“Because that’s what it is. Kane Construction is Dad’s company. Roman always says it’s his, but it isn’t. He’s always trying to erase Dad.” The question brings me back to my conversation with Roman, anger boiling my blood once again. “We didn’t just lose Mom. We lost Dad too. Roman never wants to acknowledge that. If it weren’t for Dad, none of us would even have the money we do for you to open this gym, or Leo to go to culinary school, or me to go to college or buy the Mustang. Roman takes the credit for everything, and I just don’t understand why.”
“Theo, that’s becauseRomanis the reason we have the lives we do. Not because of Dad.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Sure, Dad started Kane Construction, but he wasonly building a few houses a year. His ‘company’ consisted of a truck with some tools thrown in the back. Any money he made, he spent immediately. It was enough for us, but not enough to build the business properly. Dad didn’t leave us enough money when he and Mom passed. That money ran out in a year.”
“No, we all have inheritances, nest eggs, or whatever you want to call them. You got yours when you were twenty-one, just like me,” I correct my brother.
“No, that’s what Roman wanted us to think. Listen, I’ve gone along with it because you know how Roman is. He doesn’t like the attention. But I overheard him and Leo talking about the finances when I was a teenager. Roman took a small portion of the life insurance money and invested it in funds for us, not Dad. It was Roman who built the company up to what it is today. He’sthe reason you went to college, the reason I own this gym, the reason Leo is as great of a chef as he is today.”
I’m too busy trying to process the information to respond, so Alex continues, “He made a lot of sacrifices to get us here, but he did it. Look, I love Dad just as much as you, but he made a stupid decision that led to Mom’s and his death. Even dumber ones led to us not being properly set up for their early departure in life. It was hard on all of us, but I think it was toughest on Roman. That’s why he’s been so hard on you lately. He was scared you’re turning out like Dad. The incident with Sienna didn’t help.”
My mind is blank as I can’t find the words to say. Why wouldn’t Roman tell me all of this? Why wouldn’t he be honest with me? Why continue to let me think it was Dadwho had set us up for success despite his early death? Roman let me say such awful things to him, and he didn’t correct me once.
“I had no idea,” I say as I weed through the many questions plaguing my mind.
“I know. I’m not even sure Roman knows that I know. He’d probably kill me if he knew I was letting you in on his little secret. But I’m telling you because you’ve got to make shit right with him.”
“I’ve been a complete asshole, haven’t I?”
He nudges my shoulder. “You said it, not me.”
A hint of a smile spreads across my lips at that, the first time in weeks that I’ve come close to actually smiling.
“Come on, I’ll make us breakfast while you shower. You’re stinking up my gym, and I have good-paying customers coming in a few hours.”
Following Alex up to his apartment, I say, “I don’t smell that bad.” Taking a whiff of my shirt, I'm proven wrong instantly, and Alex laughs when he catches the grimace on my face.
The thought of a shower brings back memories, and I’m thrown back to the lake house. A blue bikini, my hand weaving through deep brown curls, and the smell of summer strawberries. Despite my many attempts this morning to forget Sienna, I’m still reminded of her at every corner.
35
THEO
It’s been a week since my talk with Alex, and I’ve been working nonstop. I’m tired, but working has been rewarding in a way I wasn’t expecting. At times, it even keeps my thoughts occupied long enough that I forget all about Sienna. Those moments are fleeting, though.
The day I joined Alex for breakfast, he helped me plan the next couple of weeks. I mentioned to him what Sienna had said to me about making a presentation for Roman, and Alex agreed. He said that while I might have great ideas for the company, they usually don’t mean shit in business unless I can back them up with a detailed plan.
I realize now that I need to show Roman I’ll be a great business partner, not just a great brother. Unfortunately, I haven’t been either lately.
I’ve been working the front desk at Alex’s gym every day since our talk. Any downtime I’ve had between shiftshas been spent working on my business proposal for Roman, finally putting my degree to good use.
Matt and Jessie have been up my ass about not attending their various “end of the summer” parties. I don’t care, as the sense of accomplishment I feel over my proposal is worth it. Locking myself in my room every night, instead of partying, this is the most effort I’ve ever put into anything.
I’d be lying if Sienna hasn’t been the driving force behind my recently increased work ethic. I’m not sure I’ll ever have another chance with her, but if I do, I need to make sure I’m someone she can easily fit into her plans. Not someone she just wants to have fun with.
Checking the recently downloaded calendar app on my phone, I stand outside the building, with my family’s name displayed on the front in letters several feet tall—the Kane Construction building. I’m fifteen minutes early, which means I’m right on time per Roman’s standards. Donning my nicest black slacks, button-down shirt, tucked in of course, and blazer, I open the front doors, stepping inside the lobby.
I’ve been here plenty of times over the years. I practically grew up here with Roman putting in late hours while I did my homework in a small corner of his office or in one of the conference rooms. I feel like an idiot for not realizing how much work he’s put into this company.
Shaking off the nerves, I approach Sharon at the front desk. Her short gray hair is pinned back perfectly as usual, and I take note of the new baby photo sitting on her desk.
“Theo! What a pleasant surprise.” She takes note of my outfit. “Don’t you clean up nice.” Seeing as how I usually visit in a sweatshirt and sneakers, I register how shocking my outfit must be. I try to push past the feelings of impostor syndrome creeping into my bones as I make small talk.
“Hi Sharon, how are you?” I adjust the three-inch binder, filled to the brim, in my hands. “Rebecca had her baby, I see. How does it feel to finally be a grandma?” I flash her my most charming smile that she’s loved since I was little.
“Oh, it’s everything I thought it would be and more. You’re so sweet to ask.” She waves me off, pointing toward the elevator. “Roman is in his office. You can just go right on up.”
