Page 156 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
“Good.” I pressed a kiss to his lips. “I love you, Gabe.”
“I love you, too, Luna. But we should really call your family now.”
Papa cleared histhroat. “Gabriel, right?”
“It’s Gabe, Papa,” I corrected him, knowing full well that he was aware of that.
Gabe held my hand, and I didn’t know if it was for my benefit or his. “My given name is Gabriel,” he said. “But most people call me Gabe.”
“Congratulations on your office,” Papa asked.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Luna sent us photos from your opening.” Mama grinned at Gabe. “The space looks beautiful and it’s an amazing achievement for someone your age.” A wince flashed across her face, as though she remembered his age wasn’t the best topic to bring up.
“Thank you,” Gabe repeated. “I appreciate that.”
“He worked really hard to make this happen,” I said. “I’m so proud of him.”
“You don’t plan on finishing your doctorate anymore?” Papa asked Gabe.
“Not for now, no. I want to focus my efforts on building my business and supporting Luna in her senior year.”
Papa grunted. “She told us you helped her with her classes.”
“She’s not giving herself enough credit.” Gabe glanced at me, his eyes warm. “I helped her review for her economics finals last semester but she got through majority of the work on her own. She would have done just as well without me.”
Squeezing his hand, I smiled at him.
Papa nodded, then his eyes shifted to me. “How are your classes so far, Luna?”
My nerves flared at the question, but I kept my tone casual. “Great! I like how we’re getting more into the application side of things.”
“And you’re enjoying your fashion classes?” He sounded awkward yet sincere, and the fact that he’d asked at all had me breathing easier.
“I am, especially coming off of my internship. I really think it’s a great blend for me since the fashion industry is growing and the business side of it is changing so quickly with social media and tech.”
“Good. I’m happy for you.” Papa cleared his throat and looked at Gabe again. “When will you come here?”
“We are hoping to visit next year. Luna tells me Christmas is the best time to go.”
“We do have the best Christmas season. Make sure you start planning for that.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Tito,” Papa said abruptly.
Gabe paused. “I’m sorry?”
“Call me Tito.”
Gabe and I exchanged glances. My dad had just told Gabe to call himuncle, and it was a sign that Papa was willing to give Gabe a chance.
“Alright,” Gabe told him. “We’ll be sure to celebrate Christmas with you next year—Tito.”
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