One week later, Jenny visits to help me get ready for the Lees' country club garden party.
"Lee Know said his parents want to meet me. Can you believe it? It's the perfect opportunity to turn them against Sofia."
"I like the way you think, (Y/N). If you can turn the senior Mr. and Mrs. Lee to your side, then Sofia won't stand a chance."
"I just have to make sure my first impression is flawless."
"That's what I'm here for. Show me whatcha got..."
Jenny and I dig through my closet, picking out dress after dress. After a few minutes, Jenny pulls out a long, floral sundress with a touch of elegance.
"Oooo, this one speaks to me! His parents will love you in it. Not to mention, you'll totally fit in at a country club."
"Let me try it on..."
I quickly change and return to my room. I spin around so Jenny can get the full view, the skirt billowing out as I do.
"Well?"
"Even I want you to be my daughter-in-law in that dress. You'll have them asking 'Sofia who?' by the end of the night."
Just then, there's a knock at the door. Lee Know peeks his head through.
"You ready to go, (Y/N)?"
His eyes widen slightly as he takes me in from head to toe.
"Wow, you look..."
"Gorgeous? Radiant? Stunning?"
"Oh hell, I didn't realize you had company."
"I'm Jenny, (Y/N)'s best friend."
"And she was just helping me get ready. Thanks again, Jenny."
"Trust me, it was my pleasure. I'll get out of your hair. Good luck."
Jenny waits until Lee Know's back is turned, then gives me a look and fans herself before leaving . I'm still shaking my head as I follow Lee Know to the car... Soon, we're headed upstate to the Min-ho's country club. I'm in the backseat with the kids, trying not to notice how distracted Lee Know is in the front seat with Sofia.
"(Y/N), do you think they'll have fish eggs at the club again?" Mickey asks.
"Yeah, last time we did this experiment--" Mason begins to tell me but I quickly cut him off. "Uh, let's not do any experiments, okay? It's an important day for your dad."
"But it's just Grandma and Grandpa..."
I try to focus on Mason and Mickey, but Lee Know's whispered conversation with Sofia drifts back to me.
"You know how my parents feel about tabloids. They're not going to be happy that our engagement leaked like that."
"I don't get what the big deal is. It's not like they didn't want us to get married."
I glance over at the boys, who are busy pointing out the car window as we turn off the highway.
"Just because they're being polite doesn't mean they aren't pissed too."
I casually edge forward so I can hear better.
"You don't know my parents like I do. Image is all that matters to them."
"I can't imagine a more perfect image than two people from impeccable families coming together, can you? "
Sounds like image is all that matters to Sofia too.
"No one is above reproach. Our engagement was announced via tabloid. I can't say it enough."
"But Robin's ex-girlfriend can crash New Year's, grab the mic, and tell him off in front of the entire club? "
"They've always held me to a different standard than Robin. You know that."
"Well, it sounds to me like you're overreacting."
The conversation comes to a stop as Lee Know pulls the car into the country club. The boys immediately jump from the car with glee.
"The shrimp cocktails are all mine! " Mickey yells running to the front doors.
"They can be your consolation prize after losing that thumb war so bad." Mason yells at Mickey running after him.
"Mickey, no running." Sofia yells going after them.
I roll my eyes as Mason keeps sprinting for the front food. I start to follow...but pause when I notice Lee Know lingers by the car.
"Are you coming, Lee Know?"
"You can go ahead. I need some fresh air, I think."
Lee Know waves and sets off around the corner. I glance at the front of the country club, where Sofia herds the boys inside.
Looks like Lee Know could use a friend right now... And I'm not exactly anxious to meet his parents without him.
I check one last time to make sure Mason and Mickey are okay with Sofia, then slip off to hunt down Lee Know. I finally track him down in the country club's private garden...but he's so lost in thought that he doesn't hear me walk up.
"Lee Know? Everything okay?"
"(Y/N)? Of course. Everything's fine."
"Oh yeah, that was really convincing."
Lee Know smiles sheepishly as he makes room for me on the bench.
"That obvious, huh?"
"To me, yeah. I mean, your parents have been gone for months, and a lot has changed. It can't be easy to have to face them after...everything."
Lee Know shakes his head almost in disbelief, before turning to look out over the water.
"I'll never understand how you can know me so well after such a short time."
"Well, I want to get to know you. And I usually get what I want."
"Do you now? Must be nice..."
"So...are you going to tell me more? Or do I have to keep guessing?"
"As amusing as that would be..." Lee Know trails off, sighing softly. "Honestly, I want to talk to you, but I probably shouldn't."
"Says who?"
"Polite society?"
I look around, waving my hands exaggeratedly.
"I don't see any 'polite society' here, do you?"
"(Y/N)..."
He's close to opening up...I can sense it. Just needs a little nudge...
"Lee Know, you can tell me anything. I'm not going to judge. I'm not going to tell. I'm just going to listen."
I reach over and place my hand over his.
"I think that's exactly what I need...Sofia's been badgering me about my mood all morning, but she just seems annoyed I'm not acting right."
"Her style of 'comforting' doesn't exactly make her easy to open up to."
"That's an understatement."
"From what I heard in the limo, it sounds like you think your parents are going to be mad about the engagement?"
"Among other things."
"Don't tell me they don't approve of Sofia. I thought they basically handpicked her for you?"
"They did...when we were younger. I think they figured the time for us to be together was long gone when I married he boys' mom. Even after she passed, I never really saw Sofia that way...I don't think she saw me that way either."
"Then why..."
"It's not really about me and Sofia anyway. I mean, I'd definitely hoped that my parents would be in a good mood because of the news, but..."
Lee Know swings his eyes back to me, and I find myself getting lost in his intense gaze.
"I think I'm more nervous about them meeting you than anything else."
"Me?"
"I can't explain why it means so much to me that they like you...but it does."
The enormity of Lee Know's confession settles over me.
"Oh."
"Exactly. Oh."
"Are you that certain that they won't like me?"
"I honestly don't know. They could go either way, and that's what worries me. I can't make a plan without more data. I hope they see what I see..."
"And what's that?"
"A strange, beautiful woman with an incredible mind... Not to mention great with kids."
Lee Know reaches out to cup my cheek, and I lean into his touch.
"Well, lucky for you, I'm incredibly lovable too. You've got nothing to worry about."
"You have won over almost everyone in your path so far."
"If it's important to you that your parents like me, I'll win them over too. Lee Know...everything will work out. As long as we've got each other's backs, we'll be good."
"You know, your optimism is infectious."
Lee Know stands and offers me a hand.
"Thanks, (Y/N). You always know what to say."
Lee Know helps me to my feet, then I step forward to warp my arms around him.
"I'm always happy to help."
His arms slip around me, holding me flush against him. My eyelids flutter closed as I savor his nearness, his warmth.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, (Y/N)."
Lee Know's words are whispered, so quiet I'm not even sure if I heard them.
I don't know what I'd do without you either.
I'm not sure how long I've been wrapped up in Lee Know's embrace when a bird flutters through the trees above us, the noise breaking the trance.
"We should probably head in."
I pull away reluctantly, remembering where I am.
"Feeling better?"
"Actually, yeah. Like I can take on the whole Lee clan at once."
"Then my work here is done."
Lee Know leads me through the country club and up to the exclusive rooftop garden.
"There's (Y/N)!" Mickey says with a smile.
"She's the best, Grandpa. You'll see."
I cross the rooftop to join the boys. They're standing with a stately man and woman as Sofia hovers close behind.
Mom, Dad, this is (YF/LN). (Y/N), these are my parents, Mason and Vivian."
"It's nice to officially meet you." His mom greets.
"Hmm. Hello." His dad says.
"I'm named after Grandpa!"
"(Y/N) knows that, dummy."
"You're just mad 'cause you're not, Michael."
"Boys, what did we talk about earlier?"
The twins clam up, as if embarrassed to be caught by me. I'm just relieved that they listened so quickly in front of Lee Know's parents.
"(Y/N) is such a blessing to have around the house. Really alleviates the pressure to have built-in childcare." Sofia grins.
"She's a lot more than that. We've come to think of her as family." Lee Know praises.
"Such high praise from our eldest son."
"Sounds like you can finally focus on what really matters...like the Nightingale update. Just because the Ilithyia project is going well doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels."
Lee Know turns to me to explain.
"Nightingale is the in-home nursing robotic device that Lee Enterprises just released."
"Oh, we don't need to bore them with the details. I'm sure (Y/N) in particular doesn't care about this stuff." His dad gives out a small laugh.
"Actually, I just got my masters in chemistry, so I find all of this 'stuff' interesting."
And luckily, I overheard Lee Know last night talking about how much investors love the new project.
"Nightingale has caused your stock to soar, yeah?"
"That's right, it's been a huge success. I'm impressed you know our product line and where we stand in the market."
"Well, Lee Enterprises is signing my paycheck, albeit in a roundabout way."
"Touché."
"Enough shop talk. (Y/N), I love your dress. We were just in Italy, and your outfit looks like it could've come directly from the runways of Milan." his mother smiles holding my hand.
"Thanks! I thought it'd be perfect for such a special occasion."
"Ah, yes. Today is a special occasion, since Vivian and I weren't able to attend Min-ho and Sofia's engagement party in person."
"Dear, I thought we agreed not to mention that..."
"As I said before, we thought it best to move the date up after the tabloids leaked the news. And you could've been there if you hadn't extended your business trip a third time."
"It sounds like the tabloids are really to blame. They can be such vultures. No respect for privacy." I point out.
"You're exactly right. This engagement was a dream come true, and they ruined it. Oh look, Sofia! Your father and brother just arrived." Vivian agrees as she gestures toward people coming towards us.
"Everyone, please remember not to mention my mother. I can't handle another outburst like last time." Sofia warns.
"What happened last time?" Mickey asks out of curiosity
"Mickey, you can't just ask that..." Mason tells his brother.
"Don't worry, everyone. The party can start now."
I stand back as the others greet the new arrivals, but after a few moments, Lee Know motions me forward.
"This is (Y/N), the boys' nanny. (Y/N), this is Sofia's little brother Anthony and father Paolo."
"What a beautiful specimen. Call me Tony. I demand it."
"Tony, I demand that you back the hell up. Not only is this highly inappropriate, I'm not interested."
"Okay, okay, sheesh."
"Don't act like she's the one overreacting, Tony." Lee Know backs me up.
"Seriously. Can't you keep it in your pants for a family gathering?" Sofia surprisingly backed me up as well.
"Sofia, why did you bring a nanny to the country club? She doesn't belong here."
"To mind the children, of course, Papa."
"She doesn't seem to be doing a very good job. Women have the easiest job in the world, yet they still can't do it right." Her father says with a snobby attitude.
"Mr. Russo, I can assure you, Mason and Mickey are on their best behavior."
"Yeah! We haven't even tried any experiments!" Mason exclaims.
"Yet!" Mickey adds.
I force myself to smile at Mr. Russo, intent on making a good impression on Lee Know's parents.
"See? Everything's under control."
"I'll say. The way the boys listen to her? Nothing short of a miracle." Mr. Lee praises.
"As I recall, Paolo, you never quite managed to wrangle Tony, and you just had the one boy." Vivian throws at Mr. Russo.
"Maybe he just needed a woman's touch." Sofia says.
"Me, or Papa?" Tony asks in confusion.
Damn, even Sofia's backing me here? I guess that makes sense. I can't imagine how hard it was for her to grow up with this dude as her father.
"Maybe we should all take a seat and--" Lee Know begins to say until someone interrupts.
"Don't worry everyone, the party can start now!"
"That was my line!"
Everyone turns as Robin joins the group. He greets the others, then slings an arm around my shoulders.
"So, what's everyone thing of (Y/N) so far?"
"You really don't have to answer that..."
"Love her. Ten out of ten. Would recommend." Tony answers first.
"I think she has a certain...elegance about her." Vivian praises.
"Indeed, not everyone can keep up with the Lee's." Mr. Lee agrees with his wife.
"Uh oh. That sounds like more adoptin' talk from these two! Look out, (Y/N). I've heard they're in the market for a new daughter."
"Do you have to make everything awkward, Robin?"
"It's part of my brand."
I breathe a sigh of relief as the focus of the party moves away from me. Later, the sun starts to set, and the waiter comes around with a fresh tray of champagne glasses. Paolo takes a flute and calls for a toast.
"Ahem. Thank you all for coming to congratulate my beautiful daughter and her future husband on their upcoming nuptials. Sofia has been run ragged at Russo Industries for far too long. Now she can finally fulfill her purpose to become a wife and mother. After all, a woman in a position of power in the business world is like an unstable explosive, especially around that time of the month. Right, Lee?"
"Did he really just say that? " I quietly ask Lee Know.
"Unfortunately."
"Mason, honey, I thought you talked to him about this..."
"I tried, but you know how it goes with Paolo."
"...Giving Sofia a family disarms the bomb! That's why it's called a biological clock, after all."
"Finally, we're getting to the good stuff." Tony states.
"I predict a Sofia meltdown in three...two..."
Sofia sets her flute down on a nearby table with a loud clunk.
"I've heard this speech before. I don't need to hear it again."
As Sofia turns to leave, I find myself unable to bite my tongue any longer.
"Actually, Paolo, matriarchies rule! There are plenty of examples of modern, thriving societies ruled by women. But I have a feeling you'll need proof validated by a man... Like the Haudenosaunee, whose confederacy gave Ben Franklin the frame of our federal government. Their women elected their leaders and help positions of power."
"What does that have to do with Sofia's role at Russo Industries?"
"Even I can tell she would make a great CEO. In fact, I bet you've already seen gains under her management."
"(Y/N)'s right about that." Mr. Lee agrees.
"My daughter's abilities aren't the question. It's a matter of right and wrong. Women belong at home."
"Paolo, really." Vivian begs.
"I guess you've got some kind of fact-repellant force field around you. You're right about one woman though...because I'm going home."
I place my empty champagne flute on the nearest tray and stalk out of the country club. I don't dare look back, but I feel everyone staring after me. I've already called a taxi when I hear someone exit the clubhouse behind me.
"(Y/N), wait."
"Lee Know, I stand by what I said. I know he's your future father-in-law, but damn."
"Oh, believe me, I stand by what you said too. I only wish I'd been the one to say it. Although I do love the poetic irony of him being publicly humiliated by a woman."
I nod, but can't bring myself to return his smile.
"The Russo's have been family friends for so long, we've gotten used to dealing with Paolo's...world view. You're a good reminder that we've gotten complacent."
"Glad I could help."
A taxi pulls up. I stand, but Lee Know reaches out to touch my arm, causing me to pause.
"(Y/N), let me take you home. It's the least I can do, after the afternoon you were just forced to have."
"What about everyone else?"
"Mason and Mickey are with my parents, who haven't seen them in months and won't let them go without a fight. And Sofia was gonna head back tot he city with her brother, anyway. Please? I think we could both use a break from all this, and there's something I want to show you."
The taxi driver honks. I look between Lee Know and the taxi considering. I finally nod to Lee Know accepting his offer.
"Great, I'll let my parents know and be right back."
Lee Know pays the taxi driver for their trouble, and when he returns, we stroll together to his car. A few minutes later, Lee Know and I are coasting along.
"Thank God we're out of there. I feel like I can breathe again."
"It is nice to leave the city behind for a little bit."
"Oh, I meant the country club. Between trying to impress your parents, watch the kids, and not strangle Sofia's dad, I felt like a juggling clown in a circus."
"Welcome to my world."
Lee Know pats my thigh, and my cheeks warm.
"As far as crazy family gatherings go, though, today didn't even crack the top three."
"Well, now you have to tell me about your top three."
"Let's see, there was the time Robin's ex crashed our New Year's party...the pony that got loose at Sofia's cotillion... Oh, and the Halloween when Tony smoked peyote..."
"I need the deets on Sofia's pony cotillion. First off, why were there even ponies at a cotillion? I know you guys are rich, but it's not a birthday party..."
"One of the other debutantes insisted...until the pony got out during the big dance."
"Oh no."
"Oh yes. It trampled the catering table, ate part of a skirt, and Tony claims it had an 'accident' on the carpet although I didn't see it."
"Is it bad I'm on the horse's side?"
"You're not the only one. It was hilarious, although Sofia was inconsolable for weeks after."
"Compared to yours, my family is starting to look like the Brady Bunch."
Lee Know chuckles as he pulls the car through a side road and parks. He leads me to the edge of a vista, and I look down over the cityscape before me...
"You can see the entire city from here! How did you know about this place?"
"I had to make an emergency landing nearby back in my piloting days."
"I thought you jumped out of planes. I didn't know you could fly them too."
"I used to. I don't anymore, not with the boys depending on me... But there was a time when I didn't have a care in the world."
I look out at the view, trying to picture it.
"So what happened that day? Did you just make a dangerous cliff landing for the hell of it?"
"Not quite. It was the day before my last final in college, and I wanted to blow off some steam after studying."
"Most people would've just partied with their friends."
"For better or worse, I've never been like most people."
"Definitely for better."
I nudge Lee Know playfully with my shoulder, and he smiles.
"Thanks. Anyway, one of my engines blew, and I made my first and only emergency landing, right here. It was...terrifying."
"I bet...but what a place to be stranded."
"Sometimes I come back here to put things in perspective...whenever life is overwhelming or confusing. It's a good reminder of what's actually important."
Lee Know's voice changes, and I turn to find him staring deeply at me.
"Lee Know...thank you for showing me this. I know I didn't have death-defying experience here, but looking out over the city...I get how it helps sort stuff out...sort feelings out."
"(Y/N)..."
I can sense he's about to pull away from me, emotionally if not physically.
I know it's selfish, but I don't want to go back to reality just yet.
I lean against him, relishing his closeness.
"Let's talk about something else."
Lee Know hesitates...then nods. He puts an arm around my shoulders. I relish the warmth of his touch, like fire against my skin.
"What did you have in mind?"
Gazing out at the scenic view together, I can't help but fantasize about a simpler life with Lee Know.
"Can you imagine if you were marrying me instead of Sofia? What if I was the one you'd known your whole life, the one you proposed to a few months ago?"
"Sofia proposed to me, actually."
"Of course she did."
"But I'm pretty sure you and I would've eloped by now."
"You wouldn't want a big wedding with me?"
"We could do both, if you want. But I know I wouldn't have been able to wait to make you mine."
The fingers of Lee Know's free hand drifts up and down my side. I twist my head to gaze at him.
"I wish it was you, (Y/N)."
"Lee Know..."
His name escapes my lips, a soft whisper carried away in the cool night air... I move slowly, giving him time to react as I tangle my fingers in Lee Know's hair and draw his mouth down to mine. The kiss ignites instantly, and Lee Know pulls me against his body, our tongues tangling together.
"Is this okay?"
"God, yes."
Lee Know cups my cheek and I twist in his arms, kissing him deeply as my own arms wind around his neck.
"This is the one place I feel free..."
For several minutes, I stay locked in the passionate embrace, losing track of all the little things I'm suppose to remember. When he finally pulls away, I blink up at him.
"As much as I hate to say it...we should probably get going."
I nod. I look back out over the city, taking in the view for one more moment... Finally, I turn back to Lee Know. He smiles and offers me his hand.
"Ready to face reality again?"
"Not even remotely."
He chuckles as he twines our fingers together and leads me back to the car. The next morning, a commotion in the kitchen jolts me awake. I sneak out of bed to check the noise, hiding just around the corner...
"Come on, Sofia. Don't you think you're being a little irrational here?"
"She completely humiliated my father in front of everyone! Some of the club staff heard her."
"She was defending you."
"I don't care. There's a way to handle that sort of situation, and that wasn't it. I want her fired immediately!"
Fired?