Disappointment settles in my stomach. “Yeah, I get it.”
“But you know, my new assistant is working out pretty good, and maybe I can arrange it.”
I smile, and she returns it. “Great, I’ll let the others know. You’re going to love it.” I spend the next fifteen minutes telling her all about the cottages, the water, and fishing and shopping.
“You really like it there, huh?”
“I get to spend time with my two nephews, and all the kids get along. We have a big bonfire every night, and there will be s’mores.”
“Cason, you should have opened with that,” she says, and I laugh.
When it dies down, she says, “My father can be pretty intimidating. You should probably know that, and that he’s probably going to interrogate you. I’m sorry in advance.”
“It’s okay. I’ve been up against some pretty intimidating guys on the ice. I think I can handle your father.”
“Okay,” she says, sounding unconvinced. “We should only have to have this one dinner. They both work twenty-four seven, so I won’t have to ask more than this from you.”
“I don’t mind.”
A few minutes later I park at the restaurant, and we exit my car. She glances around the lot. “I think we’re early, which is good. I’ll need a drink or ten for this.”
“Tequila?” I tease.
“Hell, no. That’s what got us into this mess in the first place.”
“But we’re making the best of it,” I say and put my arm around her. She relaxes into me, like she’s seeking my comfort and I’m happy to give it to her. I actually hate that her parents expect her to live the life they want for her, instead of living it the way she wants and on her terms. I’d tell them to stuff their damn trust fund. But I have money in my bank, and she doesn’t, so I’m going to help her out the best way I can.
Her body grows stiffer as we approach the door, and I give her a little squeeze to let her know I’m here. She smiles up at me, as I open the door to the posh Italian restaurant and usher her in.
“Nice place,” I say when we enter.
“Mom’s favorite,” she tells me as a hostess checks our names and leads us to our table. Drink menus are placed in front of us, but before we can open them, her parents come in behind us.
“Dad, Mom,” she says and stands to give them the world’s most awkward hug. All eyes turn to me when they break apart and I stand for the introduction. “This is Cason Callaghan. My husband. Cason, this is my Dad and Mom, Arthur and Lilith.” I extend my arm, and her father slides his beefy palm into mine as his eyes narrow in on me.
“Cason Callaghan,” he says. “So nice to meet you in person.” He gives me a firm shake and pulls his hand away. “I’ve seen you play.”
“Fan of hockey?”
“Actually, no. I only looked you up after my daughter kindly informed me, over the phone nonetheless, that she married you.”
Alright then. “Well it’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Palmer.” I wait for him to tell me to call him by his first name. He is, after all, my father-in-law, but the offer doesn’t come. I turn my attention to Kinsley’s mother. Her lips are pressed tight, forming a thin pink line. “It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Palmer.”
“Likewise, I’m sure.”
Wow, tough crowd.
I sit down next to Kinsley and put my hand on her thigh, and she grasps it in her sweaty palm. My entire body clenches, hating that she’s so nervous about this.
“So, hockey.” Her father focuses in on me. “How do your parents feel about that?” he asks
“Supportive. Hockey is my passion, and they supported that all through my life. I wouldn’t be a professional without them.”
I can almost hear him rolling his eyes in his mind, not at all impressed by my career choice, like chasing a puck around the ice is a child’s game. But I make a good living and I’m willing to help his daughter—my wife—out when she needs the help.
Kinsley sits up a little straighter. “They won the Stanley Cup this year, Dad.” I take in the eagerness in her eyes as she stares up at her father. After everything, she’s still seeking his approval, but this time it’s for me. I don’t need it. Nor do I want it.
“And that is impressive?” he asks.