“I have obligations to see through here. I’ll be back in New York soon enough.”
“The Meiers aren’t going to wait long.”
“Dad, why the rush? Why does it have to be Victoria Meier? Why can’t it be someone I choose?” Like Avery Parker. Then again, we haven’t been on a real date yet, so jumping to a proposal would be a little much.
“Because love makes people blind, Maximus, and when you have as much money as you do, there will be all kinds of people trying to worm their way into your heart. Let your mother and I use clear heads to decide for you.”
I think of Avery turning down the hundred-dollar tip I tried to give her for helping me with gas. That was before she even knew anything about me.
“There are still good people out there, ones who won’t try to take advantage. There’s got to be one who will love me for me.” As true as the words are, I wish I could pull them back. They’ll only be used as ammunition by Wolfgang Bauer.
“You might think so, but that’s not the case, son. Once people find out about your fortune, they’ll flock to you.”
I turn to watch people walking on the boardwalk. What if I were behind the mega-resort? Would they kill me with kindness or bring out the pitchforks?
“You think Victoria won’t be any different?” I ask, my mind switching to debate.
“She’s a Meier. She was born into this life and knows everything that comes with it.”
I let out a long breath, trying to give confidence to my next words. “I came out here because I need a break from everything. There are important decisions to be made, and I need the time to weigh each side.”
“Come back to New York, and we’ll make them together.”
I have a moment of longing, a moment where this feels like a childhood dream never realized. My father as a guide through life’s decisions? I’ve never experienced that without him controlling the situation completely.
“No, I need more time. Give me another week, and I’ll give you your answer.”
Instead of saying anything else, or letting him try and talk me down, I end the call, letting the phone rest in my lap.
I’m there a few minutes before Aiden approaches, taking a seat next to me. “How did that go?” he asks, as if creeping toward a wild animal.
“Not well,” I say, handing him his phone.
“So, are you heading back to New York now?”
I stare at the waves. “No. I came out here for space, and I’m going to stay here for at least another week.”
“Good, because I didn’t want to hang out here without you.”
Wolfgang’s words swirl in my mind, and I turn to look at Aiden. “Do you think people are willing to be around us despite our money?”
I’m sure to the regular person, my question would be arrogant, but it’s a basic need at this point. I can do many things, but I won’t buy friends.
Aiden grins with confidence. “Yeah, I’ve met many who don’t care about money.”
“Obviously I’m having that kind of luck.”
“Did you tell your dad you wouldn’t marry Victoria?”
“Yes, but I doubt he registered it.”
Aiden frowns. “So prepare for another barrage of phone calls?”
“Hopefully he’ll give me the space I need to figure this out.”
Heavy on the hope.
28
