“You wouldn’t. You didn’t answer your phone.” Another sip. This time, his eyes cut to me, the accusation clear.
“I’ve had a lot on my plate.”
“So I’ve heard.” He folds his hands on the table and stares at me, his face impassive, stoic. I’m still not sure what his intentions are, but I do know he’s not going to discuss them until I’m seated. Regardless of which sword my father wields, manipulation always drips from his blade.
I resign and take a seat though it feels like bowing—like lying.
Dad smiles, reaching for his glass again. “Are you really in that big of a rush?”
“I have plans,” I remind him.
“Tell me about her.”
He knows Chloe’s name. I’m sure of the fact. Likely, there’s an entire history of her on company letterhead tucked into his briefcase, complete with grades, past teachers, jobs, and more. A dark side of me hopes it will mention her ex’s name. I try to shy away from that thought, but it festers, making it difficult for me to focus on his question. “What more can I tell you that you don’t already know?”
He flashes a crooked smile. Takes another sip. Sets his glass down. Stares at me.
“She’s bloody brilliant.” I don’t tell him that she doesn’t care about our money or about our name, because he would take that as a slap in the face rather than assurance. It’s a tough line of respect and gratification that he expects.
He grins. “That’s all she has going for her? That’s what’s had you skipping meetings and showing up late?”
My heart pounds in my throat. He’s goading me, trying to get a reaction because in my father’s perverse world, you constantly have to prove something’s worth, and in this case, Chloe is a possession—a liability. “I haven’t been late for a single meeting, and the only meetings I canceled were from today, and that’s only because I knew we’d have to be on-site continuously throughout the merger and construction. It’s absolutely no reflection on her. She helped me figure out what a snake Avery was.”
Dad chuckles. “I know. I was pulling your leg. She seems like a real catch. And from what I’ve heard, much of the staff has been impressed by you—with you. They say you’re asking good questions and finding solutions on the spot. And now, with you finding this issue with Avery…” He shakes his head. “I couldn’t be prouder.”
I wait for the other shoe to drop.
“Have you spoken to your mother lately?”
I work to hide my confusion and try to recall the last time I spoke with her. “Not recently. Is everything okay?”
He nods. “Oh, yes. She’s fine. She’s been busy, though. She’s taking a stained glass class. Can you believe it? Your mum working with stained-glass?” He shrugs. “Apparently, she likes it. Says it calms her down. I thought that was what the house in Miami was supposed to do.” He laughs again as if this is some inside joke, then finishes his drink.
“Stained glass?”
“That was my reaction,” he says, throwing a hand out. “But you know her. This week it’s stained glass, next week it’s salsa dancing.” Another look of disinterest. “How was your drive? I couldn’t believe you lot drove across the country. I can’t imagine sitting for so long. And having to stop and find places to eat…” Disgust tugs at his lips. “How was the Tesla, though? Did it handle well? I heard you can set it to cruise control and watch a film.”
I glance at the clock again. It’s been over half an hour. Chloe’s likely catching a car now, if she hasn’t already. “I don’t know if you’d want to watch a film, but I like it. Powerful, efficient, comfortable. Not much more you can ask for.”
He smiles again, leaning forward this time. “You’ve changed,” he tells me. “Maybe it’s Brighton, maybe it’s having this work experience, but I can tell you’ve changed. You’re thinking like a CEO. You’re seeing the bigger picture and looking out for the business.”
I’m getting whiplash trying to catch up with him, and still, I’m uncertain if this is a trap, half expecting for his face to turn crimson and him to start bellowing about meddling with his company.
“I want you to be my successor.” The words hang in the air like a cloud—something I’m able to see and consider. I’ve been waiting for years to have my father take me seriously. They reverberate, echoing in my ears again and again as we stare at one another.
“What about Lewis?”
“He’ll be a great second—able to help you with whatever you see fit. This was never about me trying to choose Lewis over you. I’ve always dreamed of you continuing the legacy of this company, but I didn’t think you really wanted to do it. I assumed it only meant money and power to you, but now, I see it means a great deal more. You were able to pick out and distinguish an underlying issue without a single person having been suspicious.” His eyes shine with affection in a matching expression to the one I saw when he’d found out about my snack shop in Miami.
“Dad, I’ve always loved the hotels. I grew up in the hotels. Jesus, I learned mathematics by listening to grandad talk about stocks and quotas and geography by traveling to the different sites.”
He grins. “It’s in your blood.”
I want to argue and tell him it’s much deeper than just in my blood. I’ve lived it, experienced it, invested my past and future into the business. Still, I’m shell-shocked. Though this is exactly what I’d hoped might happen, it didn’t seem realistic—still doesn’t. I might have been able to recognize that Avery was embezzling, but it doesn’t negate the fact my entire college career was chosen based upon my role as the CEO of the hotel. Or the fact that I spent much of the summer with my father in Australia, working to find the right location for our next site, pouring over land use laws and maps, and statistics to help formulate the best plan for all parties. Or that I’ve helped develop half a dozen other times. It doesn’t negate that I’ve had to step into the laundry room and help run washers when the flu was running rampant through our Oahu location, or that I’ve been petitioning my grandad and father to help pay for education and better insurance for employees in America. This isn’t my first involvement, and though it might come with the largest dollar amount, it doesn’t even feel like that big of an achievement.
Maybe because it still feels personal?
“I appreciate the opportunity. I will continue learning from you and working to uphold our family’s legacy.” The words sound too formal, feel too formal, but it’s my father, after all.
“That’s why I’m here.” He moves so his palms are flat against the table. “Brighton is a great school, but you can go to school anywhere. Every university wants to have you. I spoke with your grandad, and we think it would be best if you transferred to London. We can work side by side, all three of us, and get you ready so that when I retire, you’re ready to take the reins. I know you love football, but it’s a distraction. If I retire in five years, that would only give you three years post-graduation to prepare. You’ll need more time.” He starts on the defense before I’ve even managed to get my thoughts on the offense.