“Dad,” I whispered the word through my clenched jaw, giving him a meaningful look, jerking my chin toward the crowd.
“Of course he’s shocked, folks,” my dad smoothly transitioned into addressing the crowd again. “This is a big surprise for all of us, isn’t it? But please stay tuned for more news about our upcoming nonprofit and all the wonderful fundraising we’ll be able to do for a community that really needs our help.”
Everyone clapped again, and my dad ushered us off the stage while they did, steering us into an empty corner, away from the eyes and ears of the partygoers.
“Dad, you can’t do that to him,” I griped, the words coming out sharp from between my clenched jaw. “He’s not a puppet you can pull the strings on to make him perform for you.”
“No, you’re right,” he said thoughtfully, scratching his chin. “He definitely needs some media training.”
“He doesn’t need anything like that,” I countered. “You need to learn some boundaries.”
“I-I’m sorry,” Aspen managed to stammer out. “I didn’t mean to… Ruin your announcement. I just didn’t expect you to offer anything like that.”
“No, I’m sorry,” he said, instantly contrite. I wanted to drop my jaw at the sincerity in the words, and the quick way he’d apologized, because he’d absolutely never done that with me, but I wasn’t totally surprised. “I suppose boundaries have never been my strong suit.”
Aspen snorted a little, a tiny laugh huffing out, though he still looked a bit dazed and overwhelmed. “I think you might have passed that trait on.”
“Hey,” I retorted. “I respect your boundaries! Mostly. Sometimes you don’t know what’s good for you.”
Aspen gave me a look that was somehow dry, exasperated, and full of resigned affection, before turning back to my dad.
“Program coordinator is going to be a perfect stepping stone for you. You can learn the ropes of the business while you’re getting experience in the daily operational side of things. I will personally take you under my wing, and teach you everything you need to know to end up in a position like I’m in,” he promised.
I wasn’t too crazy about the idea of my cutthroat father taking Aspen under his wing and teaching him anything, but… I couldn’t deny it was a generous offer, and the whole trans nonprofit thing was probably exactly the kind of thing Aspen would love being a part of. For obvious reasons.
“I really,reallyappreciate the offer,” Aspen said. “It’s honestly… perfect for me, but… The whole idea of moving here right out of college is just… I don’t know. My mom kind of needs me around, and-”
“Don’t worry about any of that,” he cut him off, shaking his head. “All that’s being dealt with, and soon you won’t have anything holding you back.”
“W-what?” Aspen asked, confused.
“Dad,” I bit out the word from between my teeth again, stress washing over me and forcing my muscles to briefly clench. “Boundaries.”
“Yes, yes,” he said impatiently, waving a hand dismissively. “You and your precious boundaries. There’s no need to worry. You have two and a half more years before we’ll be crossing thatline, at any rate. Please, enjoy the party and we’ll talk business later, Aspen.”
“A-alright,” he agreed.
“Gee,Dad, I hope you can spare some time to teach me a few things, too,” I pointed out. He eyed me wearily for a few moments.
“I’ll think about it,” he finally said, before glancing back over to Aspen. “Enjoy the party. We’ll talk later,” he said, before turning and heading back into the crowd.
Heaving a massive sigh, I wrapped my arms around Aspen, pulling his back into my front as I set my chin on his shoulder. The band had started playing another song, a slow, sensual one this time, so there were tons of couples on the dance floor wrapped up in each other.
“Sorry,” I said. “He’s insane, I know.”
“No, you don’t have to be,” he denied softly. “It’s so… Generous. But I never expected anything like that.”
“Like I said before, get used to it. My father is obsessed with you.”
“Sounds like someone else I know,” he remarked, a teasing note dripping from his voice. I chuckled, squeezing him tightly.
“Yes, you’re very popular.”
“I’ve never been popular before. I’m afraid I’m starting to like it.”
“Don’t be afraid,” I advised him. “I am completely wrapped around your finger, and you are never shaking me off. Might as well let me worship you while I’m here.”
He leaned back into me, twisting his head so we could kiss.
