Page 79 of The CEO and the Mountain Man

Miguel put his hands on his hips and stood at the foot of my bed, staring me down. “The only thing that’s inevitable is that I’m figuring out a way to be in your son’s life, and you’re gonna have to be okay with that.”

“Miguel, I’m thrilled that y’all want to take this to the next level, I just… It’s so painful to be in a long-distance relationship. Are you sure you want that?”

“We won’t be long-distance for long,” River announced.

“Is Miguel moving to Chicago?” I asked.

“He doesn’t need to.” River smiled at Miguel. “Colorado State University is right down the road from Snow Creek.”

I checked my pain drip to make sure they hadn’t given me a hallucinogenic.

“What are you talking about? I’m sure Colorado State University is a lovely place, but it’s got nothing on the Art Institute.”

“Dad, I still can’t?—”

“No,” I said, interrupting him. “You’ve wanted to be an artist your entire life. We’ve talked about the Art Institute for ages.”

“Yeah, Dad.” River shook his head. “Before.”

“Son, you will get your love of art back. I promise. I super, super promise. And, Miguel, you’re a great guy, but please, you can’t let him throw away his life like this.”

“Dad,” River repeated, his voice steady. “I am not throwing away my life. And I am not giving up on art.”

“Then… What about the Art Institute?” I asked, confused.

And a little panicked, if I was being honest.

“We can visit the Art Institute in the summer, Dad. But this whole thing has taught me that I don’t want my entire livelihood to be dependent on something that is so tied to my emotions. And yeah, you’ve always supported my art, but you’ve always told me that I should make smart choices.”

“Yeah, like going with one of the best art programs in the country. That’s a smart choice.”

“Dad, have you ever bothered to look at the median salary of an artist?”

Pfft.

“Son, you know you don’t need to worry about that. I’ll supplement.”

River heaved a loud sigh. “No, Dad. I need to be my own man, and I need to make my own money, and I need a life that makes sense for me.”

“But, River…”

Beau cleared his throat. “Do you mind if I ask a question, River? I know this is super personal family stuff, but may I ask you something?”

River’s answer was immediate. “Of course.”

I bit my tongue and nodded, even though I didn’t want to.

“You said a couple of times that this has to make sense for you,” Beau said, choosing his words carefully. “I think your dad is worried you might be throwing your opportunities away on a teenage fling.”

River’s expression darkened, and Beau held up his hand.

“But if you’re talking about making smart choices, then maybe you’re thinking beyond just your relationship with Miguel? Can you say a little bit more about that?”

I knew that Beau was right to ask questions instead of flinging accusations. Something I definitely should have done. My head hurt, my arm was throbbing, and I didn’t really wanna be having this conversation right now, but we were already in the middle of it. So, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then another.

But River knew me a little too well to let it slide. “Dad, we can wait until you feel better.”

My jaw tightened. “I won’t feel better until I hear you out.”