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“Don’t. We haven’t caught up much outside of the office lately.”
“There hasn’t been much to say.”
“I doubt that very much. I have something for you, Eli.”
I take a slow drag from my glass. My left hand makes no noise as my grip changes. The gap from where my ring once was shows off like a neon sign to me. The heat from the liquid burns from the back of my throat down into my chest. “What is it?”
“I consider it a passing of the torch. Your grandfather and I had a meeting before they left for the Hamptons yesterday.”
“You did?”
“I have one question for you. Are you ready?”
“Dad, it’s two forty-five in the morning and I’ve had a couple. English, please?”
“We’d like to announce to the board and staff as soon as we can, that Pops is moving to consultant, I’m taking his slot at the head of the board, and you will be our new president, effective Labor Day.”
I lower the glass to rest on my thigh and stare blankly at my father. “I mean. Shit, Dad. Wow. I knew this would likely happen sooner or later.” I run my hand up and through my hair. “Pops is okay, right?”
“Yes, he’s fine. That’s the point. He wants to hand it all over and transition to focusing more on your grandmother. I think she’s been patient enough, don’t you?”
I smile. “More than anyone I know. Mom’s on board? This will change life for both of you as well.”
“You’re right. It will. You’ll be key in that.”
“I won’t let you down, Dad.”
He leans back, pondering what I just said. My father palms what appears to be a small box in his left hand before rising to come to my side. He settles his right hand on my shoulder. “You never have, Elijah. I feel like this is the right time to give you something I’ve been holding on to. You’re the fourth Sawyer man to have been gifted this. I’m hoping it will remind you of family and give you an extra bit of strength for your next adventure.”
I set my glass on the table to my left and open the blue velvet box as my father settles back on his desktop. The slow creak of the lid reveals my Sawyer crest ring. My great-grandfather gifted one to my grandfather, and he carried on the tradition with my father. It’s usually given the day your first child is born.
“Dad. The ring? Really? I shouldn’t have this yet.”
“Yes, you should. I want it to be a symbol for you of the confidence I have in your talent, intelligence, and heart. I also want you to know I’m confident you’ll have everything you desire in due time.”
I pull the ring from its resting place and slide it on my left middle finger. The sterling silver ring emblazoned in blue with hints of black, gold, and red fits perfectly. “Cherches et tu trouveras,” I repeat as I read the words engraved on my mind.
My father nods. “Seek and thou shalt find. Our motto. Although, I wonder, in this case I feel if you stop seeking, you’ll find.”
I down the last bit of my drink and palm the glass. The clear clink of my new ring replaces the one I’d hear with the old one. Now I know what he meant by a solution. As I rise out of my chair, my father joins me. He opens his arms, and I meet him in a comforting hug.
My father is clutch at saying just enough but not too much. “Thanks, Dad.” His holding me a little tighter and longer than usual tells me he understands what I’m truly thanking him for.
As we step apart, he grips my shoulders. “Now off to bed. Your old man has had it.”
“Yeah. I’m tired too. I’ll shack up in the guest suite. Tell Mom so she doesn’t freak out?”
“I will. Sleep in. She’ll want to see you after her brunch.”
“I’ll stay into the afternoon. Good night, Dad.” I shove my hands in my pockets and wander back toward the foyer, up the winding staircase to the second level. Closing the door quietly, I sit on the right side of the bed and fumble with the laces on my shoes. That tumbler with Dad sent me over the edge.
My shoes flop to the floor as I lie back on the bed. I stare up at the ceiling and try to soak in the quiet. I don’t get a lot of that inside my head, and this bed is the softest thing I’ve ever lain on. I sigh so deeply I could sink through the mattress. The pillow next to me ends up getting wrapped in my arms as I turn to my side.
I’m too tired to screw with my clothes. Sleep is what I want and need. There’s something about sleeping down the hall from your parents as an adult. You’re drawn back into that sense of security they silently offer from the monsters under the bed or the dragons in the closet.
My dad offered me a shield tonight. He took the monster that’s been plaguing me. I guess it’s up to me to deal with the damn dragon.
Chapter Four
