Page 77 of The Boyfriend Swap

My dad chuckled. “Do you care to share what you learned with me?”

I blew out a breath and leaned back in my chair. These types of conversations were outside of my comfort zone. I rarely admitted weakness to myself, much less other people. But confiding in my father was a perfect way to kick off my commitment to be more in touch with my softer side. “You all did a number on me at Christmas dinner.” I got a phantom ache in my neck whenever I recalled looking from one side of the table to the other like it was a game of volleyball as various members of my clan chimed in with their two cents on my relationship foibles.

My father frowned. “It was that damn La Faraona. It turned us into vultures.”

“That’s right. Blame it on someone, or in this case something, else. You’re such a lawyer sometimes,” I joked. “I’m glad it happened. Yes, the respite from work made me realize how much I do enjoy being an attorney. I missed it. But it also taught me that not everyone in my life is an adversary, and I don’t have to treat them as such. Sometimes I need to relinquish control and let someone else win. Moving forward, you’re going to see a gentler Sidney Bellows.”

My father studied my face for a few moments as if waiting for me to continue talking or say “just kidding.” I braced myself for his response. I was certain he was going to roll his eyes, make a teasing comment about believing it when he saw it, or both. Right at the moment the wait became unbearable, his mouth opened and I curled the fingers of both of my hands around the edge of my chair.

“Knock, knock.”

I turned around as Mike Goldberg entered my father’s office. He did a double take when he saw me. “JB. We didn’t expect you back so soon.” His attempt to look happy to see me did nothing to hide his displeasure.

The old Sidney would have thrown back a sarcastic reply faster than he could say “douche,” but the new Sidney was suited up and ready for action. “Hi, Mike. My vacation was really nice, but I actually missed this place. I just need a few hours to go through pending cases and return some emails, but I’ll be back and ready to assist you and the other partners by lunchtime.” I smiled.

Mike blinked at me as if he thought he might be living an alternate reality. “Okay, then. Glad to have you back.” Then he turned to my dad. “I’m sorry to barge in here, but when your meeting with Sidney is over, can I get your thoughts on the email I just sent you? I have a meeting with Sparks this afternoon and need input on one issue.”

I stood up. “We just finished.”

My dad motioned for me to sit back down. “Actually, we need a few more minutes. I’ll give you a call in a bit.”

Mike nodded. “Great.” To me, he said, “Later.”

“Bye,” I said cheerily. After he walked out, I faced my dad again. He was gaping at me. “Who was that?”

I furrowed my brow. “You mean Mike? Are you having a senior moment, Dad?”

“No, not Mike.” He rolled his eyes. “You.”

I knew my dad was referring to my companionable exchange with Mike, but it was fun to bust his chops. “Oh, that.” I waved him away. “Like I said, Barbados has made me a new woman.”

He smirked. “We’ll see how long it lasts.”

I let my gaze fall to the floor as my stomach dropped in disappointment, but I wasn’t going to let my father’s cocky cynicism get to me. I knew I could better compartmentalize the different aspects of my life. I’d need to completely retrain myself and react to people and situations at a slower rate to avoid letting old habits take control, but I refused to be discouraged. When I felt my dad’s eyes on me, I looked up at him.

He smiled at me with warm eyes. “What I was about to say before Mike came in was that your mother and I would be history ages ago if I didn’t let her win sometimes. Of course, I only let herthinkshe’s winning, but it accomplishes the same thing. It’s how it’s done, kiddo. Like I said, you’re a chip off the old block.”

I felt my face brighten. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he said with a nod. “I would caution against you turning into a doormat, but a turnaround of such magnitude would require a lobotomy.” He snickered. “Balance is the key.”

I glanced at my watch and blanched. “Geez. It’s almost ten.” I stood up. With my back to him as I walked toward his door, I said, “Good advice. Thanks, Dad.”

“Oh, and Sid?”

I turned around to face him.

“Mike is still your enemy.” He chuckled.

“I know. I was merely making a point.” I winked at him and stepped out of his office.

Robyn

“What do you need to tell me?” my mom asked.

I stood up and walked to my window. Snow was falling lightly outside but seemed to be melting mid-air because nothing was sticking to the ground below. I felt like I was watching a black and white movie—not a fun one likeIt Happened One NightorThe Philadelphia Story, but a depressing one likeThe Grapes of WrathorTo Kill a Mockingbird. “Will’s not my boyfriend, Mom.”

“Aw, honey. What happened?” My mom’s voice dripped with concern and disappointment.

---