The Mystery of Us (You and Me Against the World)

Chapter Six

David is lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone when the phone rings. He sees it's his father, Ralph. A moment of hesitation passes before he answers.

David sighs. "Hey, Dad. What's up?"

Ralph's voice is as cold as ice. "David, we need to talk. Can you fly to New York?"

David sits up. "Is this about business? I told you I'm..."

Ralph cuts David off. "No, it's not about business. It's about your life. And it's urgent."

David's expression changes as he senses the seriousness in his father's tone. "Okay, what's going on?"

"I've heard some troubling news regarding your... involvement with Nicole Walker." Ralph in a stern voice.

David runs a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of his father's words. "I am still pursuing her, she's not even my girlfriend yet!"

"An heiress of the Walker Global Corporation, yes. But have you forgotten that she was once involved with Sean?!That's why this is unacceptable!

David didn't respond.

Ralph's voice rises. "It's more than who she is. She was dating Sean Anderson. You know how that family operates, David. You cannot wade into those waters."

David's heart sinks as he thinks about the repercussions of his future relationship with Nicole. "Dad, I care about her. And just for the freaking record, Nicole broke up with Sean and that was months ago!"

"That doesn't matter, David! What kind of message does this send? You have a perfectly suitable girl, Lorraine. Smart, ambitious and yet you let her go just like that!" Ralph responded.

"Oh please, can we not talk about Lorraine? I am done with her and I don't want to be with her!" David tells his father.

Ralph feels frustrated. "You have no idea what you want!"

David stands, pacing his living room, struggling with the pressure. "I just hope. You're not making this about business when it's personal for me."

Ralph responded. "Look, David. I just want what's best for you and our family's name."

Silence hangs between them, both unwilling to back down.

David inhales deeply. "I'll fly in tomorrow. But I'm not promising anything."

Ralph sighs. "Good. I'll have someone pick you up from the airport."

It was already dark when David arrived in New York.

Ralph Anderson's corporate office in Manhattan, sleek and modern with views of the skyline. David walks in, his face tense. Ralph is at his desk, sorting through documents. He looks up, a serious expression in his eyes.

"I'm here. What are we gonna talk about?" asks David.

Ralph not looking up to his son. "Sit down, David."

David grabs the chair and sits down.

Ralph: David, you can't be serious! You let Lorraine walk away just like that? I thought you were smarter than this!

David: Dad, it's not that simple! Lorraine and I.... we weren't exactly on the same page anymore.

Ralph scoffs. "Not on the same page? Look at her! She's a Harvard graduate, she's ambitious, she's....(pauses, searching for words)...she is everything you should want in a partner!