My Broken YOU

Heart

My dad makes me nervous. The tapping of his finger on the table and the narrowed-eyed expression on his face bother me. I don't know if it's because of Mason or because of knowing my boyfriend has a millionaire father. Either one could be driving my father wild. Maybe it's both?

The restaurant is beautiful. I don't remember this place even though I grew up here. It has a rustic feel but is right on the ocean. The water is in clear view of our table, and I forgot how beautiful the West Coast can be. We sit on the outer deck overlooking that beautiful water and the beach that sits in front of us.

My mother looks excited, and Lyle is just sitting in silence. This entire situation is awkward. Mason looks like he has a few choice words for my dad but thanks to me, he's keeping his mouth closed. My father had no right to say those choice words he said and now this entire night is ruined.

"I think it's unethical and wrong for you to be angered at my son." Lyle calmly says while staring at my father with a look that reminds me of a death stare. "He's a good kid. He's never admitted to loving anyone. I've known my son for twenty-one years and never once have I heard the words 'I love you' come from his mouth. Your daughter is his savior and I think you should be proud to have someone like her for a daughter."

"Why do you have birth control, Maddy!" My dad asks again, completely ignoring Lyle. "I don't care if you are twenty-one. I don't care if you think you love this...this... hoodlum. I don't care how much money Lyle has. I want the truth!"

"What good is the truth going to do Mark?" My mother scolds while trying to remain kind and calm to Lyle and Mason. "Madison is twenty-one years old. Her personal life is well past our business. She could have been doing this years ago if that's even what she's doing. You don't get any right..."

"She's, my daughter!" My dad interrupts her, slamming his fists down on the table. "I raised her and..." He pauses and looks around the outside deck, realizing he's making a scene. "I'm stating I know what's right and wrong for her and Mason just doesn't seem right for her. She promised she'd wait until she was married."

"I never did a thing, Dad!" I argue, stopping him from continuing his crazed argument. "I am so sorry Mason and Lyle. My father is a good man. I never thought we'd be going through something like this. And daddy..."

"Neither did I!" My father fires back, his angered eyes glaring at Mason and Lyle. "I'd suggest you two to break up. Find a new hobby."

I give him my best 'scolding' look. "I don't have any hobbies, dad!"

"I was talking to Mason, Madison!" My dad snaps back in anger. "His hobby is to pick up girls and he netted the most prized possession! My daughter and it's disturbing to know...God! It's just disgusting to think about."

"It's not what you think it is!" Mason interrupts him. I can see the anger building on Mason's face, but he's doing so good at being respectful to me and I love him for that. "Did you not listen to my father's plea? Your daughter changed who I was and turned me into a better person. She's turned me into someone who has learned how to love again and taught me how to control my feelings."

"I don't care!" My dad argues, his tone growing angrier and louder, once again drawing attention to us.

"Let's just go, son." Lyle interrupts and slides a folded-up pile of cash from his pocket. "Dinner is on me." He nods his head at my mother. "Maggie, it was a pleasure to meet you. Madison, we will see you back at the hotel, I've upgraded your and Mason's room to a suite. Ava can have the other suite. Mark, hopefully someday you will find your way to accept my son, because we are good people, and your daughter is in love with him. I believe you're in denial."