“Did you get your application in for early decision at Harvard?” He folds his hands on the desk.
“Of course.” I cross my ankle over my knee. He only cares about one college, so I don’t mention the others I applied to. I’m not sure I can break away from his plans for me.
“Good. How is football going this year?”
“Undefeated.”
“Any recruitment yet?” My father could not care less if I play football, but he wants me to be the best at everything, so that means being recruited by universities even if I don’t intend to play there. When I showed interest in the sport, Dad enrolled me in football camps and hired personal coaches to help me train.
“Not recently.” I take a deep breath and wonder how much parenting I’ll have to put up with today. Dad leaves me alone more than he’s here, which means I don’t have to answer to anyone usually. But now and then he remembers he needs to control my life.
“Hmph.” Dad reads something on his phone before returning his gaze to mine. “The Lees are back in town. You were close to their boy, right?”
I nod. Nico is one of us. And another guy I have to share Harper with. If Dad doesn’t wrap this up soon, I might miss out on time with our girl.
“You should put in some hours working at the company this year. It will give you experience and look good on your college application.” Dad leans in. “You can get a leg up and understand what’s necessary to run our business.”
This isn’t the first time Dad has tried to get me to work for him. The problem is, there is a legit side of his business, and a questionable side as well. I’ve tried to keep my nose out of it, so when his empire falls, it won’t take me out with it. But I don’t know how much longer I can avoid his company.
“I’ll see what time I can make. It will have to wait until the end of football season.” I keep my voice calm and don’t tense up. As long as my arguments are rational, he’ll hear them. I can’t make them emotional. Idon’t dare mention Harper as a reason I don’t have time. “I can’t let my grades drop now that Nico is back. He always had a high ranking, and I’m sure he’ll be up there with me, Eli, and Jack.”
Caden isn’t far behind us either, but mentioning Caden is like a red flag to my father. Our fathers used to be partners until they fell out a few years ago. Dad wants me to stay close to Caden to find out what he knows about their business.
“You need to learn to balance your time better.” Dad motions to the door. “We’ll have dinner tonight. Be here at seven. Don’t be late.”
Fuck. Family dinners are the worst with my dad. Nothing like Harper’s birthday dinner, where her mother tried to make us all feel welcome. It was warm and inviting. This will be cold and sterile.
“Can I bring someone?” My mind flashes to having Harper beside me.
Dad narrows his eyes. “The guys? It would be good to see how they’re doing. They may make formidable business partners in the future.”
Nodding, I stand. “I’d like to bring Harper as well.”
“Harper?” Dad’s interest is piqued. I’ve never asked to bring a girl to dinner before.
“Harper Davidson. Her mom is a nurse.” She doesn’t have an influential family, so I’m not sure how this will play out.
Dad sits back and studies me. He’s always looking for weaknesses. If he thinks Harper might be a weakness, he’ll use her against me. “Girlfriend?”
As much as I want to say yes, I know it will be better for everyone if I say no. “A friend of ours.”
“Fine.” Dad waves his hand, already dismissing Harper in his mind.
I turn to leave.
“Don’t be late and bring Nico Lee with you.”
I nod before I escape to my room and get ready to head back out. When Dad’s home, I try to spend as little time here as possible. My father has plans for my future. I’m not sure I can get around them, but I’m still searching for my way out.
Me:
Dinner with dad tonight. 7. We’ll all be there
Harper:
You want me to have dinner with your dad?
Me:
