Chapter 8: Daddy's Girl or Jonathan comes to dinner

“Jonathan, My parents have invited you over Saturday for a Bar-B-Que. As my dad says:” she stands up tall and wide making her voice deep and grumbly, “Shelby, you have been spending so much time with this boy, your mother and I think it’s time we learned more about him. Saturday will give me a proper opportunity to size him up. To see if he is deserving of all the attention MY daughter has been giving him.” her giggle is followed by a mischievous smile, “Basically Jonathan. You’re screwed! Two o’clock. Don’t be late!”

Jonathan arrives promptly at two o’clock as instructed. With him are flowers for Mrs. Curtis and a triple layer cheesecake for dessert. For Shelby he has brought her a bar of her favorite dark chocolate, (which her father immediately swipes when she is not looking).

“Thank you for the flowers Jonathan. Shelby would you help me put these in water? We’ll be out to set the table in a bit.”

“May I help with anything?”

“No, we’ve got it but I’m sure Robert could use some.”

When Shelby and her mother go to work in the kitchen, Robert motions for Jonathan to step out back with him on the pretense of lighting the grill. Outside he fiddles with the charcoal chimney and matches, his height towers over the device. Without looking up from his task, “Jonathan. Let’s chat.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Here’s the deal. That’s my little girl in there. She means the world to me. Have you heard the stories about fathers and the bonds they have with their little girls?” The boy nods, “Good. Shelby and I are no different. So If I’m going to allow you to date my daughter there are a few things you will need to understand.”

“Ok sir. What?”

“I expect her to be respected and treated like a lady.” He levels his eyes at the boy. “At all times.”

“I will always do that sir.”

“I expect that you will not attempt to take advantage of her. Or ask her to do something I would not approve of.”

“No sir.”

“If things go south between you two, you will continue to respect her by not sullying her reputation.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“And above all…” Robert straightens to his full 6’4” and looks down seriously at the young man.
“You are to never forget that Shelby is my daughter. Understood?”

“Yes sir. P-Perfectly sir.”

“Good. Now be a pal and go fetch the steaks from the kitchen. Shelby’s father needs to freshen
his drink… Oh and Jonathan?”

The boy looks at him sheepishly

“I’m glad we had this talk.”

Outside on the patio dinner is casual. With a few questions about school, classes and other goings on. Jonathan works to steer the conversation to the Curtis’s and their careers and avoid any discussion of his past, parents or his current status. He just wants to be seen as any other kid.

Over dessert Mary finally asks what Jonathan would like to see happen with him and Shelby.

“I don’t think it fair to try and predict the future. For me I’d rather let things progress naturally. Shelby may decide I’m not the right person for her…”

“Fat chance.”

He blushes, “Anyway I just want things to be what they are and not force it.”

“Isn’t he adorable when he’s like this mom!”

“Bee settle down… So what would ‘naturally’ consist of Jonathan?”

“Well if Shelby is interested I would like to take her to the movies sometime. Maybe a trip to the park or the beach even?”

“I’m free tomorrow.” The look in her eyes melts him.

Jonathan breaks their eye contact with some effort and looks to Robert. A question in his eyes.

“Well said son. You’ll do. Mary? I think our daughter could do worse.”

“As long as it’s OK with your father. I suppose the movies will be fine.”

“Thank you both. Bee why don’t we pick a movie and a time before I leave. It’s getting late and I’m sure your parents don’t need me hanging around all night.”

“Oh I don’t see any reason you can’t stay a while longer. Provided your parents don’t mind.”

Mary shoots her husband an irritated look then steals a glance at Jonathan, his face is a mask. “As long as I’m home by midnight.”

“Oh look at that, my drinks out of ice.” Robert quickly excuses himself.

Mary grabs his arm, “I think you’ve had enough, let’s go sit out back.”

“Daddy! Where is my chocolate bar! I know it was you! What did you do with it? I want it back!”

Her father answers with a laugh, “Well it may take a few hours but by then I don’t think you are gonna want it back!”

“Ewwww!”

My apologies for the shortness of this chapter. I've struggled with what to portray here. I wanted to establish Robert's feelings for his daughter and am only now realizing a whole other conversation could be going on in the kitchen as Shelby worries about her Dad threatening her relationship with her boyfriend by doing what Dad's do... be Dad's. I expect a rewrite of this chapter is in its future.

v/r
JM