My Superhero

Chapter 28

I had been staring at my aqua blue toenails peeking out of my sandals for so long, I could easily recite where the nail polish was chipped off with my eyes closed. This whole date thing was a gigantic mistake. Why I thought it would be a good idea to go through this was beyond me. Well, actually, it has a lot to do with the amount of alcohol that was running through my blood last night, but let’s not get into that.

No one else seemed to agree with me though. My father was being his most charming self, which was his sneaky technique to make his prey open up to him like a clam ready to give up its precious pearl. Luca and Jason were currently in a deep discussion with him over college football (don’t ask me how my father managed to actually keep up with all that college crap). I could tell Kate was not listening to anything the boys were saying, but she was just glad to be sitting next to Luca again. I even caught them secretly holding hands briefly, before Jason looked down and gave them his signature, irritating smirk.

That was the only time he took his eyes off me. From the moment we got here, he had been paying attention to every move I was making. I don’t know how he was able to keep up a conversation with my father when the only thing he seemed to be paying attention to was the way I was picking at my turkey and cheese crêpe. The comfort I was feeling when we shared a cab last night was replaced with an ever-growing feeling of awkwardness in the pit of my stomach, which made me wonder whether the alcohol that was in my system had masked the awkwardness that was lingering between us.

“Now boys, as much as I’m enjoying this conversation, my flight leaves in two hours and I believe we should get right to the point, shouldn’t we?” my father’s change of tone pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked over at Kate and saw nervousness slowly creep over her soft features.

“Yes, of course,” Luca replied, bravely taking Kate’s hand between his own. “I know it seems completely irrational of us to want to get married after such a short period of dating, but I’ve known Kate for much longer than that. We met in our senior year at college when I had arrived late to a lecture and couldn’t find a seat. The professor was getting agitated with me just standing there and I was about to just give up and leave the hall before she quietly called out for me to take the empty seat beside her. I know this sounds crazy but since that day I knew she couldn’t possibly be just another acquaintance in my life. I’ll admit, I wasted an awful lot of time not doing anything about it, but these past few months made me see how much I had been missing out on not spending everyday of my life with her, and that’s what made me realize I never want to spend another day without her.”

The air was filled with a palpable tension as everyone at the table waited for my father’s reply. I don’t know how Kate was staying upright after hearing that. I wasn’t even the subject of that passionate speech and I was having trouble not letting a few dozen tears slip out of my eyes. I turned to her and saw her staring at Luca with so much adoration, I didn’t think it was possible for a mere look to paint such a perfect portrayal of love. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence, my father let out a sigh and unfolded his arms, which is always a good sign.

“Well, all I can say is I’m glad my wife isn’t here because I sure wouldn’t hear the end of her complaints for me to try and be as romantic as you, son,” he said, his smile radiating warmth.

“Oh, Daddy, thank you, thank you, thank you!” Kate jumped out of her seat and gave him a stifling hug.

“Now, hold on a second, I’m not finished,” he said, chuckling at my sister’s childish behavior. “I still don’t think it’s appropriate for you two to get married, at least not just yet. I know how love is and I can see that yours is real, but I’m just saying you need to give yourselves some more time before taking such a huge step.”