Chapter 22
Ishika
“Dinner tomorrow?” he asks, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear when he drops me home.
“My parents are coming back from their trip tomorrow. My dad’ll pick me up from work and want to have dinner with me. And I’m working the late shift the entire week.”
“What time do you finish your late shift?”
“Around nine.”
“I’ll come by your clinic on Tuesday. Just for a quick kiss and for tucking you into your fancy car.” He grins, teasing me as he takes my hand and kisses the back of my hand.
“I’ll wait for you,” I reply, smiling and quickly moving in to kiss his dimpled cheek. He bites his lip and looks down at our laced fingers.
“I better go before you decide to use your charms on me again. The repair shop is suffering because I never get any work done these days. All I do is dream about you.”
I drop my jaw in mock surprise. “Go, I too have so much work to do. I have to call Sadie and give her all the deets about my sex life. She will then come over with wine and we will celebrate the end of my two-year dry spell.”
“Have fun.” He laughs.
I wave as he starts his motorcycle and I continue waving when he takes off. I wave until the roar of his bike fades and I can’t see him anymore.
I have never felt like this before. There is a spring in my feet and a nameless love song booming from the corners of my heart. I have a huge smile plastered on my face as I enter the living room of my house.
“You never waved for me like that. With such enthusiasm,” my father remarks.
“Daddy!” I squeal, seeing my parents I run to hug my dad.
“Oh well, you aren’t half as handsome as the guy on the motorcycle,” Mom teases.
“Hey, I’m still extremely handsome. I’m still Ishy’s number one man.” Dad hugs me tight.
“Yes, you always will be my number one man.”
“Good. Let’s talk about number two? Who is he?” Dad asks.
Mom chuckles. “Be nice. We don’t want her to run away from home.”
I hesitate about what and how much I should tell my father about Ryan Harper.
Although we flirted on the borders of boyfriend-girlfriend all afternoon, Ryan and I didn’t really get a chance to discuss it further.
The afternoon was busy and then Ryan got called in for some urgent repair work at the garage.
I decide to go with honesty.
“That’s Ryan. We went out for a couple of dates.
His brother, Owen, went to school with me.
I met his mom this afternoon. She’s so lovely.
Ryan works as a mechanic, Daddy. But he cooks like a chef.
He has magic in his hands. Owen wants him to enter that cooking show Fantastic Feasts.
The one Mom loves to watch. Owen and I filled out the application form for him this afternoon.
I think he will win. Ryan is amazing, Daddy. He is sweet and caring—”
“And sexy,” my mom adds.
“Slow down. He’s not a dentist?” Dad sounds disappointed.
Of all the things that Dad could ask, he decides to confirm if I am dating a damn dentist.
“No, Dad. He isn’t a dentist; he is a mechanic aspiring to be a chef one day. I really, really like him, Daddy.”
“I’m having a barbecue this Saturday with some friends. Invite him over. And also invite his family,” my dad says.
“You want to meet him?” I ask nervously, glancing at my mom to see if this is a good idea. Mom gives me a thumbs-up, approving the plan.
“My daughter likes this young man. I would most definitely like to meet him. After all, I have to check if he is worthy of my daughter,” Dad says.
“Promise me you won’t go into a psych evaluation when you meet him,” I warn him.
“I will try. But are you sure he can’t be a dentist? He can still study and go to dental school,” Dad asks, making Mom laugh.
My father is a fair man. As long as he sees that Ryan won’t hurt me or break my heart, he will be on board and bless our relationship. I’m so excited for the two most important men in my life to meet each other.
“I know you love your daddy more, but I got presents.” My mom grins.
“Yippee! You’re the best mama ever.” I grab the bags of loot from her hands and bounce on the couch. Inside the bags are expensive clothes, limited edition handbags and shoes, and a bottle of my favorite perfume. My parents always end up buying me the most beautiful things.