“Got it.” I delivered it to Mom, like a waiter working at a restaurant. “Anything else I can get you?”
“I’ll take a beer too.”
I went back into the kitchen and got her one.
Dad finished with the other burger, threw it together with the bun, and then we sat at the dining table together, talking about work, what was new at the Trinity Building, and what else was new with life.
I didn’t mention Sicily.
I wasn’t sure why. I knew they’d be happy.
“So, what’s new with you?” Mom asked. “I assume your charity fund is no longer depleted.”
I shook my head. “Nope. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with now. I shouldn’t have any problems giving my patients financial assistants until next year. The world can be a shitty place, but sometimes you’re reminded how awesome people can be. Really generous.”
Dad nodded. “Well said.”
“Speaking of money…” I reached into my pocket and pulled out the paper. “I wanted you to have this.” When I unfolded it, I realized it was actually the STI panel from the clinic. “Whoa, not that.” I gave an awkward chuckle before I folded it again, certain they didn’t even have a chance to look at it.
But my dad lifted his sharp gaze and stared at me with suspicion.
I opened the check and placed it on the table. “One down, one to go…”
Dad stared at it for a few seconds before he picked it up and examined it further. He exchanged a look with my mom before he released a quiet sigh, holding the thin piece of paper between his fingers. “Let me say that I’m very proud that you’ve gotten back on your feet so quickly.” He set the check back on the table. “But your mother and I don’t want your money—”
“Nope.” I pushed the check closer to him, forcing him to take it. “You’re taking this. I’m not letting my parents buy my apartment. I’m a grown-ass man who doesn’t need my parents for anything except their love.”
Dad watched me for a while, struggling with two different emotions. He was obviously proud that I had so much integrity, that I respected him too much to take his money, that the only reason I came by for dinner was to spend time with them, not to ask them for anything. But he also wanted to give me everything and never have me work for anything. “Dex, this must be most of your profit for the last few months—”
“Whatever. I’m debt-free now. Well, at least I have a place to live. It’s going to take me longer to reimburse you for the office and all the business expenses you’ve helped with. Besides, I don’t need a lot of money. I kick back with groceries during the week, canceled my gym membership because I have my own workout equipment at home, and the ladies don’t mind getting tacos and shots.”
Dad exchanged another look with my mom, like he wanted to argue but knew I had him cornered.
Mom rubbed his forearm, silently telling him to let it go.
Dad turned back to me. “Alright…thank you.” He folded the check and left it on the table.
“No, Dad. Thank you.”
Dad walked me out the door, into the elevator, and all the way down to the lobby.
“You didn’t have to walk me all the way down here, Dad.”
He was in his sweatpants with a t-shirt, not caring if the other residents saw him in his casual attire. My dad didn’t give a damn about anything, and that was probably where I got it from. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Uh oh. What’d I do?”
He stopped in front of the double glass doors that showed the street outside. The doormen were outside, waiting for a resident to step inside, even though very few people came and went after dinnertime. “Tacos and shots.”
I stared at him, my eyebrow cocked. “Sorry?”
“You said the ladies like tacos and shots.”
“Well, yeah. I mean, most people do. What’s your point?”
“Did you mean to say the lady likes tacos and shots?”
My eyes narrowed on his face.
“I saw your paper. The first one.”
“You weren’t supposed to…”
“You know I have a photographic memory. I see something once, it’s stuck in my head forever.” He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking at me like that was all he needed to say for me to start talking. “Sounds like you’re serious with someone. At least, monogamous.”
I crossed my arms over my chest and looked out the window. “Maybe I’m just doing my due diligence on my health. Ever think of that, Dr. Hamilton?”
“Is that what you were doing?” He stared at me with those deep, brown eyes, like he could catch any lie that came out of my mouth.
I released an annoyed sigh. “You’re a nosy son of a bitch, you know that?”