I had to smother my instinct to scoff at his claim. “Thanks for putting up with me being so awkward.”
“I’ve enjoyed your company.” He sipped his cocktail. “So, tell me more about yourself.”
I twisted my glass in my hands. “There’s not much to tell. My life is just studying, more studying, teaching, and procrastinating on papers.”
“What do you hope to do after you earn your degree?”
“Teach Japanese art history at a university. There isn’t a lot of real-world use for my degrees outside of that.” I shrugged as I felt the burn of my parents’ disapproval. “It’s stupid, but I’m committed to it at this point. I’m in way too deep to do anything other than finish my program.”
He frowned with concern. “Why would you say it’s stupid? Studying what you love and are passionate about is the best thing in the world.”
A humorless laugh escaped me before I could suppress it. “Not according to my parents.”
“They disapprove?”
Talk about understatements. “They wanted me to get an MBA like my older brother, since it’s a practical degree in a field they understand. In their opinion, getting a PhD in Japanese studies to live as an underpaid adjunct is a monumental waste of time and money. They’ve written me off as a disappointment who will never amount to anything in their eyes.”
His sympathy made me wish I could curl up in his arms and soak it up. “That’s horrible, Zio.”
“Not even Luca could change their minds, and he’s their favorite golden child who can do no wrong.” That would have hurt more if he wasn’t the best brother in the world. “I told him not to waste his breath. I’ve always been an unwanted complication for my folks, so even if I followed in their footsteps, they still wouldn’t be satisfied. I decided it was more important to make myself happy than please two people who only see the faults within me.”
Armand reached out and took my hand in his to squeeze in solidarity. “It’s a tragedy they cannot recognize you for the amazing person you are. They should be so proud of having a son as incredible as you.”
“They’re not, but thank you for saying that.” His support got me a little choked up, so I refocused my attention. “It’s not all bad, though. I’m lucky to have Luca as an older brother. Despite the twelve-year age difference between us, he’s always loved me and been on my side.”
“I’m happy you have him in your corner.” He brushed his thumb over my hand, sending sparks of fire through me.
“He encouraged me to ignore our parents and study art history since it was my passion. I wouldn’t have come this far without his support. He paid for me to go to Japan for a few years to learn Japanese, which would infuriate our folks if they found out. They think I went on a scholarship, but Luca funded everything. I’ll never be able to repay him for what he’s done for me.”
“You can repay him by being happy.”
His words brought a smile to my face. “That’s the only thing Luca’s ever asked for in return.”
“You’re very fortunate to have an older brother as loving as him.”
His comment raised more questions. “What about your family?”
“I’m an only child.Ma mèreis a famous opera singer who travels throughout Europe. The less said ofmon père, the better.” He drew his hand back to drink his margarita, making me wonder if I had touched a nerve.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
He waved away my concerns. “It’s fine.Mon pèreabandoned us when I was six, but I was fortunate that Arsène’s family took me in. They are the greatestmamanandpapaI could have asked for.”
His explanation confused me. “You weren’t raised by your mom?”
“Ma mèrespent most of her time traveling on tour. She had lovers in every city she preferred to stay with, so there was no one else to take me in but them.”
“What about your grandparents, or an aunt or uncle?”
“They cut her off for marryingmon père, so I never met any of them.”
His situation made mine not seem so awful. “I’m so sorry.”
“There is nothing to apologize about. Arsène’s parents are wonderful people, who raised me in a home full of love. It was a far better life than I ever would have had otherwise. With Arsène and his youngerfrère,Isidore, they’re all the family I need.”
“Found family is better than blood family, sometimes.” I never expected to have that in common with him. “I’m glad they were there for you when you needed them most.”
“That’s why my home has always been where Arsène is.”
