.

home, Kellen changed into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. He needed to work out some of his aggravation.

      “I suppose you’re still angry with me,” Malcolm said when he entered the exercise room.

      Kellen shook his head. “I’m not angry, Dad. I’m just really disappointed with the way things turned out.”

      “I understand that. Do you want to talk about it?”

      “It won’t change anything,” he responded. “So there’s really nothing for us to discuss.”

      “Your mother made roast chicken for dinner,” Malcolm announced. “Will you be joining us?”

      “I’m going to have dinner out, but I won’t be out late,” Kellen answered. “I’m in the mood for Italian.”

      Malcolm stood in his path. “Son, I don’t like this distance between us. I’m sorry that you’re so disappointed and upset. It’s not what I wanted for you.”

      “How did you expect me to feel, Dad?” he questioned, meeting his gaze.

      “I knew that you would be disappointed, Kellen. It just didn’t occur to me just how much you wanted the position, but even if it had—I stand by my decision.”

      “Dad, I accepted the position offered to me and I’m grateful to have a job, period. I know that you believe this is the best career path for me, but I don’t agree.”

      “You’re right. I do believe this is the best career path for you,” Malcolm responded. “In time, you will feel the same way.”

      Kellen smiled. “We’ll see, Dad.”

      “Why don’t you stay and have dinner with us? Your mother would love to spend some time with you.”

      “What about you?”

      “I would like that, as well.”

      “I’d like that, too,” Kellen confessed. He was tired of being angry and he hated the distance between them. It was time to accept what he could not change and just move on.