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I wasn’t at all certain how he’d handle breaking the news to me.
    Dad studied me, and I could see him taking in my body language and trying to decide how he wanted to answer my question.
    “Well, that’s an interesting question,” he stalled. “Tina and I have discussed a lot of options. My construction company is thriving with all of the new development, and my investments are all healthy, so we’re both kind of looking at what our next chapter will be, how we’ll start our lives together.”
    A lot of words that told me absolutely nothing.
    “But you haven’t told me what you’re up to, honey,” he said, changing the subject just as quickly as I had. “I was so surprised—and so thrilled—when you said you were moving back home to Las Vegas, and we haven’t really had a chance to catch up.”
    “Oh, I question my decision nearly every day,” I answered. “But Vegas is a boomtown for my legal specialty—or at least what I’d like it to be.”
    My dad shook his head. “I know I should know what your specialty is, but I don’t. Fill me in.”
    I noticed that both Reed and my dad looked particularly interested as I told them about the volunteer and paid internships I’d had in the field of labor law. “There are huge numbers of workers in Las Vegas—bartenders, waiters, dancers, sex industry workers—all of whom are typically marginalized and taken advantage of by a host of unfair labor practices. My hope is that I’ll be able to pay the bills by dealing with employment contracts and things like unemployment claims and the like, but what I’d really like to do is work with some of these workers to improve their benefits and working conditions.” I looked around the table to see that all three people were hanging on every word, and I felt a little embarrassed by the passion with which I’d explained my field. “I know I sound like an idealist, but someone’s got to make a difference,” I said, my voice trailing off and hoping that someone would change the subject.
    Once again, Reed saved my ass. “Well, I can’t claim to be saving the world, but my business is doing great. I got clients who wait months for an appointment with me and some of my artists, and we turn people away every day. Inked is the top tattoo place in town that isn’t affiliated with some sellout celebrity.”
    Goddamn, was confidence sexy.
    He kept talking, and I sent a little smile of thanks his way.
    “I’ve had a couple of casinos make me offers to set a studio up in their galleries of shops, and I’ve had a couple of TV shows calling trying to film a segment in the shop, but I’ve basically told ’em to fuck off. My business is good, and I’m not gonna kiss anyone’s ass to make it better.”
    “Well, Reed, it’s good to be certain of your path,” my father said, the condescension in his voice nearly completely veiled.
    Tina sat up straighter. “Reed, sweetheart, won’t it be nice to have a stepsister who can help you out with any legal stuff?” She looked from him to me and back again, pleased with her happy little insta-family.
    “I charge family double,” I said with a straight face … until I saw Tina’s face fall. “I’m just kidding,” I said, putting a hand on her arm. “I’ll be happy to take a look at anything Reed wants to show me.” I blushed instantly as the flirtatious double meaning escaped my lips before my brain could censor it.
    “I don’t think that’s an offer I can afford to refuse,” he said, making the Vegas heat feel even hotter.
    “Anyway,” I said, trying to think of a way to shift the conversation. “I met your cook inside. Lunch looks amazing.”
    “Your father managed to steal her from Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill. She was up for a promotion and didn’t get it. Your father can be quite persuasive when he wants to be.”
    Ugh. The squicky factor was far too high for my taste. “I’m starving. When’s lunch?”
    Tina stood up. “Let me go check.”
    My dad