11 The Last Supper
THE LAST SUPPER
Justin
I ’ll admit, I’m a little tired after our marathon sexcapade last night. Not that I’m complaining. However, as I make my way to the office for my meeting with Mr. Alcott, it’s hard not to visualize all the ways Lucy and I reacquainted ourselves with each other. Our chemistry is mind-blowing. There’s never been anyone quite like Lucy, in or out of the bedroom. This feeling that we’re meant to be together grows stronger each day.
Which is why this conversation with her dad is more important to me than she realizes. Despite this starting as a sham, I’d like us to move toward it becoming a reality. It’s too soon for marriage, but I’m serious enough that it’s time for her dad to accept our relationship.
Rather than wait for him to control the conversation, I start speaking as soon as I’m seated in one of the wingback chairs facing the desk. “Before we get started, I want to thank you again for welcoming me at the last minute. Lucy told me how our engagement was revealed at Thanksgiving, and I’m sorry it didn’t happen more formally. We were waiting to make an announcement, hoping to savor our relationship for a while longer.”
“It was certainly a shock to hear that our only daughter intends to marry someone we’ve never met, let alone heard about. I’m sure she told you our reaction was less than pleasant.”
“To be expected, sir.”
“Words were said in shock and anger. Those words, however, were not out of turn. Everything spoken was fact, and I will not waver in my decision.”
I manage to keep a straight face as I respond, “A lot was said. I’d appreciate it if you could enlighten me on the exact part you’re referring to.”
“I’d be delighted. Lucy has a sizable trust fund that, if released, would allow her to be set for life and ensure the next generation is very well cared for. We made it clear to Lucy, and now I’ll do the same for you. We expect her to marry within her class. Whoever she marries must meet our standards for us to relinquish the amount of money we’re talking about. And I’m sorry to inform you, Mr. Burns, but you do not.”
I’m trying my best to remain calm as I take in this new information that Lucy conveniently left out of her explanation. I’m dumbfounded that there are actual people in the world like this. To prohibit your daughter from marrying for love because of money is incomprehensible to me. Yet, here I am, faced with it, nonetheless.
“Let me make sure I understand. You’ve deemed me unworthy of your daughter, and because of that, you’ll withhold her trust and—what, disinherit her? Does it not matter that we’re in love? That I treat her like she walks on water and am more than capable of providing for her and any family we decide to have?”
“There’s more to life than love. We haven’t worked this hard to amass wealth to see it squandered away.”
“Then it might interest you to know that I have my own money, and plenty of it. In fact, we won’t need a dime of her trust to live the life she’s accustomed to. If that was your concern, you can put it to rest right now.”
“It’s more than money, Mr. Burns, I assure you. I won’t tolerate a child who has no plans to continue the legacy we’ve created with someone of our pedigree by their side. You must understand that Lucy comes from a world beyond what you can achieve in this lifetime. It’s nothing personal.”
“What a relief.” Sarcasm drips from my tone. “I’m glad we had this discussion. It was enlightening, to say the least. You’ll understand when I politely tell you to fuck off.”
“Understand or not, I’d like you to remember what you’re asking of her by marrying you. Are you prepared to drive a wedge between Lucy and her family? And while she might be willing to say goodbye for love , someday, perhaps when children are involved, she might regret that decision. Are you willing to take that risk, Mr. Burns?”
“We’re done here.” I stand and start toward the door.
“Take some time to think about it before making a rash decision. And Justin?” I stop and turn around, making eye contact with the bastard, hoping he sees the murder in my gaze. “Maybe dinner tonight will help shed some light on the matter. You might understand what I’m talking about.”
His final words sting as I leave the office and walk through the house. I see red, taking in my surroundings through a new lens, hating the arrogant wealth and everything it stands for.
There’s no way I can see Lucy right now. I need time to process and figure out how to handle this situation. After last night, my mind was made up to make Lucy part of my future. Now? I’m not so sure what the right move is. She told me she didn’t want her family’s money, but does she understand it’s all or nothing? Her entire relationship with her parents rests in my hands.
Coming outside for air, I walk to the edge of the pool deck and face the ocean, pondering my options and the consequences of each one. My anger is doing me a disservice by causing irrational thoughts, but regardless, I need to blow off this steam on my own.
While I know that, unfortunately, Lucy does not.
She walks up beside me and ducks under my arm, leaning into me and laying her head on my chest. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you since I saw my dad and knew you were done talking. Have you been out here since?”
“Yeah, just taking in the view. It’s crazy we haven’t been out here more. It’s beautiful.”
“It is. Growing up here desensitizes you to it, but you’re right. Do you want to go for a swim? We haven’t done that yet, and it’s our last day.” She looks up at me with puppy dog eyes that I can’t resist.
“That’s exactly what I want to do.”
Hours later, I can tell my mood is starting to wear on Lucy. I’ve been out of sorts since meeting with her dad this morning, and while she has no idea what he said to upset me like this, I’m not inclined to tell her.
We had fun swimming and horsing around in the pool. Thankfully, I was able to escape my thoughts for a little while, but there was no hope of keeping them at bay when we returned to our room to get ready for dinner. Lucy definitely noticed, especially since we had plenty of time, yet I made no attempt to get in her pants.
“Hey, what’s going on with you? You’ve been weird ever since that talk with my dad. What did he say to put you on edge? You know it doesn’t matter—”
I don’t let her finish. “Yeah, I know. It doesn’t matter because this isn’t real.” So, why is it affecting me so much?
“No. I was going to say it doesn’t matter because I don’t live according to my dad’s expectations. I’m not motivated by money, so whatever he said, let it go,” she counters, leaning in the doorway to the bathroom. I’m sure she’s thinking of her trust fund. If only she knew I don’t give a fuck about that, but I do care about her parents casting her aside like trash.
Rather than respond, I stay silent and finish getting ready. I’m sure she would walk away from them in heartbeat, but I’m not sure it’s fair of me to let her.
With nothing left to do but put myself through hell, I walk to Lucy and hold out my arm. “Let’s get this night over with, shall we?”
“Let’s,” she responds, linking her arm through mine as we exit the room for the last supper. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough at this rate.
Lucy
Justin didn’t say anything while he finished up in the bathroom. I’m not sure what that means. Obviously, something is bothering him from the conversation with my dad earlier, but it doesn’t look like anything I say is helping. Once we get back to San Diego tomorrow, and away from all this toxicity, I’m sure he’ll forget whatever seems to be eating at him. We just need to make it through tonight.
I was close to Richard’s parents all those years ago. Patty and Clint were like a second set of parents after spending so much time at their house. I’m hoping they just want to catch up and have no ulterior motive, such as hoping Richard and I reconnect. Especially since he must have told them I was engaged after running into Justin and me.
We’re about to find out when the doorbell chimes to announce their arrival as soon as we descend the stairs. We quickly join my parents in the salon, where we’ll start the night over cocktails. Probably a good idea so Justin can loosen up and shake off whatever it is that’s causing him distress.
Minutes later, Darryl leads them in. “Lucy, sweetheart, it’s so wonderful to see you. Wow, you look so grown up. I can’t believe it.” Mrs. Siemen is the first to greet me with a hug, Clint and Richard trailing behind.
“Thank you, Patty. It’s good to see you, too. It’s been so long,” I say as we embrace.
“Too long. Isn’t that right, Clint?” she asks Richard’s dad as we separate.
“Absolutely. We were telling Richard how much we miss the days when you two were inseparable. We enjoyed having you around.” Clint reaches for me with outstretched arms.
“You’re so sweet, thank you.” With both greetings out of the way, I reach for Justin’s hand and tug him closer. “Let me introduce you to Justin, my fiancé. Justin, this is Clint and Patty Siemen.”
The evening progresses surprisingly well. It’s nice catching up with Richard’s family and makes me regret my initial reluctance. Justin seems to be handling it well and even enjoying himself.
It’s mid-meal when things take a turn for the worse. I should’ve known this was too good to be true.
“Tell us about your firm, Richard. It sounds like you recently made partner. That’s quite an accomplishment at such an early stage in your career,” Dad says during a break in conversation as we’re all preoccupied with eating.
Richard looks up from his plate, nodding while swallowing his bite, and tells us the details. His firm has fifteen lawyers, six of whom are partners. Then he gets to the good part.
“Interestingly enough, we’ve been discussing opening a branch in San Diego. They’re considering me for the development of a new office there. Not having a family or significant other tying me down makes me a likely candidate.”
“That’s wonderful, Richard. I’m sure it has more to do with your accomplishments, but congratulations regardless. It sounds like a great opportunity. You know, Lucy works for Sebastian Dubree. Maybe she can make an introduction and get your foot in the door with a large client there,” Dad suggests out of turn.
“Dad, our in-house legal team handles everything for Dubree Enterprises. It would be a waste of Richard’s time.”
“Nonsense. Things are often needed outside of our capabilities, and multiple relationships are always wise to have. Speaking of, you and Richard would make a fine team if he needs help getting their firm up and running there. You were good together back in the day. There’s no reason you couldn’t be again. Don’t you agree, Richard?” Dad addresses him before taking a sip of wine.
My jaw drops at his blatant insinuation with Justin sitting right next to me, whose face hardens at the comment. What is my dad’s deal? I liked it better when he ignored my existence. Maybe the engagement ruse was not the perfect solution after all.
Richard looks slightly taken aback before quickly schooling his features. “It did cross my mind when I heard Lucy lived there. I’ll have to reach out while I’m in town to see if there might be any possibilities.”
Patty—who is utterly oblivious to the implications of their comments—adds her own. “Oh, that would be so lovely if you were working together. We’d have a part of Lucy back in our lives.”
Okay, enough is enough. I need to end this crazy rabbit hole of a conversation. “I’ll see what I can do about an introduction, but I’m not looking to leave my job. My current position is perfect, and I’ve made good friends at work. I’m happy where I am.” With that last statement, I squeeze Justin’s thigh.
The night continues downhill from there. While I enjoyed reminiscing with Richard and his parents, it didn’t feel right to do it with Justin there. My conflicted feelings make it hard to remember that we’re not truly a couple. After tonight, who knows what will happen? Justin and I seemed to reconnect, but there was no definitive plan for when we return home. Now I’m not sure what to think, especially with how this whole day has gone.
Thinking clarity would come when we were alone in our room tonight was futile. Justin remained silent while getting ready for bed and muttered a quick good night before turning the light out and sticking to his side of the bed. I’m trying to be understanding and give him space to process whatever is bothering him, hoping we’ll talk about it on the way home tomorrow.
In mere days, he went from agreeing to a friends-with-benefits arrangement while working toward a relationship, to giving me the silent treatment. The sad thing is, I’m positive it wouldn’t have taken long to reach relationship status, and now I may have lost my chance.