Page 78 of My Secret Snowflake
“Iris works at the same company as Sebastian,” his mom says.
“That’s how your mom and I met,” Sebastian’s dad says.
“I think it’s a different time now, though,” his mom says.
“That’s for sure. Now that’s all frowned upon, but back in the day, it seemed a good way to meet someone because you really got to know them before you dated them.” His dad smiles at his mom. “Not that I wasn’t attracted to you the minute I saw you. But it was when I realized you were whip-smart too—that’s when I was really hooked. And she said no at first.”
“Why’d you say no?” I ask.
“He seemed like a workaholic and not much fun,” she says dryly.
“That was fair enough,” he says. “Iama workaholic, but Jen reminds me what’s really important in life. Sebastian here is too much of a workaholic like me, unfortunately.”
“You think I’m a workaholic?” Sebastian asks.
“I think you have to work way too hard as a lawyer to earn money as opposed to what you could earn in finance for the same effort and intellect,” his father says.
“Not here.” His mom frowns at his dad.
“I think you have to work hard at any job to learn everything you need to learn, and if so, it’s best that you love it,” I say.
Sebastian tips his head at me while his mom pokes his dad.
“Well said,” she says.
“What do you do?” Sebastian’s dad asks.
“I work in cybersecurity,” I say.
“That’s impressive,” his dad says. “A very up-and-coming field. Essential, really, nowadays.”
“Where’d you grow up, Iris?” his mom asks.
“In New York City.”
“Really? Are your parents still living here?”
“Yes, they love New York. They own a bar/music club on the Lower East Side.” I’m not sure Sebastian’s parents will approve of my family, given this Upper East Side apartment and the fact that his father is some hot shot in finance. I might as well state it upfront, because dancing with Sebastian is definitely making my heart flutter. I need to nip these feelings in the bud if this is some weird nineteenth-century situation where they will oppose our dating.
And indeed, his mom glances at his dad, only I can’t tell what the look means.
“Sebastian mentioned that you have a sister? And she’s pregnant?”
I guess I’m still worth being interviewed.
“I’m one of four,” I say.
“That’s wonderful.” His mom grins.
Sebastian shakes his head slightly at his mom. She frowns, opens her mouth, and then closes it. She clearly wants to ask something.
“Your parents must be thrilled to be expecting a grandchild,” she finally says.
“It will be their fourth, but they are excited,” I say. “My mom is busy knitting a blanket.”
“Four already. They’re so lucky,” his mom says.
“Okay, Mom,” Sebastian says. “Aren’t you busy enough with Pepper?” He turns to me. “That’s our dog. Annabelle, my sister, always wanted to name a dog Pepper when she was a kid, so that’s what we named our puppy.”
