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I roll my eyes and let sarcasm drip from my lips. “Yeah, I’m sure he was just crazy about you.” Colton winces like my words inflicted pain. He pulls his shoulders back tight and looks into my hazel eyes.
"A lot has happened over the years, but when you're up to it, maybe we can get together and talk. How long will you be in town for?"
I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath, then shake my head. “Colton, we have nothing to discuss.”
Standing, he glares down at me through empty eyes. “I ain’t gonna upset you anymore. You’ve had enough to deal with for one day. But you can bet your sweet ass this conversation is long from bein’ over. I’ll see you later this week before you leave.” He nods, then strides down the steps to his truck.
How can he think we have anything to talk about? He walked away from me. Is he delusional? I owe him nothing. Hopefully, I can avoid him while I’m here, then once I go home, I’ll never have to face Colton Weston again.
Savannah comes out of the church just as Colton drives away. “Are ya okay, sis? You’ve been out here for a while. You need to try to eat somethin’. I know you’re probably overwhelmed, but you don’t need to go so long without eatin’.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Didn’t expect to see Colton here. Come on; let’s go inside.” I walk up the steps and into the church as she gathers the twins.
The next morning, Savannah and I meet with the Daddy’s lawyer to go over the terms of his will. To my surprise, Josh, Savannah’s husband, just happens to be available. I’ve just met the man, and I already have a strong dislike for him.
“Ladies, before I get started on the reading of Big John’s will, I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to you both. He was a good man. I had the privilege of working with him for the last thirty or so years and was proud to call him my friend.”
“Thank you, James, we greatly appreciate that,” Savannah replies.
“Now let’s get started, shall we?” James clears his throat, and Josh leans forward wringing his hands nervously. That reaction is crass and unexpected, and with each tally mark against his name, my respect for him wanes. “Your father was a very wealthy man. Along with sole proprietorship of Simon Energy, he was also the partner of several lucrative businesses—Dalton Trucking, Braxton Excavating, just to name a few. His total net worth at the time of his death was fifty-five million dollars plus assets. The partnership accounts will be sold, and the profits will be set aside in trust accounts for Brailee and Braden. Upon graduating high school, their college tuitions will be paid to whichever institution they decide upon, and the remainder of their trusts will be distributed at age twenty-five.
“Savannah Moore, an account has been established in your name in the amount of fifteen-million dollars.Your home, vehicles, and all lines of credit have been paid in full. In addition, he has left the beach home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to your family, and you are also the beneficiary of a small insurance policy in the amount of one-hundred-thousand dollars,” he says, nodding to Savannah.
“He has made a generous donation to the following: Williamstown Cancer Center will receive ten-million dollars, and American Cancer Research will receive ten-million dollars as well.”
Turning to me, James smiles and continues reading. “Carolina Jo Simon, an account has been established in your name as well, in the amount of fifteen-million dollars. You will receive the remainder of your daddy’s estate. His home here in Williamstown, his beach home in St. Johns’ Island, South Carolina, and vehicles. Also, you are now the sole proprietor of Simon Energy. You are expected to take over the position of CEO of Simon Energy immediately.”
What. The. Hell?
Frozen in fear, I pray that I heard James wrong. There is no way in hell Daddy left the mines to me. James speaks up, trying to regain my attention.
“Carly, I’m sure this is completely unexpected, but your father was very adamant in his decision. We’ve already scheduled the classes you’ll need to take to obtain your surface and underground certifications. It isn’t truly necessary, being that you are the CEO, to have your underground certification, but Big John wanted Simon Energy to continue to run just as it did when he was alive. It’s a precautionary measure, just in case of a safety issue or inspection. But you have superintendents and foremen who do all the heavy lifting. It’s just how he did things.”
“I'm sorry, James, I'm in shock. Why would he think I could operate the mines? Are you sure he wasn’t delusional when he wrote his will? We hadn’t spoken in seven years. None of this makes sense.”
“Carly, you can do this. Daddy always had faith in you. You’re the strong Simon; remember that,” Savannah says, rubbing my wrist. I stand to pace the floor. I’m not sure whether I’m scared, mad, or both.
James leans back in his chair and laces his fingers behind his head as he laughs. “Big John had confidence in you. Even when you were knee high to a duck’s tail, he said you were a strong, independent gal. You’ll learn the day-to-day operations in no time, and you have a good team of miners.”
“I’m not a damn coal miner! I’m happy living a simple life with my toes in the sand, not covered in coal, busting my ass to keep his empire afloat. Those damn miners ain’t gonna be too happy with Big John’s daughter bossin’ ’em around! Just sell Simon Energy. I’ll split the profit with Savannah and be on my way back to South Carolina.”
I notice shock in Savannah’s face, but eagerness in Josh’s. Damn asshole.
“Big John wanted you to carry on his legacy at Simon Energy. He wanted the company to remain in the family so it can be passed on through the years. You owe it to him, Carly. You don’t belong in South Carolina. You belong in Kentucky with your family.” I cut my eyes at James as the air gasps from my lungs. Was this his angle … to bring me back home? “Your daddy was a hard ass. His men knew that his orders were to be followed promptly and with perfection. They’ll do just fine with the transition of you preceding Big John.”
“Yeah, Daddy was a hard ass, and most of his miners hated his damn guts. How is being a hard ass gonna help me in operating five frickin’ coal mines! This is a huge ass empire, not some rinky dink hotel, James!” I sneer at his condescending tone. Sensing my frustration, James takes a deep breath before startling me with his loud outburst.
“Because you are a Simon. Coal mining is in your blood, whether you’re a woman or not. There is never room for error in the mines; too many lives at stake. That’s why you must stay firm and be the hard ass your daddy always was.”
Naturally, the thought of that many lives in my hands causes panic to shred through my chest. I breathe heavily, fear taking over every mixed emotion I’ve been feeling. Savannah approaches me, guiding me to the table while Josh pours me a glass of water. Willing me to drink it, she nods at James to continue.
“Listen, Carly, calm down. You said you operate a hotel. I’m sure you have a business degree perhaps. Your job as the CEO will be a lot like managing that hotel, times five. Basically, you will call all the shots. You will see to the day-to-day operations of all five mines, attend supervisor meetings. Just a lot of command and pencil pushing. The supervisors were informed of the transition when your daddy found out he was sick, so everything should go smoothly. You need not worry.”
“What do you say, Carly, is my sister comin’ home?” Savannah peers at me with hopeful eyes. I pinch my eyes closed and consider the offer.
Daddy lived and died a damn coal miner. I remember when he thought a coal miner wasn’t good enough for me, and now he’s handed me his empire. I owe this to him. I owe it to myself to prove that no matter what tribulations are laid at my feet, I can conquer them.
“Fine,” I whisper in defeat.
