Page 17 of Tides of Discovery
“Uncle Cooper makes the best hot chocolate.” Lily came to my rescue without realizing it. “He puts cim-a-nim on top and draws pictures on Daddy’s coffee.”
“That’s called latte art, sweetheart,” Ryan explained.
“Cooper’s always been artistic.” My mother’s tone suggested this was not necessarily a compliment. “Remember those pottery classes we signed you up for?”
“I remember you pulling me out when the instructor had long hair and an earring,” I said, unable to keep the edge from my voice.
Ryan cleared his throat. “So, Dad, how was that golf trip to Arizona? You mentioned the courses were exceptional.”
I shot him a grateful look as our father launched into a detailed breakdown of his golfing adventures in Scottsdale. But his enthusiasm for golf quickly morphed into another topic entirely.
“Speaking of the club in Scottsdale.” My father set down his wine. “I met a fellow with a daughter about your age, Cooper. Lovely young lady, works in finance. When are you going to meet a nice girl and settle down? You’re not getting any younger.”
The question hit like a poorly tamped espresso shot—bitter and unwelcome. I stared at my father, momentarily speechless.
“Dad,” Ryan warned quietly.
I carefully slipped my phone out of my pocket and made sure it was on silent. My fingers moved over the keyboard in my lap.
Dad just asked when I’m going to “meet a nice girl.”
I hit send, then tucked the phone back into my pocket. A small weight lifted from my chest just by sharing the moment with Jack. He’d understand how absurd this all was.
“I think we’ve had this conversation before.” I kept my voice level. “Several times.”
“Your father is just concerned about your future,” my mother interjected. “We both are.”
The appetizers arrived—calamari and bruschetta for the table—providing a momentary respite from the conversation. Just as I was beginning to relax slightly, my phone vibrated. I slid it out and surreptitiously glanced at Jack’s response.
I’m just a text away if you need an emergency extraction. Want me to quickly get in drag and stop by?
The corner of my mouth twitched upward involuntarily. Jack had been offering me emergency extractions from uncomfortable situations since college. I quickly typed back.
You’re the best.
“Cooper, are you texting at the dinner table?” My mother’s voice cut through my moment of relief. “That’s hardly polite.”
I slipped the phone back into my pocket. “Sorry. Work thing.”
“Always working,” my father commented. “Though I’m not sure running a coffee shop counts as a career.”
My fingers tightened. “The Coffee Cove is doing well, actually. Last quarter was our best yet.” I’d been able to pay my brutal loan payments. But my finances were still on the edge.
“That’s wonderful!” Ryan said quickly. “I told Dad how packed it was last weekend when we stopped by.”
“It’s certainly a…quaint little place,” my mother said with the faintest emphasis onlittle.
I took a deep breath and reminded myself of the promise I’d made to Ryan. Keep it civil. Don’t rise to the bait. I’d been navigating these waters for years. Even so, each interaction felt like being scalded by steam.
“So, Cooper,” my mother began with forced casualness, “I ran into Linda at church last week. Her daughter Melissa is back in town. Single, I might add. She’s a doctor now.” She paused, her smile too bright. “Maybe you could give her a call.”
The table fell into an awkward silence as I realized where this was going. My mother’s eyes lit up with interest, while my father’s gaze pinned me in place.
“Cooper’s very focused on his business,” Ryan interjected smoothly.
“Nonsense,” my father said. “A man your age should be settling down. Giving us grandchildren. Melissa sounds perfect—smart, career-oriented, from a good family.”
“And female,” I added flatly. “Which, as I’ve mentioned for the past sixteen years, isn’t my type.”
