Page 115 of Mr. Hotshot CEO

“What? Courtney and I are having a serious conversation. No interrupting.”

I’m glad my parents weren’t here for that exchange.

Julian’s mom shakes her head. “It’s lovely to see you, Courtney. You look well.”

His family knows about my problems. I didn’t want to tell them at first, but in the end, I figured it would be easier. I was a little surprised the world didn’t come crashing down around me when they found out.

Vince arrives next, carrying a bottle of wine.

“I’m surprised you didn’t hire a clown,” I say. “Or a petting zoo. Julian told me about your ideas.”

Heather, who is now sitting in Lydia’s lap, perks up at the words “petting zoo,” though I don’t think she understands what we’re talking about.

“No,” Vince says, “just the best wine for my sister. It’s the one you liked the other night.”

“I’m not your sister,” I protest.

“Aw, come on. We know you will be soon.”

This is true. I give him a smile.

Cedric arrives with another bottle of wine, and my parents are last. They look around the penthouse like they’re in a museum. They’ve only been here once before, and they still can’t believe I’m dating Julian Fong. Of course, they love him and fawn all over him to a rather embarrassing degree.

My parents aren’t the biggest supports in my life, but unlike the previous few times I was unwell, we didn’t fight on a regular basis. My father never snapped and said it was all in my head. It was a relief not to have to worry about what they would say to me.

I introduce my parents to Julian’s parents. They immediately start talking about wedding plans—go figure—and grandchildren. Charles Fong says some nice things to my parents about how they raised a wonderful daughter, and I can feel my cheeks turning pink. My parents beam at me. I’m sure they never imagined Charles Fong talking about their daughter like this. They tell him how the Toronto Chinese-Canadian Center helped them when they first moved to Canada.

I return to the kitchen, where Julian is putting the finishing touches on a green salad with fresh figs and goat cheese. My heart swells at the sight of him.

“How’s it going out there?” he asks. “Any fights yet?”

He’s joking. Neither of us anticipate any problems.

He sweeps me into his arms. “I don’t think anyone will mind if we take a minute to do this.”

As he kisses me on the lips, I wonder if anyone will miss us if we head to the bedroom for five minutes and—

“I knew it!” says a high-pitched voice. “You had seduction plans.”

“Po Po,” Julian says, “you’re not supposed to be anywhere near the kitchen tonight. Go out there and enjoy yourself.”

“I did not come into kitchen to cook the whole meal. Just to make sure you know what you’re doing.”

“I know what I’m doing, I promise,” he says, then winks at me. “I’ve done lots of cooking lately.”

Vince walks into the kitchen. “What’s going on in here? Am I missing all the fun? Is there a petting zoo after all?”

Julian, his arms still around me, shoots him a glare.

His grandmother takes Vince’s hand. “We will go now. It’s getting hot in here.”

Vince, however, is unable to leave because he’s doubled over in laughter.

When we’re alone again, Julian brushes the hair back from my face and gives me one final kiss on the lips. “I suppose I should get back to cooking dinner.”

“I suppose you should,” I say, reluctant to leave.

When I look at him, all I can do is grin. A year ago, I never would have imagined having a happy thirty-second birthday dinner with a boyfriend and our families.