Page 18 of Up All Night

He lifted his hands up in surrender. “Whatever makes you happy.”

Happy. When was the last time I had been happy?

I actually couldn’t remember. Maybe in college?

I was too busy to be happy.

Cannon must have seen something in my expression because he asked, “Areyou happy?”

“Yeah, of course I am,” I answered automatically.

He didn’t need to know I was on autopilot just trying to make it through the day. I enjoyed my job, don’t get me wrong, but the long hours and days were all blending together.

But I’d have to worry about that later.

Right now, I had to get ready for work.

7

West

It wasn’t unusual to be in Los Altos with my family on a Friday night. Although I saw my dad every day at work, it was nice to see my mom and younger sister, Demi, for dinner once a month. Cannon joined us as well, an honorary member of our family.

We finished the main course, and a server came out to place a small plate with a slice of cheesecake in front of each of us. My mom’s dog, Juju, followed closely, hoping to get a bite of our food.

“That’s enough business talk, Victor,” my mom said, giving my dad a pointed look. Juju barked as if she too was reprimanding my dad. “I don’t invite my children over to have it turn into an extended work meeting.”

It was true—most of the time, we ended up talking about work, and my mom would eventually cut in and ask about our lives outside of work and school. Demi was about to start her last year at Stanford before graduating with her MBA in April. Then she’d be joining us at Vanderhall Capital.

My dad picked up his fork. “You’re right, sweetheart.” He turned to look at Demi. “Are you getting ready to start your last year at Stanford next month? It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for you to graduate. Those two gap years you took almost killed me. It will be nice to finally have another Vanderhall in the office.”

Demi swallowed the bite of cheesecake she had been chewing. “Uh, yeah, I’m all signed up for my classes.” She kept her answer short, knowing dad didn’t want details, he only wanted the answer he was looking for. All he was interested in hearing was that she would be joining the family business soon. “I’ll be ready to hit the ground running.”

“Perfect.” My dad smiled and took another bite of his cheesecake. “Now West, how are things looking with your dating life?”

I internally groaned. I’d rather talk about work than my dating life, or the lack thereof. “I’m not dating anyone right now.”

My dad gave me a disapproving look. “You’re twenty-nine years old. Don’t you think it’s time you start looking for someone you can settle down with?”

Here we go again. It was the same talk every time. You need to settle down. You need to put down roots. You need to take life more seriously. I’d heard it all so many times, I could repeat it in my sleep.

“I’ve been focused on the company and working to help make it more successful,” I said. “I haven’t had much time for dating.”

He harrumphed. “I was courting your mother at your ageandworking long hours. It can be done.”

Killing myself for the company wasn’t enough for him, I guessed.

“Of course.” It was pointless to argue. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Your mother has a lot of friends at the country club with daughters who are single. I’m sure she could set you up with a few of them.”

I hurried to interject. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Oh, I’d love to, honey,” my mom piped in. “Charlene’s daughter is beautiful, and she’s working with a non-profit organization to help children in afterschool programs. And then there is Martha’s daughter, who puts on these elaborate events for local charities. Oh, and there is Susan’s daughter, who will be graduating with her MBA at Stanford with your sister.”

I held up my hand to stop her from continuing to list off more women I could potentially date. “I appreciate your willingness to help, but I can find dates on my own, thank you.”

Having my parents set me up on blind dates was the last thing I needed. I’m sure these women she was talking about were great, but I preferred finding someone on my own.

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