and come back when you have your shit together.”
I pushed to my feet, glaring down the table. “I’m never going to be good enough for you. Just tell me what you want me to say. Tell me what to do. I want to marry Fay. I want my child to have…I want her to…” My hand rose, clenching into a fist at my shoulder. “I want my child. I want my child! What…do I do?” The last was said so deeply, I feared I was going to break completely.
“Go home, Aimon. Want it enough to actually do something about it.”
