Chapter4:

Derek's POV

The chopper hovered 10 feet above, revealing the home of my parents, who reside in the upstate of New York.

I could see the tennis court, the garden, and the swimming pool well; there were no people outside, only a few servants going about their business.

I detested being at home because, unlike at work, where I felt strong and in charge, my parents attempted to regulate everything I did, and things didn't get any better when my grandmother sided with them.

After selling his software firm for billions, Dad opted to diversify into smaller businesses and has essentially been retired ever since. He embodies the archetype of the wealthy white man who spends his days playing golf.

At last, the helicopter touched down on the landing strip.

After getting out of the helicopter, I took off my sunglasses.

As I headed toward the home, Dad came over to say hello.

He remarked mockingly, "If not for the son I forgot I had."

"Hi, Dad," I said.

He drew me into an embrace.

"Your mom is pretty upset; you should have at least brought some flowers." He said.

We strolled towards the estate.

"No worries, I'll just take some from the thousands she has in her garden," I said.

Dad laughed.

We entered the living room and started talking about the most recent football game.

Mom was sitting on the couch, and when I walked over to her, her grin vanished.

She pretended not to see me as she tipped away from me and began sipping her coffee.

"Hi Mom," I said.

No response.

She would not overlook me for long.

Simply in 1, 2, 3,...

Then she let go of her magazine.

"I've never regretted having you as a son more, what kind of person doesn't show up to their party." She yelled.

"I told you, Mom, that I wasn't interested in stuff like that. It is, if anything, your fault. I answered, "I told you I was busy."

"You know what, I'm to blame. It is my responsibility that after having my ovaries removed, I was unable to conceive. "Maybe if that hadn't happened, I would have had another child who would be more appreciative of me," she said, feigning tears.

She only had to accuse me of having cancer once more.

Like I often do, I disregarded her.

"I wish you were more like your cousin, he is always seen with a girl," Mom said.

Do you wish for me to be a whore?"I inquired.

"Yes, at least that way I'd know there was a chance of you accidentally getting someone pregnant," she said.

I didn't understand, I just wanted to get back to work. I didn't see why I should waste time on relationships that wouldn't matter.

"Who has a child at twenty-seven years old?"I said."

I became scared by the idea of being a parent.

How come they couldn't just get a dog like everyone else?

"You have chosen to give up on us. Please just give me a grandchild and quit making excuses. More stubborn than I was, Mom said as she talked.

Dad sat down between Mom and me and fake coughed.

"You know son," he said. "If it doesn't 'work' we can always get you the help that you need." He said.

I buried my face in my fists, shocked that he'd said such a thing. This is why I'd spent all of middle school telling everyone I was an orphan.

"A large number of folks encounter the same issue. There's no need to feel guilty about it, Dad said.

"We don't need to have this conversation; it works perfectly fine," I said.

My folks took a moment to come up with the latest wildest hypothesis.

Do you believe our son to be gay? Mom yelled, turning to face my dad.

Dad's look met hers, and hers broadened.

"I'm not gay," I said. "Stop talking about me as if I wasn't there."

Mom gave a rolling eye.

"Anyway, where is granny now?"I inquired.

With both of them there, I could understand why Dad wouldn't find a full-time job—he had one already. My mom's mother remained with her here.

Mom said, "Are you going to miss my funeral next? She is sleeping away her disappointment of her only grandchild not showing up to his birthday party."

We would never agree on anything, so I groaned and got up from my seat. I was done with this debate.

"Dad, there is something I need to discuss with you," I said.

Our mancave was the bar room, so I left the space for it.

Dad trailed me in the rear.

"You know, your mom was pretty upset, she had to apologize to so many guests," Dad said.

He picked up a glass off the counter and filled it with whiskey for himself.

I groaned, "I need your help."

Did you manage to conceive someone?"He said.

"No," I said. "Why do you and your mother want grandchildren? We were just talking about this," I said.

"Well, your mother has focused mostly on you since you were born, until you made the decision to go out. He said, "Now that all of that focus has been focused on me, I must admit that your mother can be very demanding."

He sipped from his whiskey.

I had hoped that you would present me to the Meyer, though. I said, "I have to get a project authorized, and it would take much too long to go through the normal process.

Why not simply buy your way like all the other billionaires in this city?"He enquired.

I'd rather not take the chance of any controversies. I said, "I want this to be as covert as possible—the fewer people who know, the better.

He clapped me on the shoulder and said, "Well, I'll be happy to help you out, son."

"Well, I knew you were here because you wanted something," Mom said.

When Dad and I turned around, Mom was resting against the door frame.

I recognized her tone; it was a request for something.

The bad news for me was that Dad essentially followed my mother's instructions, so she would take advantage of the situation to attempt to extract something from me. This meant that I would not be going to the mayor's office until I complied with her demands.

"Mom, what do you want?"I said."

She said, "I want to take you out on a few dates."

"Fine, I'll show up to my birthday party next year." I made a deal.

I had no time to sit through an hour of pretend listening to someone.

She said, "And I need you to bring a girl home."

This was the best offer I was going to get, and she wasn't going to back down.

"You truly intend to take advantage of your own son when he requires your assistance," I said, glancing at her in an attempt to show her some compassion.

"That look hasn't worked on me in twenty years, plus, you left me no other choice." She said.

I gave her a shaky head.

"One day you are going to have your own kids and you can control them too." She grinned.

"So, son, will you be coming to supper with us tomorrow?"Daddy said.

"No, I have to entertain a visitor at my hotel. I said, "It's time I finally see how things are going."