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“Who cares? It’s the truth. He married that dreadful woman, Cathy. She’s always at the club, bragging.” Mom shakes her finger at me. “You’re lucky I never tried to set you up with his stepdaughter. She’s as dreadful as her mother.”
“Miracles never cease to happen,” I say dryly.
She cocks her to the side as if in thought. “I believe her name is Juliette. Yeah, Juliette Heyday.”
The blood drains from my body. “Wait. Dr. Johnson’s stepdaughter is Juliette Heyday?”
“Yes, that’s it.”
Everything clicks into place: Juliette’s smirky comments and smug expressions. If she sabotaged Amanda’s chances, I’m going to come unglued.
Mom studies me, concern and confusion written all over her face. “Are you not seeing Amanda anymore?”
“No, we broke up since she’s doing her studies on the East Coast.”
“But what about when she graduates? There’re excellent schools around here.”
“She wants to live in Boston, Mom.”
“Which would’ve worked out if you were playing for the Maine Pine Skaters,” Emily says.
“Once again, stellar assessment, sis.”
“Oh, honey. You love her, don’t you? That’s why you look like a caveman and extra moody,” Mom says.
I toss my hands up in the air. “Can you people not focus on my appearance? Don’t worry; I’ll shave it before entering the office.”
“All this time, I thought it was about hockey,” Mom continues as if not hearing me.
“Not going to lie, it is somewhat. But being forced to breakup … nothing compares to this.”What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve resorted to talking about feelings and shit with my mother.
“That’s it.” Mom slams the watering can down, causing the water to splash over the sides. She storms out of the doorway. “Well, are you coming or not?”
Emily’s gaze meets mine. We shrug and take off after Mom.
We follow her to the study and find Dad sitting on the settee with his new oxygen tank. My heart clenches.
“What’s going on?” Dad’s voice is still raspy. But he’s home and slowly improving.
“We need to talk.” She sighs, her face softening. “I know you’re not feeling the strongest yet, but we need a family discussion. I’ve been the doting wife and sat by while I watched your dreams fade away for the company’s sake. I’ll be damned if I sit by and watch my son suffer the same fate.”
Dad shifts to stand, but Mom tsks and motions him to remain seated. “I’m serious. This antiquated policy of having the eldest son take charge is ridiculous. That pact was made years ago before women became prominent in the workforce. Things have changed. This family has changed.” She waves a hand toward Emily. “You have a person who is naturally talented in the marketing department. She’s applied her skills to revamp the company’s online presence. She’s motivated and is interested in the company’s success.”
She walks over to Dad and nods at me. “You have a son whose only interest is ice and a puck. No offense.”
I motion none taken. I mean, she’s not wrong. My mind is always on hockey.
“Emily has built a strong network of contacts and mentors, which would greatly benefit the family business. Additionally, Emily has a clear vision for the company’s future and has developed a comprehensive business plan to expand its reach and grow its profits. But Blake, on the other hand, has little experience or interest in marketing and struggles to grasp its importance in the modern business world.” She looks at me with an apologetic look. I stand there shocked as she proceeds, “Richard. I know you wanted to continue the family tradition, but do you remember what you told me many years ago?”
Dad’s eyes well with tears as he nods.
“This is your chance to make it right. To break the tradition that has held you hostage all these years.” Mom hits her leg and turns to me. “Now, get your head out of your ass and get the girl back.”
It takes a moment for me to absorb everything Mom says. “But Mom, I made a promise to Grandpa.”
She makes a pfft sound. “You were barely a teenager when that pact was made, and he had no right making you promise things you didn’t understand.”
Something swells in my chest. Hope, maybe? I’m afraid to acknowledge it for fear it’ll go away. I glance at Em, who is staring at us doe eyed. When my gaze lands on Dad’s, he nods before turning toward my sister.
