AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I didn’t realize you were taking Saturdays off now.”
I’m not sure why his annoyance surprises me. Working weekend days wasn’t ever a hard and fast rule, but an expectation I felt obligated to meet. But that was before Penelope’s sudden reappearance, and to be quite honest, I hope I never work another weekend again.
“Was there something you needed from me?” I ask cautiously, wishing he’d end the torment of guessing whether we’ve been caught.
“Actually, I know you said there was something you wanted to speak to me about, but I’ve got some fortunate news I need to tell you first.” He’s typing quietly in the background, dividing his attention between me and his task.
“I won’t be attending the charity event this weekend.”
Funny, I could have sworn he said this was fortunate news.
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve got business matters to take care of elsewhere, so I’m putting you in charge.”
I pause, choosing my words carefully. “Any potential investors are going to want to speak with you, not me.”
“And that’s precisely why I’ve made this decision. I want you to get in front of these people. Give the Anderson name another face for them to recognize. We need their trust in our companies to provide for this island.”
Provide.
I’m curious what his definition of that word is while he’s busy piling more onto my overflowing plate.
“But you said I wasn’t ready?”
His eyes are sharp when they flick from his computer to me. “And now I’m saying you are.”
That sliver of doubt burrows through me, breeding an intense bout of anxiety I’m desperate to squash.
Noting my hesitation, he gives me his full attention. “What are you thinking?”
Seaside is my property, not his. Summit Estates bears my name, not his.
But the need for his acceptance lingers, and I want to prove I have what it takes to run this business without his constant, incessant handholding.
More than that, I’m desperate to show Penelope that he may have made mistakes in the past, but he’s not an inherently bad person. He trusts me.
“Nothing, I just…” I turn my gaze to Declan, who’s watching me intently.
He slowly shakes his head–a warning to back down. But when I think of Penelope’s fire and her passion for those she cares about, I cling to the flame building within me.
I didn’t see it before now. I’ve been going through the motions, doing my father’s bidding, and lying low in fear of opposing him for so long, that I haven’t considered how taking his place at the fundraiser could benefit me.
Penelope and I could work toward the same goal. She won’t like it at first, but putting up properties in Seaside would not only revitalize the area, but it would give Dorthea, Ricardo, and all those kids’ safety and an opportunity to thrive.
We’ll start with the space my father bid on, then we’ll make our way down the strip, together, as a team, all while keeping my father satisfied and our business thriving.
The hair on my arms pricks with a building wave of adrenaline, but for the first time in years, I feel a sense of purpose.
“I think you’re right,” I say finally. “But I want to invest in Seaside as a whole with Summit. I want my name on the contract for the building you bid for, and the freedom to branch out to the other spaces.”
I’ve got my father’s undivided attention now, and my heart pumps hard, heating the back of my neck as I wait for his answer.
After several tense beats, he cracks a slow, proud smile. “Just when I thought I might need to keep a closer eye on your developments in Keerah, you prove me wrong.”
I sit a little straighter as relief courses through me. “I mean it. I’ve got a vision for the entire area, and I want to make it happen. I know you have your doubts with what happened before, but I can do this.”
He wags a finger at the screen excitedly. “You and me both, son. This is going to be huge. All you gotta do is get some deep-pocketed partners, and that area is yours. Nathan Reid is our target, and I’ve already spoken with him. We just need to seal the deal.”
