I snort. “Excuse me, what did you call it?”
She swats my arm again. “ButI also know what you look like when you’re happy. She’s good for you.”
I sound just like my protesting mom, but the warmth that floods my chest isnotfrom the champagne. Having Paige here today, by my side and among my family as we come together to celebrate, has meant way more to me than I could have hoped to imagine when I struck up that stupid deal about her being my date.
I’mproudto have her here. It’s the craziest thing, but it feels right. It’s like walking a path I’ve always known, and it goes way beyond just her. Being with her feels like the start of something huge, like I’m getting myself lined up with the rest of my life.
I have something big to tell her tonight.
“Who is good for who?”
My dad comes over to join us and slips his arm around my mom’s waist so the two of them can face me. His tie matches her deep green dress, and his eyes share that same glimmer of excitement, relief, and parental joy.
“We were just talking about Paige,” my mom says.
“Ah!” My dad’s smile widens. “Where is that girl? I haven’t had a chance to speak with her yet, and Youssef’s girlfriend is all anyone can talk about.”
“She’s not my—”
He cuts me off with a mock stern look. “Then you’d better fix that, my son. When the universe gives you a chance like that, you don’t mess around.”
I nod and take a breath. I have something big to tell my parents tonight too.
“Speaking of chances and the universe...” They laugh at my segue, and I continue. “I have something I want to let you know. I know this probably isn’t the best time, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I can’t wait anymore.”
My dad’s forehead furrows with concern, and my mom reaches out to touch my arm.
“You guys have always supported me pursuing life as a musician in the most incredible way, and it means a lot to me.”
“Of course,” my dad interjects. “Youssef, your music is a gift to the world. If this is about thinking you don’t deserve—”
I shake my head. “No,Baba. I’ve finally realized it’s not about that at all. It’s not about what I do or don’t deserve. It’s about what I want. I’ve been thinking a lot, and my job at the studio is really important to me. I know it’s not this huge life as a superstar everyone has been dreaming of for me, but when I’m there, I feel right. I feel more right than I ever have. Jacob wants to make me a partner in the business. He’s giving me a chance to buy in.”
“But, Youssef...” My mom squints at me in confusion. “Your music, all the tours and things. What about that?”
I let out a breath. “I’m going to go to that meeting in LA I told you guys about. I leave in two days, and I’ve already made the commitment to be there, but if I get there and still feel the way I do now, I’m turning them down. I’ve got to trust myself on this, and I wanted to tell you because it would be great to have you trust me too.”
They stay silent for so long I start to get sweaty with nerves. A Backstreet Boys song is playing on the dance floor, but I’m too tense to laugh at what a weird soundtrack it makes for this moment.
“This is really what you want?” my dad finally asks.
I nod.
“Then of course we will support you.”
My mom pulls me into a hug as the shock hits my system, speaking with her arms around my neck. “We didn’t know you were struggling with this so much. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I pat her on the back. “It’s okay, Mom.”
She pulls back after a moment and smiles. “You know we’re proud of you no matter what you do.”
I smile back. “I know. Also, uh, speaking of the whole non-committal generational thing, or whatever you called it, I’m also planning on asking Paige to be my girlfriend tonight.”
She beams at me, and my dad chuckles. “I told you the universe was giving you a chance.”
I’m done with the uncertainty, everywhere in my life. I’ve talked about LA with Paige a few times since bringing it up, and I can tell it makes her nervous for some reason. I want to put those worries to rest. I want her to know it’s her and me, no matter where we end up.
“Youssef,” my dad says, jerking his chin towards Paige’s table. “You have a very pretty girl sitting all alone at a table waiting for you to dance with her.”
