Chapter 9
Jaden was back in the office, but he couldn't get his mind off what had happened earlier. Nothing he tried to do helped, not even being at work, which usually made him feel better. He couldn't focus on his tasks and eventually had to stop.
He was deep in thought when his phone rang. He ignored it at first, feeling too tired to answer. But it rang again, and this time, he picked up, annoyed even before he saw who was calling.
"Hello, dude," a voice said from the other end.
"What's up with you?" Jaden replied. "Are you at the company?"
"Yeah."
"Be right there." The call ended.
A few minutes later, his phone rang again. This time, it was the person he really didn't want to talk to.
"Hello, Dad," Jaden said.
"Dad today, huh?" his father asked. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm fine. What do you want?" Jaden snapped.
"You calling me 'Dad' today means something is wrong. What's going on? Is it about the nightmares?"
"I said I'm fine. Can you just tell me why you called?"
"Alright then," his father sighed. "My friend is coming to town this weekend."
"Okay, what does that have to do with me?" Jaden asked, already feeling a surge of frustration.
"Can you let me finish?"
"Go on."
"He's bringing his daughter, Lizzy. I'd like you two to get to know each other again. You used to be very close as kids."
"I'm not interested," Jaden stated firmly.
"I know, but you haven't seen them in years. It would be a kind thing to do."
"Please, I said I'm not interested."
"Jaden, stop with this attitude. You're my only child, and I need you to get married someday and give me grandchildren."
"What attitude?" Jaden scoffed. "Me not wanting you to set me up with someone I barely know? Dad, this is my life, and no one tells me what to do with it. Don't interfere." He added, "If you want grandchildren so badly, adopt one."
"I need to go. I have a lot to do." Jaden hung up.
His dad just had to add to his problems today.
Just then, Ken barged into the office. Seeing Jaden's tense expression, his face froze. "Oops, I think I didn't make the right choice coming here."
"Is it still about the girl from earlier, or is there more to it?" Ken asked, stepping further in. "I don't get why you're getting worked up over just an accidental bump."
"Hmm, guess."
"Oh right, your dad again?" Ken chuckled softly. "I thought you guys had a conversation this morning."
"Did he call you?" Jaden asked, surprised.
"Oh yes, he did. And this time, it's matchmaking."
"Wait, what? Matchmaking?" Ken's eyes widened. "I never knew your dad was a matchmaker."
"Well, neither did I..." Jaden sighed.
"Do I need to know who this girl is?" Ken inquired.
"Sure, it's Lizzy."
"Which Lizzy? Lizzy from our childhood days?"
"Oh right, I remember her," Ken said, snapping his fingers. "Heard she'll be coming back this weekend."
"Oh yeah, my dad told me about that," Jaden grumbled. "And she's the one I'm being matched with."
"But that's cool! You know that girl always liked you, even when we were kids."
"You're not doing that with me, are you?" Jaden warned, narrowing his eyes.
"Of course not! I'm just stating facts," Ken grinned.
"And they are?"
"You guys are a match made in heaven."
"Can you shut that mouth of yours before I help shut it for you?" Jaden threatened, though a faint smile touched his lips.
"Alright, boss!" Ken laughed. They both burst into laughter, the tension in the room easing slightly.
"Alright, tell me why you're here," Jaden said, wiping a tear of mirth from his eye.
"I was worried about you because of how you left this afternoon," Ken explained. "So I came to pick you up for us to go to the Golf House."
"I think I need that distraction," Jaden admitted, pushing himself out of his chair.
"Let me grab my keys."
"No need for your car. You can leave it in the company's garage because I brought my wonderful car." Ken gestured towards the parking lot.
"Oh right, let's go then."