Before sitting down again Melvin looked around and briefly glanced into the adjacent room where her office was situated. It was equipped with desk, computer, bookcases, file cabinets, safe and everything else she needed to run her successful business. Melvin had yet to verbalize it, but Kit sensed that her father was pleased with how she had transformed her life. He commented on the space more resembling living quarters than an office, especially when she pointed out the loft bedroom on the second floor that included a bathroom with shower. Kit explained that she put in a lot of late nights and sometimes it was easier to just sleep at the Planet than make the drive home.

Once they settled in the two side chairs facing each other Kit and Melvin both placed their coffee cups on the table and gave each other their full attention.

“So, what’s going on with your sister?” Melvin asked getting right to the point.

“Daddy, do you recall the last time you were in Los Angeles?”

“Of course, I do. Why do you start every question asking if I remember or recall? I’m not senile Katie. I remember everything.”

“Well then you should remember what a judgmental heartless bastard you’ve been for most of our adult lives.” Melvin bristled at Kit’s attack but if there was anything that he knew about her it was that his daughter wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.

True to form he couldn’t resist the impulse to pounce back. “If what you have in mind is to exploit the situation with your sister so that you can sit here and insult me, I will not allow it.” Melvin stood up to leave.

Kit stood up too blocking his path. “Some things never change, do they Daddy. Are you going to get indignant and storm out of my life again or have the balls to sit down and have a conversation? I think you owe me at least that much because to be honest I’m a bit perplexed about why you wanted to see me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy you’re here. I think having an opportunity to clear the air is long overdue but there is still a lot of anger and bitterness over what happened between us. That doesn’t go away because we share a couple of nice meals together. I’m not exploiting the situation Daddy. I’ve lived without you in my life for decades and granted I’ve made some regretful choices, but I’m in a good place now Daddy. I don’t need your approval, but Bette does. My concern is how your bigotry and cold heartedness is affecting my little sister. I was very clear the last time we spoke that I don’t want her to be hurt anymore by you. She’d be better off if you stayed away than come back here to treat her and Tina the way you did last time.”