“Was it really bad, honey?”my mom asks sympathetically when we stop in front of the table.She’s keeping her eyes on my face, clearly determined to ignore Julian’s possessive gesture.My dad, however, grits his teeth so hard I can practically hear the grinding noise.
“It got better once we learned that I’m pregnant.I started eating plainer foods at regular intervals, and it seemed to help,” I explain, flushing.It’s odd to talk about my pregnancy in front of my dad.We had danced around the issue during our video chats, with Dad gruffly asking after my health and me brushing off his inquiries.I know he hates the fact that I’m pregnant at my age, and despises the whole situation with Julian.My mom probably feels the same, but she’s much more diplomatic about it.
“I hope you can eat tonight,” my mom says worriedly.“Your dad and I prepared a lot of food.”
“I’m sure I’ll manage, Mom.”Smiling, I sit down in the chair Julian pulls out for me.“Everything looks delicious.”
And it’s true.My parents have outdone themselves.The table has everything from my dad’s rosemary chicken—a recipe he only uses for special occasions—to my grandmother’s tamales and my favorite dish of roasted lamb chops.It’s a feast, and my stomach growls in appreciation at the delicious smells emanating from the glass-covered platters.
Julian takes a seat to the left of me, and Mom and Dad sit down across from us.
“Come, sit next to me on this side,” I tell Rosa, patting the empty chair to my right.I can see my friend still doesn’t feel comfortable, convinced she’s somehow imposing.Her usual bright smile is uncertain and a bit shy as she sits down next to me, smoothing her palms over the front of her blue dress.
“This table is amazing, Mrs.Leston,” she says in her softly accented voice.
“Oh, thank you, sweetheart.”My mom beams at her.“Your English is so good.Where did you learn to speak like that?Nora told me you’ve never been to the US before.”
“No, I haven’t.”Looking pleased at the compliment, Rosa explains how Julian’s mother taught her American English when she was a child.My parents listen to her story with interest, asking a number of follow-up questions, and I use this opportunity to excuse myself to visit the restroom.
When I return a few minutes later, the atmosphere at the table is thick with tension.The only person who appears at ease is Julian, who’s leaning back in his chair and regarding my parents with an inscrutable gaze.My dad is visibly bristling, and my mom has her hand on his elbow in a classic calming gesture.Poor Rosa looks like she’d rather be anywhere else.
I sit down and debate asking what happened, but I have a feeling it would stir up the hornet’s nest even more.“How’s the new job going, Dad?”I ask brightly instead.
My dad takes a deep breath, then another, and attempts something that’s supposed to be a smile.It looks more like a grimace, but I give him credit for trying.
Before he can answer my question, Julian leans forward, placing his forearms on the table, and says, “Tony, you may not be aware of this, but your daughter is now one of the wealthiest women in the world.She will want for nothing, regardless of her choice of profession or lack thereof.I understand that having a child during college is not optimal, but I would hardly call it ‘destroying her life,’ particularly in this situation.”
My dad’s chest swells with fury.“You think the child is the only problem?You stole—”
“Tony.”My mom’s voice is soft, but the inflection in it makes Dad stop mid-sentence.She then turns toward Julian.“I apologize for my husband’s bad manners,” she says evenly.“Obviously, we’re well aware of your ability to provide for Nora financially.”
“Good.”Julian gives her a cool smile.“And are you also aware that Nora is becoming a sought-after artist?”
I pause in the middle of reaching for a lamb chop and gape at Julian.A sought-after artist?Me?
“I know that a gallery in Paris expressed some interest in her paintings,” my mom says cautiously.“Is that what you mean?”
“Yes.”Julian’s smile sharpens.“What you may not know, however, is that the owner of that gallery is one of the leading art collectors in Europe.And he’s very intrigued by Nora’s work.So intrigued, in fact, that he just sent me an offer to purchase five of her paintings for his personal collection.”
“Really?”I can’t hide the eagerness in my voice.“He wants to buy them?For how much?”
“Fifty thousand euros—ten per painting.Though I’m sure we can negotiate for more.”
I stop breathing for a moment.“Fiftythousand?”I would’ve been ecstatic to get five hundred dollars.Hell, I would’ve taken fifty bucks.Just the fact that someone wants my doodles is beyond belief.“Did you sayfifty thousand euros?”
“Yes, baby.”Julian’s gaze warms as he looks at me.“Congratulations.You’re about to make your first big sale.”
“Oh my God,” I breathe out.“Oh.My.God.”
I can see the same shock reflected on my parents’ faces.They, too, are stunned by this turn of events.Only Rosa seems to take this development in stride.“Congratulations, Nora,” she exclaims, grinning.“I told you those paintings are amazing.”
“When did you get this offer?”I ask Julian when I can speak again.
“Right before we got here.”Julian reaches over to give my hand a gentle squeeze.“I was going to tell you later tonight, but I figured your parents might want to know too.”
“Yes, we definitely do,” my mom says, finally recovering from her shock.“That’s… that’s incredible, honey.We’re so proud of you.”
My dad nods, still mute, but I can see that he’s just as impressed.And possibly beginning to change his mind about the potential of my hobby.
