“Lester received a promotion to branch manager at the bank where he works,” Dad says.
“Congrats. We both have accomplishments to celebrate.”
“What are you celebrating?” Patrick asks.
“I started an internship at Stone Incorporated today.”
“Wow! The owner is a gazillionaire. I would love to get my hands on the new Beacon,” Patrick says, rubbing his palms together.
“He’s an exceptional, God-fearing man and has a great head on his shoulders,” Dad says, reverting the discussion back to Lester.
“Maybe you can approve me for a personal loan.” Patrick grins, wiggling his eyebrows at Lester.
I laugh internally. He’s incorrigible. I love when he’s home.
Dad bangs his fist on the table. “Control your mouth or you can dismiss yourself.”
“It’s a joke. Chill.” Patrick throws his fork on his plate and stands. “I need to finish unpacking.”
During Patrick’s visits, he and Dad bicker nonstop. It’s the reason he chose not to come home for spring vacation and stayed at a friend’s instead.
Why can’t I be brave like Patrick? I’ve never had the stomach to talk back to our father, maybe because I faced his harshness every day and had no one to rely on for support. I learned to listen because the alternative was corporal punishment.
I grab his wrist when he stomps past me. “I’ll come up before I leave.”
He nods.
Fantastic. Now I’m left with these two. I need to make my exit sooner rather than later.
“Any woman would be blessed to have Lester as a husband,” my father remarks.
I choke on my lemonade. Whoa, that comment came out of nowhere.
“Oh. Have you found a lucky lady to propose to?” I ask.
Is my father playing matchmaker? The conversation is treading into dangerous territory if he is.
“Not yet, but your father has told me about your exemplary morals.” Lester smiles, showing crooked yellow teeth. “I was hoping we could become better acquainted outside of church. Maybe you’ll be thelucky ladyone day.”
White foam.
“Oh… well… um… Dad wants me to focus on school.”
I see this man on Wednesdays for Bible study and on Sundays. That’s the extent of our association. There’s no attraction... no spark, and he’s super creepy.
“Nonsense. Lester is a prime catch. You can’t let him slip through your fingers.”
All of a sudden, he’s fine with me dating, as long as he selects the man.
“Are you free Friday night?” Lester asks.
“I… um… have…”
“She’s available.” Dad narrows his eyes at me.
“Wonderful! I’ll pick you up at six.”
“Mmm… okay.”
