Alpha Male Romance(39)

I cleaned up the dishes that were sitting in the sink, put the chicken I'd prepared this morning into the oven, and waited for my dad to show up first. Despite his alcoholic proclivities, he was always early. Then again, maybe it was because of them. His way of proving to people – especially my mom – that he was capable of functioning.

Mom, however, was always late. Part of it was her scatter-brained nature. She was forever forgetting things when I was growing up. Notes stuck in her pockets only to come apart in bits and pieces in the washer and dryer. Pens that leaked. Part of it was because she was always so concerned with everyone else that she lost track of anything she was supposed to be doing.

I wandered into the bedroom and started looking through my closet. I didn't own a lot of clothes, so I'd probably end up taking most of them, but, at least, I wouldn't have to worry about needing a winter wardrobe unless I did end up staying long term. I pulled out a few things and tossed them onto the bed.

The apartment was small enough that I was able to hear the knock on the door and make it out before Dad knocked again. I opened the door and smiled, but he didn't return it. Not surprising. He'd rarely smiled before. Since Logan's return from the army years ago, Dad hadn't smiled at all. Or, at least, he hadn't around me.

“There a reason you wanted me to come here?” he grumbled as he headed for the kitchen.

Unsurprisingly, he opened the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. I didn't drink it often, but I always had some on hand for whenever I felt the urge.

I was definitely feeling it now, but I didn't give in. I needed a completely clear head for what was about to happen.

“We're waiting for someone,” I said.

He scowled at me. “You and your mom ganging up on me?”

I shook my head. “It's got nothing to do with you.”

He took the beer into the living room and sat in the only chair, muttering something under his breath as he settled, but I didn't bother asking him to repeat it. I was pretty sure it hadn't been meant for my ears anyway. I knew I didn't want to hear it either way.

I went back into the kitchen to check the chicken I'd made. It was almost ready, which meant my timing was perfect because another knock came just as I was closing the oven again.

“Smells great, sweetie,” Mom said as she came inside. “I love what you've done with the place. Looks so much better than when I was...” Her voice trailed off as she stepped out of the small entryway and into the living room.

“I know you like getting the kid involved, Joan, but this is going a bit far.” Dad's voice wasn't slurred, but I was pretty sure half the beer was gone already.

“I'm not responsible for this, Eban.” Mom tossed her purse onto the couch even as she turned toward Dad, her hands automatically going to her hips in a gesture I'd seen a million times.

“Before this escalates,” I cut in, “how about you both take a seat and I can tell you why I asked you both to come over. Then we can move over to the table and eat because I'm sure you'll have questions and a lot you'll want to talk over. Might as well do it over a meal.”

“Well, that doesn't sound promising.” Mom sat down on the couch, taking the seat closest to Dad. “Is something wrong, sweetheart?”

I shook my head and decided that this would be easier if I stood. That way, I could see both of them...and keep some distance.

“I got a job offer.” I figured I'd bury the lead, get their support on the job before telling them about where it was.

“Thought you like where you worked?” Dad took another swallow of his beer. “Isn't that why you didn't want to be a doctor?”

I didn't bother reminding him that I'd never actually wanted to be a doctor. It had always been nursing.

“I do like working at the medical center, but it's a really stressful job.” I caught Dad's skeptical expression and forced myself to focus. “I've been thinking for the past couple months that maybe I needed to take a vacation. But then I got this offer and I'm thinking I might take it.”

“What is it?” Mom asked.

“It's in the private sector,” I explained. “One of my previous patients, he went home on Saturday but still needs some assistance. I was offered a position where I'd be taking care of his house and making sure his dressings are changed.”

“So a glorified housekeeper,” Dad sniped. “I didn't pay for college so you could clean houses.”

I took a slow breath and reminded myself that this was one of the reasons leaving was a good idea. I didn't need to start a fight by reminding Dad that he and Mom had helped with my tuition, but I'd paid most of it through scholarships and work.

I continued, “They need someone with medical experience who isn't afraid to help a bit around the house, do a little cooking. And since I have a psychology background too, they thought it would be a good idea.”