April 29th, 2040
Hearing Candice’s reaction to his daughter’s name felt like approval he didn’t know he needed. He knew that his sister had meant as much to Candice as she did to him and it comforted him to hear that she thought his daughter’s name was as beautiful as he did.
“Thank you, Candice.” He responded, his voice matching the tone of hers. “That actually means a lot.” He meant it. The distance he had put between himself and his parents meant that he had never seen their reactions to his daughter’s name. He had sent his father a picture of the twins after they were born along with their names but hadn’t received a reaction. He might have deserved it but getting radio silence when one of his daughters was named after his sister and his dad’s mother stung. Candice’s approval made up for all of that.
Dom wasn’t one to believe in fate or destiny but maybe Candice had a point about things between them happening the way they did for a reason. She was right. It was in the past now and they were both happy. “You’re right. I think we’re both exactly where we need to be. And I have to say, happiness looks good on you.”
He laughed as he remembered the moment Candice was referencing. How young they both were and how awkward he was. Clara always had a way of getting him to get over himself. “Yeah, I guess she is.” He responded, his laughter settling into a smile. “Sometimes it felt like she knew me better than I knew myself. She had this way of knowing what I needed way before I did.”
“I just didn’t want to change the way I signed my art when I first got married, so I kept my unmarried name professionally. Two marriages and a divorce later, I’m kind of glad I did.” He admitted. He wasn’t really an important person, so he doubted anyone would have cared if he kept changing his name. However, avoiding having to correct people at his shows was a benefit after he and Maverick had split. “I think you have earned the right to be in the background, Mrs. Clarke-McDowell. More than anyone.” He responded, remembering all the times when they were younger and she had been dragged to this modelling gig and that by mother, whether she wanted to or not. This new role suited her. Of that, Dom was certain.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you.” He apologized, hoping he wasn’t going to make her late. In all honesty, he hadn’t expected to spend this much time here. He was expecting to just introduce himself, give his portfolio, and leave. She proposed that they meet for dinner later in the week so they could talk after she had a chance to review his portfolio. “That sounds perfect. I’ll be looking forward to it.” He responded, finally remembering how to be a professional. Seeing Candice here had thrown him off but he was glad that he did. This conversation was one he hadn’t known he needed but now he was grateful they had it.
@benitz786 - Candice
Mentioned:
@Littlefeets - Mav (very briefly)