“When I came to college. It’s… I think it’s one of the reasons I’ve waited so long on declaring a major.”
“I thought you were pre-law?”
“No, John. He hasn’t declared pre-law. He’s told us that.” Mom’s voice dropped.
“Well, I’m very confused right now.” Dad looked between Thomas and me.
“I want to go into music production and be a producer. I’ve been a DJ for…”
“Is this your influence?” Dad pointed to Thomas, who scoffed and shook his head.
“No. He came this way. It’s how we met.” Thomas reached out and put his hand on my arm.
“Music is not the worst of pursuits. But honey, you can’t sing or play any instruments.” Mom stared at me as if I had two heads.
“He actually can sing. He has a very nice bass voice, but that’s not what he wants to do.” Thomas bristled.
“I want to produce. I want to help other artists create.”
“You will not be in show business. It’s not seemly.”
“It’s my life. I can do whatever it is I want.” I made sure to keep my voice firm. I hadn’t stood up to my parents in my entire life – not really.
“I think this is a discussion for another time.” Mom raised her hand in the air, and a waiter swooped over. “You better bring another bottle, dear.”
“I’m not paying for you to…”
“Let’s stop – right now.” Mother said firmly and slapped the table with her pedicured hand. “I do not want to hear another word about it. Do you hear me? John, it is not our place to demand anything of our son. Do you want him to be unhappy?”
“Of course not, but…”
“Then he has to choose his own path, whether we like it or not.” She clicked her tongue. “I do agree with your father, though. Show business is unseemly. But your life is yours.” She looked over to Thomas. “And yours, now, too.”
“I’m just very confused. I built this firm thinking that you would one day join me. It’s a lot to take in – and now you tell me you want to be a musician. I feel like I have o idea who you are.” Dad blustered.
“Mr. Petersen?” Thomas said slowly. “John… Your son has worked very hard to make you appreciate him. Even telling you this tonight weighed heavily on him. I know that you’ve known him longer than I have – but the man I know is finding the path he wants to be on, and he has to be given that chance to choose. It’s not for anyone to say, not even me – his mate. His path belongs to him alone.”
My hurt burst with love for this brave man sitting beside me and willing to stand up for me. I rubbed his shoulder gently and turned to my father.
“Do you know how many of my friends from the perfect families that we surround ourselves with actually plan on working at all? Jonah’s going to be a surgeon, and Elizabeth hopes to go into publishing. The rest of them – the other trust fund babies like me – they don’t plan on working at all. A life of leisure is what they’re choosing. I want something else. Please, be proud of the fact that I have a path I want to follow.”
Dad sighed heavily and frowned.
“Whatever he decides, I will be proud of him. Will you?” Thomas’ voice was full of love – yet firm. I had no idea he had this steel in him. It was very hot.
“I’m… It’s your choice. Don’t fail, and I… won’t be unhappy, I guess.” Dad shrugged and looked over at Mom.
She laughed deeply and picked up her wine glass. “Very good, Thomas. I think you fit right in. Swimming with the sharks on your first try. Well… Looks like we have two musicians in the family now. Shall we order?”
13
DARREN
The whirlwind of my life was blowing me about, and I was starting to feel like I didn’t have an anchor – besides Thomas. He was the only constant in my ever-changing world. Our days were spent in our various classes and soccer practice. Our nights spent – until we were spent – in each other’s arms.
I tried to get Thomas to come home with me for Thanksgiving. He said he needed to stay at Lakeview and try to catch up on his workload. I didn’t usually go home for Thanksgiving, but this year, my mother told me that I should. So I went. It started out rocky when I first arrived. I had thrown too much at them too quickly. Finding and meeting the person who I would spend the rest of my life with and start a family, as well as blowing up the career path my father had planned for me.
He wasn’t the only one at fault. I should have told him years ago when I knew I didn’t want to be a lawyer. That was my failing. But after long hours of talking to them – we came to an understanding. I would major in music and minor in business.
