Conrad
I arrived at the restaurant a little early to ensure I would be here when Maya arrives. I appreciate Joshua taking the time out of his day to pick her up and bring her here. I check the notifications on my cell as I wait. I click on the ones from the security system, and that is when I notice my father. Why was he at our apartment? He knew I was at the office today because I spoke to him this morning. What did he say to Maya? I swear he better not have acted like an asshole towards her. I will ask her about when she arrives.
I keep my eyes on the door to watch for her. A few minutes before one, the door opens, and she comes in. I instantly smile when I see her. She glances around and smiles when her eyes fall on me. I stand to greet her when she approaches.
“Hello, my love,” I say, hugging her.
“Hey, handsome.” She coos, kissing me softly.
I let her sit down before I retake my seat. We order our coffees to start. I reach over the table, place my hand over hers, and link our fingers.
“I see my father stopped by. What did he want? I know he wasn’t there to see me because he knew I was at the office.” I ask.
Maya tenses and sighs. I will assume that means what happened wasn’t good.
“We can talk about it when you get home later.” She says softly.
I shake my head, “No, please tell me right now.”
“No, because you will get mad. I don’t want to cause a scene in public.” She says.
“I promise to stay calm.”
Maya sighs and takes a deep breath, “He came over to try to buy me off.”
“What do you mean?”
“He offered me anything I want to leave you. He said I am no good for you, and you should be with Bridget. He told me I would regret my choice of not leaving while having something to gain.” She whimpers.
Anger runs through me. How fucking dare he? He had no right. Who does he think he is?
“He done what? This needs to stop. He needs to stop.” I hiss.
“I told him he could offer me the entire world, but it still wouldn’t work. I don’t think it will stop, Conrad, because he doesn’t like me. He is never going to think I am good enough for you.” She says sadly.
I look her straight in the eye and squeeze her hand, “I don’t care what he thinks. He has no right coming after you like that.”
I can see the tears brimming in her eyes, but she quickly wipes them away. I know her well enough to know that my father’s words are getting to her.
“He does have a point, though.” She whispers.
I stand from my seat and move my chair around to sit next to hers.
“No, he doesn’t have a point, Maya. He is just being an asshole. I want to be with you and only you. I am a lucky man to have you, and I wouldn’t change a damn thing.”
I reach in and wipe away the few stray tears rolling down her cheeks.
“You mean it?” she asks.
I caress her face, “Of course I do, beautiful. I love you, and nothing will change that.” I smile and kiss her.
“I love you too.” She mumbles into my lips.
I will deal with my father later. He isn’t getting away with it. For now, I want to enjoy lunch with my girlfriend.
“Now, how about we order?” I suggest.
She smiles softly, “Yes, please.”
I peck her lips and move my chair back around as our drinks come over. We place our food orders, too. I wasn’t expecting to spend my lunch break with Maya, but I will always be happy with unexpected time with my girl.
****
I pull up outside of my parents’ house. I have come to talk to my father. I head inside and announce myself.
“Conrad, this is a nice surprise. What are you doing here?” Mom smiles as she appears in front of me.
I hug her. I am not mad at her because this isn’t her fault. She probably has no idea what he has done.
“Sadly, I am not here for a visit. I need to talk to my father.”
When we part, she looks at me, “What did he do?”
“He showed up at my apartment and tried to pay Maya to leave me. Told her she was not good enough for me and I would see my senses soon enough. He told her I belong with Bridget and not her.” I snap.
“I am sorry, son. I had no idea. He had no right to do that. He is in his office.” She sighs.
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” I say, kissing her cheek before heading to my father’s office.
I storm in, and he is on a call. He holds his hand up, motioning me to give him a minute. I am not following his rules today. I storm over and hang up the call.
“What do you think you are doing? That was an important call.” He says, annoyed.
“I don’t care. How dare you come to my home and be so horrible to my girlfriend? You really thought it was okay to try to pay her off to leave me? In what damn world do you think that is an okay thing to do?” I yell.
“I should have known she would have told you.” He replies with an eye roll.
“Of course, she did because we are always honest with one another. We don’t have secrets.” I hiss, my fists clenching at my sides.
“I am only looking out for you, son. You know it isn’t going to last. You two are too different.”
The worst of it is he really believes what he is saying.
“If you were looking out for me, you would leave Maya alone. It will last. I don’t give a damn how different we are. We make it work. You have no damn right to make her feel worthless or interfering with our relationship. I will never be with Bridget ever again.” I state firmly.
“Why, you should be with someone, Bridget, not Maya. Why do you insist on continuing to stick up for this woman after she nearly got you killed?” he groans.
“I want to be with Maya. I love Maya. That was not her fault. You have no fucking idea. I will always have her back. I promised to protect her, and I meant even from you. So, you have a choice to make. You back off and learn to accept Maya or our relationship will be done.”
I am done with all of this. Maya doesn’t deserve this.
“You don’t mean that.” He says.
“Yes, I do. Maya is my future wife and the mother of my children. If you can’t accept that, that is your problem. Stay the hell away from Maya, Dad. And you can tell Bridget the same because I am sure you two are working together.” I warn.
I don’t give him a chance to say another word. I storm out of his office. I find my mother nervously pacing the hallway.
“Conrad, I am so sorry, he has done this.” She whimpers.
“This is not your fault. I need to keep my distance from him for a while, but I still want to see you. Maybe you, Maya, and I can do lunch next week?” I say softly.
“I understand. Hopefully that will be what will make him learn his lesson. Yes, I would really like that, son.” She smiles.
I hug her tightly; tell her I love her and leave. I take a moment in my car to calm down before I drive home. I don’t want to be stressed and angry when I arrive home.