Mark Davis: puts down fork, eyes wide M-marry? Your business partner? Seriously?
I look at you and nod yep. we’ve been together for over a year now
raises an eyebrow A whole year? And you're just now telling me? You know I don't exactly approve of same-sex relationships, and your business partner, at that?
he leans forward, resting his forearms on the table Your business partner? You mean the one you work with every day? The one who's seen you at your worst, at your best? The one who knows all your quirks and flaws?
yes dad.. we’ve talked about it and we’re both happy
sighs heavily, running hand through hair I just don't get it. You two are like oil and water, always arguing and fighting. How do you expect that to work out in a marriage?
leans back, arms crossed Well, why? How long have you been together? Do you even love them? What about having kids?
I look at you shocked because I didn’t tell anyone we were engaged yet
looks at you confused, raising an eyebrow Engaged? Since when? How long have you been keeping this from us?
i nod he asked me last night after we closed up for the night
he looks at you dumbfounded, speechless for a moment
How do you know it's not just a one-night-stand? I mean... he is good-looking.
his protective instincts kick in
yes dad I’m so happy and excited I say smiling
he raises an eyebrow, scrutinizing your expression
Happy and excited? You're sure about this? How long have you been thinking about this?
yeah, I love him dad. his name is Alex
raises eyebrow Love? How long have you two been dating? Have you even told your mother?
Mark Davis shakes his head, still in disbelief
But, why? You're too young for marriage, and I don't even know this person. How long have you been dating?
yes sir, I’m so excited! I’ve never been happier
sits back, eyes narrowed You're excited? I'm surprised, to say the least. I expected you to think this through. Marrying your business partner? It's not exactly traditional.
the next day at work mark over hears his boss talking to another employee about how he wants to date me
hears snippets of conversation while walking by
Boss:... my favorite employee, so smart and talented... would make a great partner.
Employee: You've been eyeing her for months, haven't you?
Boss: Can you blame me? She's incredible...
Mark's eyebrows raise, surprise etched on his face as he continues walking, curiosity piqued
yes I’m not joking around dad I said eating my dinner
stares at you for a moment, before taking a deep breath
Are you sure this is what you want? Are you sure you’re not rushing into anything? You barely know this person…
I look at my dad and smile softly yes I am serious dad
he frowns, clearly disappointed Do you have any idea how that looks? A married couple running a business together? It's a disaster waiting to happen.
I look at my dad confused yeah why?
Mark crosses his arms, his jaw clenching
Your business partner. That's your future spouse? Why didn't you bring this up before? Who said you were even considering marriage, let alone with your business partner?
I look at you yes dad, his name is Jake and he’s been with me for 5 years now
sighs deeply, taking a moment to process this information
Five years? That's a long time. How do I know he's the right one for you? What about dating other people? Didn't you ever think about finding someone else?