Page 2 of Single Dad's Second Chance

“Anyway,” I said diplomatically as I ceased rubbing my thigh and sat up more. I’d plow right past his critique of how “fun” or “unfun” my life was. Working hard had always been my priority,and I refused to think that was a weakness. “The new nightclub’s construction is almost complete.”

He sighed, setting his coffee down. That long exhale was a breath of defeat. If he hoped to have a heart-to-heart talk about my work-and-personal life balance, he’d have to wait for another time. Besides, I’d hooked him with that line. He wasn’t in charge here, but he was excited to see the company grow. “It seems like they only broke ground months ago.”

It’d been almost a year now, but I understood what he meant. Dunn Enterprises began with importing and exporting. Then it shifted into consultation services. And now, since the last couple of years, we’d made headway into the hospitality and entertainment sector of the economy, owning a growing chain of nightclubs.

“It’s amazing how quickly the brand can spread.” Dad smiled, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows behind me that offered a view of the cityscape. “Just three years ago, these nightclubs were a whimsical what-if.”

“Now, we’re opening our third club. And it’ll be even bigger and better than the first two.” A wide grin spread across my face. It was impossible to hide my glee, and I didn’t try to mask it. We deserved this success.Iwas due this win. I’d worked long and hard to get everything in line for the new Dunn-owned nightclub to open in Miami. Striking out in a touristy area like that would be a goldmine.

“Sure, it will.” Dad nodded as he rubbed his chin. “The location alone will ensure its popularity.”

“We can’t only rely on beaches and sunshine to draw tourists there. This club will stand out among the other establishments of nightlife. We’ll make it unique.”

“What’s the tentative name, again?”

“Fifty.”

He scrunched his face. “I’m still not sure… That’s just a number! Not a name.”

I shrugged. “I’ll always consider your opinion, Dad, butI’msure. We hired extensive research and market analysis. I’m counting on the best of the best.” I always did. Dad started this company from nothing. He was just a regular, ordinary man who became a bona fide businessman, pulling in billions. I’d never dishonor his life’s work and throw it away or set any endeavor up for failure. However, I realized and accepted that some business deals required more risks than others. With every risk I took, I debated the pros and cons. Statistics and stone-cold numbers played a big part in backing up theshould Iandshouldn’t Isides of choices.

“The name is trendy. It fits. It makes sense for the specific geographical location of the club.”

He nodded, cringing. His reluctance would fade once Fifty opened.

“The branding is already taking off. And the PR department has been using that name for months already, generating interest before the club opens.”

“Good. Good.” He chuckled. “If the marketing experts claim that a number is a good name, then who am I to argue with them?”

Exactly.

“What else remains to be done?” he asked.

I hired out and delegated most of the work, but he knew I preferred to handle some decisions personally. “Finer detail things, including staffing.” Reclining in my chair, I settled in as comfortably as I could with this slight muscle strain. “I want different talent to star there.” Fifty wouldn’t be a strip club, but dancers would be a highlight. “New and unique dancers.”

“I’m sure the scouts you’ve got looking will find someone.”

I shrugged. “But I worry it’d be more of the same old.” I wanted something that would stand out. Every club and every dancer offered the same old. It couldn’t be impossible to want to use the same old but with a different twist.

“You’re a fine one to talk about the same old, Henry.” He pursed his lips again.

Here we go.I should’ve known he’d circle back to nagging me.

“All you do is work.” He held up a hand to stop me from replying. “I am glad you keep yourself busy working. You have always been a go-getter. Like me. But you can’t workallthe time. You need to take a break.”

“I take breaks.”

“Breaks that don’t include going to the gym.”

“I take Jason to the arcade every week.” My weekly arcade night with my son would always be a staple in my routine.

He nodded, ceding me there. “Yes. And I give you credit for being there for him. Despite your hours in the office, you have been an active, present parent for him.”

I had to be, because I was Jason’sonlyparent. I’d learned how to be a working single father from him. Dad raised me on his own, and I turned out fine, hadn’t I?

“But I want more grandkids,” Dad said simply. He tacked on a sheepish smile with the sentiment. “When I was younger, I always wished I had a sibling. Jason’s already seven. He needs a brother or sister.”

On one hand, I should’ve felt annoyed that Dad was projectinghispast desires onto Jason. But on the other hand, I knew what he meant. When I was a boy, I wished I could have a brother or sister. It’d always been me and Dad since my mom passed away when I was so young. Now it was the same cycle over again, me and Jason. Another father-and-son duo. Or I supposed it was the three of us—Jason, my dad, and me.

---