He hated that he couldn’t give her a decent family. Her family was wonderful, right out of a storybook. His family played games like, “how much can we hurt each other tonight,” but Ivy always tried to get along with his dad and brother.
“Remember we went to Chops late the night before our anniversary one year?” Ivy wrapped her arms around him, putting her head on his chest.
“And we got the best table,” Gabe said. He put his hands around her waist and kissed the hollow under her ear.
“That was the night you brought out the wide crop. I like that thing.”
Gabe smiled. “Then we’ll have to get it out of the closet. I like how the wide part slaps, and the handle can be used as a small cane. Are you ready for what I have in store for you tonight?”
“Let’s just survive this dinner. If I can get through this, I can get through anything you have dreamt up.” Ivy took his hand.
Gabe smiled at her, and for a moment, it felt like old times between them. They were united against his father. Gabe sighed, knowing how unpleasant this part of the evening would be. On the short drive over to the restaurant, he glanced at Ivy in profile again, thinking how lucky he was to have her. She was worth trying to set his hurt aside. She was worth trying to make a new start.
His father, Cole and Chantal, were already seated inside the restaurant. “Did we say seven-thirty? I thought we said seven?” His dad slapped him on the back.
“Yeah, got a little caught up,” Gabe said. “Cole. Chantal.” Chantal flashed him a smile of perfectly cosmetic teeth and held out her ring finger.
“Wow, Cole, that’s a pretty rock,” Gabe said.
“It’s lovely,” Ivy said. “Congrats, Chantal. Cole, you’re lucky she said yes.”
“Don’t I know it.” Cole slid an arm around Chantal.
With every small topic his dad brought up, from his stocks to the latest repair on his sports car, Gabe wished he was anywhere else but here. “So did you see the write-up they did on me? Take a look.” His dad shoved a phone in his hand.
Gabe snorted. “‘With his son, Cole Arthur, the Arthur family continues to be a successful family to be envious of. What these two men have done with very little resources is an inspiration to all’. Didn’t want to mention me?”
Cole smirked. “You don’t like the spotlight, Gabe.”
“It wasn’t up to me what to print, son. Any time you want, you could go to business school and then have a position at the firm.”
Gabe couldn’t imagine being in a suit all day, lying to people and selling them insurance. “I’m good, thanks.”
“You couldn’t hack it, Shrimp.”
“Did you go to business school?”
“Didn’t need to. I became a successful business guy without it, right Ivy?”
Ivy smiled thinly at Cole.
“So, what are you doing with yourself these days?” his father asked him.
He was saved by a server. “Have we decided on appetizers?”
“I’ll take an order of calamari. Salad for you, Ivy?” his dad said.
Gabe ground his teeth and took Ivy’s hand under the table. “She’ll have the shrimp cocktail. I’ll take the clam’s casino.”
“It’s a celebration, right?” His father grinned at them.
Ivy wasn’t bothered by their comments. He tried not to be.
Chantal and Cole ordered, and the restaurant din roared in his head. Ivy ran her thumb along his clenched knuckles, and he exhaled.
He was supposed to be looking out for her.
The thought landed like a stone.
