He raised one condescending eyebrow. “Hardly seems like a stable career when your clients are one pill shy of a loony bin. Ever thought about law, young lady?”
My blood boiled beneath the surface. Pompous fucking ass. “Law? No. Excuse me if I’m being too bold, but that’s just too drab for me. I want to help people.”
He rested a forearm to the edge of the table and narrowed his eyes at me. “And you don’t think representing those in need is helping?”
“I . . .” I gulped. “I didn’t mean to imply what you do isn’t important. I just—”
Blake cut in, rescuing me from my blunder. “Eva sings too, Dad. Very well. I’m thinking of making her famous.” He smiled in an attempt to sway his father.
“Well, then maybe you are the perfect match for my son. He has his head in the clouds too, thinking an artist can be anything but nothing in this life.”
I felt the air pouring heavier out of my nostrils, but I kept my cool. Barely. “There are plenty of people who make a decent living doing what they love.”
“Yes, a rare few who make it. The rest don’t have a pot to piss in, and I’m not about to let my idiotic son ruin his chance at a good life.”
Okay, last straw. “Your son is quite talented, Mr. Turner. You’d know that if you knew who he was.”
Blake stiffened beside me.
Mr. Turner’s face reddened. “I’ll let that pass since this is your first time in this house, but you’ll keep in mind that this is my house.” Dropping his napkin to the table, he gave me a look that should have slaughtered me.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I attempted to plead with a man who might have been the most unreasonable in the world. Though I was never able to do it for myself, I would be strong for him. I softened my voice. “Sorry, sir, but you really should see him for who he is. He’s no stuffy suit. Those law classes you make him take make him miserable.”
“Eva—” Blake tried to interject but was quickly cut off.
“Miserable? Success is what brings happiness, young lady. A struggling artist won’t be happy at the end of a bread line when he’s got mouths to feed.” He pushed back from the table and stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
As he exited the room, I looked down in my lap, strangling my fingers, both ashamed and infuriated. I hadn’t meant for things to get that heated and ruin their family’s holiday, but I couldn’t let him talk to us that way.
Blake put his hand on my thigh. “I told you not to go there. Why do you think I never do?”
“I’m so sorry. I ruined Thanksgiving for all of you.” My eyes began to fill as the enormity of what I’d done hit me. I just couldn’t bear to see Blake belittled that way.
“Now, there will be none of that,” Elaine reassured me.
Victoria chimed in. “Yeah, babe, we’re used to this. You’re just new, that’s all. Don’t let him get the better of you.”
I looked around at their understanding, compassionate faces in awe. They should be furious with me for ruining the small amount of time they got to spend together, yet somehow they looked like they felt just as bad as I did.
“Well, now I know where Blake gets his kindness from. You guys are amazing.”
Blake kissed my cheek and then stood, straightening his back. His face was serious, his jaw tight. “I’m going to have a talk with my father.”
I grabbed his arm, and he immediately flexed. “Wait, please. Maybe this isn’t the best idea. You already have enough problems with him.”
“Angel, we aren’t having this discussion. I don’t care what him or anyone else thinks. And it’s time he knew that.”
“Blake, I’ll go.” Elaine stood.
“Sit down, Mom. I’m a grown man. I can handle this. No one talks to my girl that way. I don’t care who he is.”
With a tight nod, Elaine reclaimed her seat, worry lines crinkling her forehead. When Blake left the room, she turned her focus to me. “I’d like to apologize for my husband’s less than hospitable behavior.”
“It’s all right, really. I was forewarned.” I gave her a small smile. “You’ve been more than welcoming.”
“He does mean well.” The corners of her mouth dipped. “He has a funny way of showing it, but he only wants what he believes is best for us.”
I didn’t have a kind word to say about that man, so I just nodded, my lips pursed in a tight line. “I’m going to find Blake and make sure he’s okay.”
I followed the sound of raised voices until I came upon a closed door. I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but before I knew it, I found myself inching closer, trying to make out what they were saying.
“I don’t think she’s appropriate for you.” Mr. Turner’s stern voice held no room for discussion.
My heart sank. This was just another thing Blake felt strongly about that his father was knocking down as if what he wanted didn’t matter.
“You don’t even know her.”