by Robyn M Ryan
They met her parents at the Ritz-Carlton’s restaurant—the hotel where her parents were staying. When they met in the entry to the restaurant, Caryn grasped Andrew’s hand, deliberately lightening the tone. “Mom, Dad, this is Andrew Chadwick. Drew, my parents Bill and Suzanne.”
As the men shook hands, her mother hugged Caryn tightly. “So good to see you, sweetheart,” she whispered, before releasing her and extending her hand to Andrew. “I’m glad you could join us, Andrew,” she said as they were shown to their table. “Please call me Suzanne.”
Andrew held Caryn’s chair as she sat, then slid into the seat beside her as they faced her parents across the table.
“We’ve brought you here before, haven’t we?” Suzanne asked Caryn.
“Only three or four times,” Caryn said with a smile. “Remember the dinner meeting you had in the private room with that glass wall?” She turned to Andrew. “It has a beautiful view of the wine cellar. That and the tour of the kitchen were the best parts of that meeting, weren’t they?”
“No doubt,” her father said and then nodded toward the waiter who stood nearby. “Drinks before we order?”
Caryn didn’t realize the extent of her nervousness until she found herself relaxing as she sipped her wine, her mother’s small talk setting the tone. She dutifully answered her father’s expected questions about her fall classes, wrinkling her nose when he inquired about her finance course.
“Please, don’t spoil my appetite.” She directed a teasing glance toward Andrew. “My tutor’s been busy lately.”
“You’re doing just fine on your own.” His retort was accompanied by a warm smile.
“Are you serious about needing a tutor?”
Caryn looked across the table at her father. “Not really. It’s just not one of my favorite subjects. My study group has a finance genius.”
“If you need help, ask your professor to recommend a tutor.” Stevens turned to Andrew. “Imagine with your schedule, taking time to review finance texts is low on your priority list.”
Andrew laughed easily, reaching to squeeze Caryn’s hand. “Quite the opposite.”
Caryn’s stomach contracted nervously as her father shifted the conversation to hockey.
“You’ve had a pretty decent season so far,” her father said.
Caryn nearly dropped her fork. How had her father known? She hadn’t said anything about him playing for the Leafs, and yet…Her father gave her pointed a look, a look that said this is what happens when you try to keep things from me.
She watched the men talk, uneasiness becoming anxiety as she realized her father’s research was meticulous as usual. She looked at her mother, Suzanne’s smile wry as she shrugged slightly in response to the silent question.
Andrew glanced at Caryn as she set her fork on her plate with a soft sigh. “Not what you expected?” His voice was soft as he leaned toward her.
“Just not hungry.” She forced a smile as she reached for her wine. She sipped it, and then took a deep breath. “I didn’t know you followed hockey, Dad.”
“You thought we wouldn’t find out?” Stevens’ voice was taut.
Caryn shrugged as she glanced at Andrew, seeing the flicker of confusion cross his face. “I wasn’t hiding anything.”
“You’ve been quite the topic around the water cooler.” Her father’s gaze burned. “Your ‘romance’ appears to be a trending topic in Ottawa.”
Caryn’s cheeks reddened in embarrassment, and she reached for Andrew’s hand.
“Dad, please,” she said, feeling her face flush. “You’re not being fair.”
“You want to talk about fair? How many times have your mother and I warned you about keeping out of the media, off social media, not calling attention to yourself…”
“I have,” Caryn said, her voice rising in anger. “I don’t even have a Facebook account. We haven’t done anything wrong. Why does it…” She stopped in mid-sentence as Andrew put his hand on her shoulder.
“Don't, Cary.” He met Stevens' gaze evenly. “There’s nothing ‘secret’ about our relationship.”
Stevens laughed coldly, and then shifted his gaze to his daughter. “You should know there are no secrets with today’s media, Caryn. You get yourself in a relationship with a professional athlete, you put yourself in the spotlight. That spotlight quickly tracks back to the company.” He sipped his drink. “You’re the one who wanted privacy and ‘anonymity’ when you went to the university. You do realize that’s impossible now.”
“Nothing’s changed.”
“Obviously, you haven’t googled yourself lately.”
“I don’t care about that.”
She met her father’s eyes trying to keep her gaze steady, but Andrew sensed the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. Squeezing her shoulder, he dropped his hand to grasp hers securely, leaning toward her father as he spoke in a low voice.
“Unless your intent is to add to your Internet presence, I suggest we table this discussion.” He nodded toward the nearby customers. “You might be on a YouTube feed as we speak.”
Stevens locked eyes with him for a long moment. “Let’s take a walk, Chadwick.” He looked at his wife. “Go ahead and order desert. This won’t take long.”
Andrew stood, his hand resting reassuringly on Caryn’s shoulder. He squeezed it, then gently brushed the hair away from her face when she looked up at him.
“You don’t have to…”
“It’s not a problem, Cary. I’ll be back in a few.”
Caryn looked at her mother helplessly as the men walked toward the lobby. Suzanne’s tone was sympathetic, but firm. “You should have told me, Caryn. I could have discussed this with you father.”
“There was nothing to tell. I wanted you to meet Andrew first, that’s all…”
“Because you knew we would not approve.”
“What’s not to approve, Mom? I didn’t tell you for the same reason I didn’t say anything to Andrew about the company. I just wanted us to be… you know…. just us.” Her voice trailed off.
Suzanne smiled. “I can see why you’re attracted to Andrew. He’s handsome—and I know it’s glamorous to be dating a professional athlete. But, would you be interested in him if he weren’t playing for the Leafs? Honestly?”
“Honestly? I didn't know what he did when I first met him. He was just a nice guy that I’d met. If you’d give him a chance, you’d see that,” she said. “He’s sensitive and kind and has a funny sense of humor. Yes, I think he’s gorgeous, but he also makes me feel like I’m the most important person in the world to him. He makes me feel special. I wouldn’t care what he did for a living; he’d be the same person he is now. Why can’t you understand that?”
“Honey, I understand completely. But look at it from your father’s viewpoint. Andrew’s older, he’s used to being in the spotlight, maybe even enjoys it. You’re a lot younger, Caryn. Maybe not so much in age, but in experience. I wanted you to enjoy college like any other student. But, your father has different opinions, as you know. He intends for you to run the company one day—or at least play a significant role in its future after he retires.”
“I know that.” Caryn couldn’t keep the irritation from her tone. “That’s what I’ve heard all my life. I get that. Why should my relationship with Andrew change anything?”
“Have you thought it through, Caryn?”
“No. That’s years away, anyway.”
“Not really.” Suzanne’s smile was gentle. “Remember, I met your father at the university. I was studying fashion design. I had everything planned—I’d get an internship in New York, maybe Paris. I would design fabulously beautiful gowns.”
“I remember your drawings. And your wedding gown was perfect—how many people design their own wedding gown?” Caryn sipped her water. “Do you ever wonder, Mom? What would have happened if you’d gone to Paris?”
“Sometimes. But, I was in love and even back then it was clear that your father’s career would requir
e my complete attention and support.” Suzanne reached across the table to touch her daughter’s hand. “Can you look at things from his perspective, Caryn? You are our only child. He very much wants to keep control of the company within the family. He hears—however he finds out about these things—you are dating a professional athlete. Suddenly he sees his hopes and plans for you dissolving.”
“Why? I don’t understand why he thinks that. I’m on track to graduate. Nothing has changed.”
“Yes, everything has changed. You’re seeing someone whose career is equally demanding, perhaps even more than what I was facing when I married your father.” Suzanne continued, her voice gentle, “What happens if Andrew gets traded? Even if he stays in Toronto, your work will be in Ottawa.”
Caryn was quiet for a moment, her thoughts jumbled and confused. She shook her head. “We’re just dating,” she said, the words sounding hollow even to her own ears. Suzanne raised her eyebrows, indicating Bill and Andrew’s return.
Andrew dropped Caryn’s coat across the back of his chair as he rested his hand on Caryn’s shoulder. “I enjoyed meeting you, Mrs. Stevens. Thank you.”
“It was our pleasure, Andrew. We’re glad you were in town.”
Caryn started to stand, but Andrew’s hand gently squeezed her shoulder. “Why don’t you visit with your parents?”
Caryn shook off his hand as she stood to face him, her expression mirroring her confusion. “I’ll go with you.”
Andrew gently gripped her arms, not wanting her to do something she might later regret, and shook his head. “I’ll see you later.” She looked at him and felt tears threaten to spill. He leaned toward her and kissed her gently. “It’s okay, honey,” he said as he rested his forehead against hers. “I love you.”
Straightening, he glanced first at her mother, and then met her father's gaze. Andrew turned to go, but stopped, adding as an afterthought. “I know how much this evening meant to Caryn. I hope we’ll have the chance to get to know each other.” His eyes met Caryn’s and he gently brushed his fingers against her cheek. “Call me.”
Caryn watched as he strode from the room, longing to run after him, to tell him she felt the same, but she knew she must face her parents first. She shifted uncomfortably beneath her father’s disapproving gaze.
***
The ride in the elevator seemed interminable, with no one speaking. They were barely inside the suite, however, when he launched his attack, speaking as he poured a drink from the room’s bar. “I thought you had more sense. Chadwick seems like a nice enough fellow, but he’s not for you.”
“Why not?”
Bill laughed derisively as he sipped his drink. “Did he finish school?”
“Does that matter?”
“What is he, twenty-four, twenty-five? Suppose he plays hockey for ten, fifteen years. Then what’s he going to do, with no education or skills except hitting a puck?”
She shrugged. “He can coach or…”
“Be a sportscaster?” Her father laughed. “Do you know how many ex-athletes want jobs like that? There aren’t enough to go around. He has no future, Caryn. Face it. Go out, have a good time, but for God’s sake don’t consider getting serious with him. You. Have. No. Future. With. Him.”
Caryn took a step backwards, realizing what his business competitors must feel when confronted by Bill Stevens. But, this wasn’t business. It was her life! She heard Andrew’s “I love you” in her mind, and determinedly, she fought back.
“Maybe we’re already serious, Dad. And maybe I don’t care if Andrew’s finished school or not. He’s doing what he wants to do, and I’m proud of him!”
“That’s easy to say when you’re supported by a generous trust fund. Maybe you should consider what it’d be like living on an unemployed hockey player’s salary.”
“He’s hardly unemployed. He’s on the starting line for the Leafs. He has…”
“I know what he makes,” her father cut her off. “Multi-million dollar contracts aren’t guaranteed beyond the term.”
“I don’t know what he makes, and I don’t care.”
Stevens’ face reddened. “Then, I take it you’re planning a future with Chadwick?”
“I hope to.”
“Consider this, then. If you’re planning to throw your education down the drain, turn your back on everything your mother and I have worked for—you’ll get no more money from us.” He shook his head. “I never would have believed you’d be such a disappointment.”
Caryn’s breath caught in her throat as the words cut deeply. “What did you say to Andrew?”
Stevens laughed without humor. “He had no idea who you are.”
“You mean, what you expect me to be? What about what I want?”
“You don’t know what you want. Likewise, you have no clue what you’ve gotten yourself into.”
“What are you saying?”
“You need to take a good look at the lifestyle before you jump in.” He pulled a thick folder from his briefcase. “Here, you may find this interesting reading.”
Caryn stood. “I don’t need to read any of your ‘background’ research.” She started toward the door, and her mother moved quickly to restrain her.
“Bill, give Caryn a chance to speak.”
Stevens raised his glass toward her. “Go ahead, Caryn. Why should we be thrilled you’ve found the man of your dreams?”
Caryn faced her father. “Just because Andrew didn’t go to college doesn’t mean he’s not smart. He had scholarship offers to several universities in the US. And you know that proposal I did for my class last summer that you thought was so professional? Well, guess what? Andrew did the statistical analysis because I couldn’t figure it out. He could do anything he wanted for his career.”
Her father sipped his drink before replying. “Maybe he could, Caryn. But it doesn’t change what he has chosen for his career. When he decided not to pursue a degree, he made a choice. When his career is over—and you might want to research the average length of a pro hockey player’s tenure—do you think he’ll go back and finish? Of course not. Then where will you be?”
“Happy. If we’re together.”
“You’re willing to give up everything you’ve worked toward? Your career? Your place in The Stevens Company?”
“That’s your decision.”
“Caryn, please listen to what your father is saying,” Suzanne said. “He's telling you if you keep this relationship, there’ll be no more money, there’ll be no trust fund to draw on. You’ll be on your own.”
“You know I don’t care about the money. I’ve never cared about the money.”
“But you’ve enjoyed having it,” Suzanne said. “You like the perks as much as I do; you like having your own townhouse.”
“Try going to school and working full-time to pay your tuition and living expenses,” her father added.
“I’ll manage.”
“You’d choose him over your mother and me?”
“You’re the one making me choose,” Caryn said, her voice weary. “It’s my life. I’m not going to let you manage it for me.”
“If you leave now, there’ll be no turning back.”
“If that’s what you want,” she said. “I’m sorry you feel the way you do. But, I won’t stop seeing Andrew.” She looked at each of her parents, the sadness evident in her eyes. “I guess there’s nothing else to say.”
“Caryn, wait, please,” Suzanne said. “Don’t make a decision right now. Think about it. You don’t need to decide tonight.”
“Why not? You’ve already given me an ultimatum. If I keep seeing Andrew, you’re cutting me off, disowning me. Isn’t that right, Dad?”
“It’s not what I want, Caryn.”
“But it’s what you’ll do. You don’t make false threats, do you?”
Her father shrugged as he emptied his glass in a long swallow. “Go. Think about it. Talk to Chadwick. You know, he might have second thoughts himself now that he knows you’re
not ‘just’ a university student.”
Caryn’s eyes filled with tears as she pulled on her coat. She grabbed her purse and started toward the suite’s door.
“I’ll call the car to take you home,” Stevens said to her back.
“Don’t bother. I’ll be fine.” Refusing to look back, she left the hotel room, and took the elevator to the lobby, determined to contain the tears that threatened. She swiped at her eyes as the elevator opened, taking a deep breath as she quickly walked across the lobby and out the front door. The bitter winter wind whipped around her, leaving her breathless. She reached into her purse for her phone, brushing her eyes before she pressed Andrew’s number. She sensed his presence before his hand touched hers, wrapping his arm about her shoulders and pressing his lips against her head.
“You waited for me?” Caryn’s voice was a hoarse whisper as she looked up at him.
“You have to ask?” His smile was wry as he leaned to kiss her. “You want to go to Hortons and talk?”
Caryn shook her head. “I just want to go home.”
SEVENTEEN
The ride to Caryn’s home passed silently. Andrew sensed Caryn’s struggle to control her emotions. He opened the door for her and offered his hand as she stepped from the car, holding her securely against his side as they entered the townhouse. She shivered as he took her coat.
“Come on, let’s get a fire started.” He grabbed the blanket from the back of the sofa and drew it around her shoulders, then left her side for a moment to light the fire. He drew her close as they sat on the couch. Caryn leaned her head against his shoulder, his presence warming her numbed body. Andrew stroked her hair lightly, kissing her forehead gently, as he tightened his grip on her as her body trembled.
