Page 4 of Tender Temptation

His words sting. A reminder my life is a series of stepping stones with no deviation from his plan. “Actually, I was hoping we could talk about the summer.”

“What’s to discuss? You’re leaving for Stanford Business School in a couple of months.” He sets down his fork. “Until then, I’d like you to start your training…”

“…Dad, stop.” I push around a slice of kiwi on my plate with my fork. “I need a break and I’d like to take the summer off. I’ve worked hard to get both my high school diploma and my undergrad degree in four years. Stanford will be intense. I’m not planning on lying around watching reruns on Bravo. I have an idea for a productive, but more creative way for me to spend the next few weeks. Art class. Dance. Things I used to love and won’t have time for once I start school again.”

My dad sighs. “Ivy, you have the intellect and the education. Why squander your time on frivolous dreams? Reality has much more to offer you.”

“I don’t see it as squandering,” I counter softly. “I want to live a bit. It’s not a lot to ask. You play golf every Friday and Sunday. Do crosswords. I’ve even see you watchShark Tanka time or two.”

My father pauses, considering this. “Well….”

“Please.” Leaning on the table, I rest my chin on my palms and give him my best puppy-dog eyes. It used to work all the time. Now we’re about 50/50.No, 70/30 in his favor.

“I don’t want you to waste time you can’t get back.” He pauses and I almost think he’s going to wish me a happy 18th. He doesn’t, but he does surprise me in a different way. “You know what? You’re a good girl. This summer you can do your little hobbies. Your mom will probably be thrilled.”

“Thank you.” I ignore the backhanded dig. “WhereisMom?” I glance up the staircase and back at him. No sign of my mother, Allison Bright.

Dad clasps his hands. “Packing. She’s coming with me to Asia. We’re leaving in an hour.” He gets up from the table. “She needs a change of scenery to….refresh.”

Wait, what? They’re leaving?Today?

His carefully chosen words remind me, painfully, my birthday is irrelevant to them.

Will I ever get used to how badly it hurts?

“I do have some conditions. While we’re gone, other than your classes, keep to your usual routine here. We don’t want to worry about you. I’ll leave you several books I’d like you to read, which are vital for your future.” He places his hand on my shoulder, the only sign of affection he’s shown me in years.

I look up at him. “Would it be okay if I stayed with Emma Rogers? From the academy? You like her and her parents are clients. Maybe not all the time, but it would be nice to have company from time to time.”

“Well…” He scrutinizes me so I’m careful to keep my puppy-eyes fixed with sincerity. “Only if you’re not imposing. Make sure to let Hilde know—and Ivy?” He narrows his eyes on his way up the stairs. “I’m trusting you. Don’t make me regret it.”

I’m shocked, I never thought he’d go for it. Trudging back up to my room, I’m actually confused at this turn of events. Did my parents think it was acceptable to abandon me for the summer to live with the house staff? With restrictions to boot?

Ridiculous.

Thank God for my quick thinking. At least now I’ll have someone to hang out with and activities to look forward to this summer. I pull out my laptop and search for dance workshops. A three-hour session late this afternoon catches my eye—perfect. I register, but, truthfully, it hardly feels like a victory.

As I’m scrolling through some art classes, I hear athump thump thumpof a suitcase on the stairs. A car engine starts. My parents chatter past my bedroom door and down the hall until I can’t hear them anymore. Peering out the window, I watch them get in the car. Then it disappears down the long driveway.

Neither of them bothered to say goodbye.Wow. I’m lost in a bit of woe-is-me for a few minutes. Tears prick my eyesand it takes a while to tamp them down. I’mnotcrying today, though.No way.

Then it dawns on me.

I’ve been handed the greatest gift I could ever ask for. A summer of freedom.

At least for eight weeks.

Which is a lifetime. Fifty-six days. The possibilities are endless.

I might get a tattoo. Try sky-diving. Oooh, maybe a concert…or a festival. Yes! I can take a road trip to the Olympic Mountains and go hiking.

Wait.

Am I going to do all of these activities withEmma? Howdepressing.

She’s nice and all but we’re not close. Actually, she’s immature. It’s understandable, I guess. Most of my boarding schoolmates hung out like normal students while I earned my diploma, got a business degree, and learned the fundamentals of our shipping business.

Without playing a tiny violin, in a couple of months, I’ll be fast-tracking an MBA while my so-called peers have the time of their life, joining sororities and living the college life. Activities I’ll never get to experience.

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