“I’m sorry,” she quickly apologizes, lowering her head. Why does she have to apologize?
Everyone continues to eat, still missing the holiday spirit. That is until Elias clears his throat, “So, Keola. How did you meet my daughter?”
He’s testing the waters. “I’m a volunteer with the foundation. We recently got close trying to solve a problem that arose recently.” Well, we all know that’s not the complete story.
“And what do you do?” he asks, Finn and Lilly looking back at me, getting closer to each other. They keep eating, and watching the show unfold.
“I assist with business and tracking finances, a treasurer really,” again not a lie.
Charlotte interjects, “His..” she thinks for a moment, “friends and business partners having been assisting around the foundation.”
“What kind of businesses?” He perks up.
I lean back in my chair, the man is trying to grasp his way. “Local coffee shops, a bar and restaurant, a couple auto shops. Local businesses, no chains.”
“I would be very interested in speaking with your partners,” he insists.
“Yeah, I don’t think so. We’re doing very well right now.” He’s not weaseling into our businesses.
“Pity, could triple your profits. Help you take care of anything you need,” he tries to persuade me. Heat rises as I’ve seen the song and dance before.
“Please, no talk of business while we’re eating,” Charlotte requests.
“This doesn’t concern you, daughter,” he raises his hand to stop her.
“I have everything I need, I have been blessed with Charlotte and Finn.” I retorted back.
“I’m just surprised,” he digs more.
“Surprised at what?”
“No offense, but you don’t seem like the person that would be an influence on my grandson,” he remarks making my blood boil
I take the moment to be careful of my words, “I don’t need to be an influence on him. He’s a smart boy turning into a man. Who is being raised by an amazing woman who would do anything for him.”
“Finn is a remarkable boy. Chip off of the old block,” he ignores his own daughter.
“I don’t think you’re hearing me. Charlotte and Finn are both remarkable, which has nothing to do with you. If anything Finn is more like her than you,sir,” I sneer, Charlotte’s hand grazes my thigh under the table, warning me to stop.
“I wish I could do more, but my hands were tied,” He spits out.
“Um, I don’t think this is the time…” Brayden tries to say.
“I never agreed with my daughter taking Finn in her care. She wasn’t ready and very irresponsible at the time,” He continues, throwing his napkin on the plate.
Finn interrupts, “Didn’t seem irresponsible to me.” He defends her.
“Elias, you never raised these kids, you never could...” Lilly starts, but he quickly interrupts.
“I know, sister, you’re not lecturing me on having kids, especially when you couldn’t. You were ready to step in...” Everything becomes silent. He had crossed the line. Lilly straightens up, holding back the hidden tears.
“At least I have the room in my heart for them,” Lilly softly says, her accent becoming thicker.
“And that’s all they need is someone with a heart,” Elias laughs.
Charlotte stands up from the table, “That’s enough!”
“So much like your mother. Irresponsible, daydreaming, thinking the world is your playground,” he continues his last word, trying to break down those walls of strength.
