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“You are, but this is different,” Gwen says.
“You look lovesick, son.” My father laughs.
“The hell I do.” I slap my hand down hard on the countertop. “And thank you all for the advice, but I’m not some twenty-year-old inexperienced and love-struck kid.”
“Why are you so defensive, Dad?” Gwen asks with a giggle.
A growl of frustration breaks free of my throat. “Why are you three giving me such a hard time about Maeve? It’s not like we can be together, even if we wanted to. She’s my employee.”
“You’re the owner of the team. Can’t you make the rules?” Gwen asks.
“I’m also supposed to lead by example.”
“May I ask you something, son?” my mother calmly requests.
I send her a knowing glance. “If I say no, will it really matter?”
She laughs. “Not likely.”
“Then let me have it,” I concede.
“Maeve told me the two of you met before she knew you would be her boss, but she didn’t tell me the details. Did the two of you date?”
I can’t get into the details of how we met in front of my thirteen-year-old daughter.
“Yes, but we only went out a few times.”
“And that was enough to develop feelings for her?” Mom continues.
“Yes. I was about to propose that we date regularly when I found out she works for me.”
Gwen gives me a sympathetic look. “Oh man, that’s a rough one, Dad.”
“Since the two of you met before she was your assistant, I don’t see a problem with you being in a relationship—provided it doesn’t interfere with either of you doing your jobs well,” Dad offers.
“Really?” I ask, trying to suppress my hope, but it’s impossible.
My father’s opinion on this matter carries more weight than anyone else’s—except maybe Gwen. I don’t want her to think poorly of my actions.
“Yes. You don’t need to announce that you’re dating each other. Just let it evolve naturally. People will figure it out on their own. Or if you’d feel better about getting it out in the open from the get-go, you could share the news. Informing HR either way would be a good idea.”
“I don’t think Maeve will want anyone to know. At least not at first.” My gaze moves over to Gwen. “How do you feel about Maeve and I dating?”
She points to her beaming smile. “What do you think?”
“Are you sure? It’s only been you and me until now. You’ve never had to share our time with anyone before.”
“Maeve is awesome, Dad. And she’s too hot for you, so you better grab her while she’s interested.”
“She is awesome,” I agree. “And this time, I don’t plan on letting her get away.”
My family cheers, and their support fires me up. I want to drive straight to Maeve’s house and drag her home with me.
But one of the benefits of being older is having more patience. I also know it never hurts to take some time to think about things before acting on them.
Maeve might need some convincing, so I’ll need to bring my A-game. But more than anything, I need to be honest and maybe even bare my soul to her. It won’t be easy, but she’s worth whatever it takes.
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