Love Changes

“Selena, my darling girl,” Winston St. John said.

 The older man walked in the room with self-assurance, even after all these years his presence demanded respect, and commanded the room’s attention. His hair was completely gray, but he was still remarkably handsome. He kept his six foot frame fit, and he had the trademark St. John’s light brown eyes and honey brown skin.

“I’ve missed you,” Winston said frankly. He kissed her on the cheek and gave her a great big bear hug,

“I’ve missed you too daddy.” She put her arms around him, and accepted the embrace.

“Lately, I’ve been out of the office so much, I hadn’t seen as much of you as I like.”

 Winston released her and went right into his order of business. “We could easily rectify the situation with you moving back home. I’m hoping your mother and I can convince you. Your suite is just like you left it. My only request would be your presence at dinner a couple of nights a week.”

“Daddy, you know I have my own home with Mace,” she said. She wasn’t surprised at Winston St. John’s offer. He never stuttered or played games in saying what was on his mind.

“Need you remind me of your living conditions,” he said sarcastically.

“Daddy, play nice now.”

He asked. “Do you want a drink before we go in to dinner?” 

“Yes, I’ll get it. Would you like me to get you something?”

“No, I’m fine. Your old man needs to watch his cholesterol intake. The alcohol consumption has to be guarded, trying to preserve myself a little longer.”

“What are you talking about? You’ll probably out live me and W.L,” she said, walking over to the well stocked bar.

Winston St. John unbuttoned his suit coat, and sat down in one of the wingback chairs, and crossed his legs. “Baby, I am concerned with your behavior on yesterday. I was informed you ran out of the office similar to a pack of wild dogs chasing you. I know deep in my heart it has something do with that no good boyfriend of yours.”

She knew her father was only protecting her.  It had been his job since the day she was born, and he never failed her. Taking the chair opposite of him, she spoke in a gentle tone. “Daddy, I don’t appreciate people telling you my business, I’m a grown---,” 

Before she could finish her sentence, her father angrily barked out, “You are still my child!  It is my job to look after you, protect you, and you are never too to be old to be told you are acting like a lovesick fool young lady!”

“Daddy, will you stop, I’m not seventeen anymore, you can’t try and run my life.”

“Well, let me remind you how many times he has humiliated you. How many times I had to come and get you? And then your mother had to stay up with you all night to wipe your tears. He has run around with every harlot in Chicago before your own eyes. He has disgraced not only you, but also this family, and no one makes a fool out of a St. John. You have to salvage the family honor, Selena. You should think about that before you get the fool notion of dealing with his infidelities with a kiss and some phony I love you’s.” 

“You don’t understand daddy,” she simply said.

Winston St. John interrupted without compassion. “I do understand! You should have left the first time he stayed out all night on you. I wish you would listen to me when I tell you I know his kind, he is nothing but a street thug, a low life, a player, you don’t understand how people like him operate.”

“You are out of your league honey, trust daddy,” he added in.

Annoyed, but used to her father’s overreacting, she said, “I’m not leaving him, and I think you should try to get along with him for my sake.”

“When hell freezes over!” he snarled.

“Selena, baby, stop believing his lies,” he pleaded. “Open your eyes.”

“My eyes are wide open, and I’m sure I’m doing the right thing. Mace is working hard to be what I need him to be.”

“Well, young lady I hope you know what you are talking about. In my day love was not a chore. If you loved someone, you would honor and respect them.”

“Daddy, I do know, and you don’t know because you refuse to get to know him. He loves me, he really does.” she told him.