Page 53 of Return on Love

“Yeah. Of course,” Alex speaks, drawing out his words. Then he looks at me and raises an eyebrow. I nod as he takes a seat. My phone pings a few seconds later. Message from Alex. “You okay? Or shall I make some excuse to send Ryan away?” Well, of course he’s saying that. He still thinks I hate him. He’s such a dear.

“It’s fine. We’re friends now.” I reply and can’t help smiling.

He replies with head bursting emojis.

Meanwhile, Ryan has been talking me up to Dad. I think today he got to know more about my work and what I do than ever before. In fact, this is the most he has ever talked about me. Like ever.

The conversation shifts to Alex, his work and his China trip, but at least I’m spared the looks of disappointment today. We order food and then an apple pie for dessert. I’m being honest when I say that this apple pie is nothing compared to what Ryan bakes. Cooking could actually be an alternative career for him.

Suddenly, I remember Alex had mentioned CashCross sometime. I need to ask him about it, if only Dad gives a break from his monologues. He always takes complete control over any conversation. I try to put in a word, but as soon as a sound escapes my lips, Dad’s volume increases a tad bit, showing that he doesn’t appreciate being interrupted.

Finally, I decide to message Alex.

“What do you know about CashCross?”

“Not much. Why? They had come to a colleague for funding.”

“Debt funding? Our firm is looking at that deal. Apparently, they’ve got a very sound business model.”

“Hope you’re not handling it. They didn’t get through our analysts, even to the first level of consideration.”

I want to know more, but my Dad interrupts our chat. “Eva,” his voice booms. “Be present. Stop hanging out with your phone. Kids, these days, I tell you.”

I smile and keep my phone away. No point in telling him that Alex was also busy on the phone. I know he’ll say that Alex might be doing some urgent business work, whereas I might just be flitting through social media. That’s just his opinion of me, and it’s never gonna change. He’s asking Ryan about Emily and the amazing work she’s doing. I’m amazed he knows so much about Ryan.

After we get through the ordeal of lunch, I see Ryan talking to Dad by his car. Alex pulls me to a corner and lifts his brows. “So?”

“What so?”

“You’re okay with Ryan being here? You hated him. And now you bring him to lunch?”

“He just happened to be here and Dad invited him.”

“Hey, he’s my friend. I know he never comes here for lunch. And with Emily? That’s an excuse, for sure. Emily has only one day off, and she prefers to spend it at home, with Ryan’s cooking, if they plan to spend the Sunday together.”

Well, my brother also seems to know a lot about Ryan. I shrug. “I don’t really hate him anymore. He’s okay.”

Alex grins like a Cheshire cat. “I’m glad. I’m happy for you both.”

“It’s nothing serious.”

“Ah, so there is something?” he winks.

My God, I should just keep my mouth shut about this topic or else I’ll soon be telling him we slept together. So, I change the topic. “Can your colleague send me the CashCross files?”

“What! I don’t think so. But if you have questions, I’m sure he can answer them over the phone or face-to-face. But we can’t share files because of non-disclosure.”

I nod. I knew it, but it was worth a try. Plus, it served the purpose of changing the uncomfortable topic.

Dad finally leaves. He’s looking a little sober, as if someone has given him a beating down. Alex too says his goodbye and finally I have Ryan to myself.

“You still think Dad’s okay?”

He smiles. “Like a lot of dads he likes to talk. Somehow, I have a feeling that he doesn’t realize how his behavior is with you. If he sees it someday, I’m sure he’ll change. He’s not a bad person, and he does care about you.”

“What were you guys talking about? Seemed to be a serious conversation.”

“Just things. Were you and Alex messaging each other during lunch while sitting at the same table?”

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