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A buckskin cylindrical case is propped against the velvet chaise lounge beside his desk. Curious, I step toward it, but he grabs the leather strap and quickly stashes it behind the desk.
“Because he’s selfish,” he says, pulling my attention back to him. “That’s why.”
It’s been a while since I allowed myself to slip inside the memory of the last time I saw Penelope and her family.
His sentencing was swift and brutal after finding the two of us together. I was grounded for the remainder of the summer, stripped of my phone, and forced to run laps, per usual. But it’s Penelope, sobbing at the fence as she watched me run, that I remember all too well.
I pushed my tired legs past the point of my feet going numb, felt the wind sawing in and out of my lungs until my throat burned, and none of it mattered because I knew, without a fucking doubt, I was going to find a way to make her mine for good.
If only forever had been in the cards for us.
“Calling him for help was a last resort, and it doesn’t matter that he helped me start Elite Properties. We dedicated months of networking for this business, and he repaid me by withdrawing when the investors offered to trade for land in Augustine.”
I jump when he pounds his fist on top of the sturdy wood.
“He knew that without him, I’d be forced into an impossible loan. I’d have to risk everything for the second time in my life, and still, he abandoned me.” His face and neck are red when he turns his gaze to me. “The only thanks I’ll be giving that traitor is for showing me he’s weak and can’t follow through under pressure.”
It’s impossible for me to believe that Patrick, the man who saved me a place at his table, gave me a job, and looked after my family, could be the same person who would leave my father to the wolves. But now… I don’t know what to think.
My throat tightens at his rare display of emotion. “Dad, I—”
He raises a hand, collecting himself with a deep inhale. “Enough. We have business to discuss.”
When I eventually nod, he removes his suit jacket before sitting in the chair behind his desk. “I’ve organized a charity event for next weekend to get Summit some PR in Keerah.”
I sit, resting my elbows on my knees as my brow furrows. “Charity event. You mean, like a fundraiser?”
“Exactly. An event like this is perfect for getting deep-pocketed business owners and contractors all in one place.” He lights another cigarette, puffing twice before exhaling slowly. “For a good cause, of course.”
“All right. It’s unexpected, but I like the idea. Which charity are we fundraising for?”
“I’ll trust your judgment on that,” he says, waving a dismissive hand. “My focus will be on presenting our proposal for the Seaside project to someone with the resources to support its funding. Given the scale of this renovation, we’ll need an investor with substantial financial capabilities.”
I can’t imagine why a single building would need that much work. But then, he still hasn’t given me access to the location he placed the bid on, and for as much as I trust him, I want in.
“If it’s going to have Summit’s name attached to it, don’t you want me doing the pitching?”
“Absolutely, I do. But this is your first time with a project this size, and I think it’s best if you let me handle the messier side of things for now.”
I shift in on the couch, struggling to tell him I don’t want to sit on the sidelines, don’t want to learn from a distance.
“I know you’re eager to get your hands dirty, but we’re a team.” He flashes a million-dollar smile. “Luckily for you, your old man’s been doing this a long time. It’s all going to come together once the property is officially ours.”
“I can handle it,” I assure him. “I’ve been thinking about the direction I want to take Summit’s properties, and I think it would be a good idea to change things up. I know you have opinions about Mays, but I’d like to explore what options she has. Sustainable energy is a long-term investment, different from what you’re used to but effective and—”
“You’re not quite experienced in making these kinds of decisions with investors yet. You’ve only had ownership of Summit for six months, and let’s not forget about that first mishap.” Honey Hollow. An ever-present stain on my reputation, no matter how much I care about the property or its residents. “These guys can be cutthroat, but with my help, you’ll get there. Trust me.”
When I attempt to argue, he smashes the butt of his cigarette into an ashtray, signaling the end of the conversation. “I’ll have a list of tasks that you’ll be in charge of emailed to you Monday morning.”
I stare at the smoking ashes with a twinge of disappointment coiling in my chest. “I’ll get it all taken care of.”
“Good.” Business as usual, he opens the bottom drawer to his left and removes a manilla folder with a stack of papers neatly tucked inside. “And I don’t want to hear another word about changing things up. I’ve been running this business long enough to know exactly what needs to be done. All you need to do is trust me.”
I’m torn as I stand, staring at this cold, calculating version of him, but it’s Penelope who slips inside my mind.
“Such a good little soldier,” her voice taunts me, flitting around like a live spark that lost its wire.
I don’t want to question my father. I don’t want to question my life. I’ve spent the better part of a decade molding myself into the kind of son he’s always desired. I’m making him proud by working alongside him. And I’m fine with that, so why can’t she be fine with it, too?
