Page 73 of The Other Half

“I admit it.” I stopped him, seeing the wrong answer in his eyes. “I was a wreck after my parents died. You know I blamed myself and the guilt was more than I could bear. But that’s not an excuse for my behavior. I was wrong, and you were right to throw me out on my ass. I needed it. And what I also needed was to remember my father’s words to fight my problems head on, find solutions, like a true Davenport. My solution is test me. Train me. Stand over my shoulder and critique everything I do. I welcome it. Learning from you would be the greatest gift you could give me. Please Grandpa, don’t sell the company. Test me. I won’t disappoint you.”

This time I saw the shift in his eyes. The wobble in his resolve. A long sigh followed, and we sat in silence while I let him ponder my proposal.

“Cassandra. I love you. More than you could ever know. But it’s too late. I met with Edward this morning and we’ve already started the process to officially sell the company to him. I gave him my word, and my word is my bond. I won’t go back on it now. Edward Garvey will take the reins. I have faith he will take care of my employees and my legacy.”

It felt like the air got sucked out of the room. Struggling for my next breath, I lifted my chin. “I see. Well, I’m sorry to hear that. I did what you asked of me down to the letter, and I hurt people in the process. People I’ve come to care about. But I don’t blame you for giving up on me.”

A softness washed over his face. “I didn’t give up on you. I would never do that. But I gave up on waiting. I’m exhausted, Cassandra. The energy of my youth has left me, and I don’t have what it takes to run this company anymore. I’m not a strong leader anymore. Putting my pride aside, I know it’s time, past time in fact, to hand it over. And you’re not ready. I’m sorry, Cassandra.”

Even though it felt like my dreams were shattering, I understood. How could I not? I’d given him no reason for confidence in me, and he’d done what he had to do. Protect his company and his employees. If I’d been in his position, I’d have done the same thing. Any good businessperson would have.

“Can you forgive me?” he asked.

“Of course, I can. Can you forgive me?”

Leaning forward, his weathered hand reached out for mine. I took it in my own and squeezed. “I love you, Grandpa. Even though I think Garvey is a treacherous snake,” I narrowed my eyes, pursing my lips together while he chuckled, “I do hope he takes Davenport Industries to new heights.”

“Yes, he can be a bit of a devious one, but he’s never turned on me. He’s been loyal for decades, and our directions have always been the same. I trust that he will take care of my company.”

“Then I’m glad for you, Grandpa. You deserve to retire. I’m sorry I messed it all up.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t stop you sooner, Cassandra. It’s as much my fault as it is yours.”

Shaking my head, I squeezed his hand again. “No. You may have given me an endless supply of money to behave the way I did, but even if you hadn’t, I would have found a way. It’s my fault.”

“And about the money, Cassandra. I’m not cutting you off. You’ll still receive a sizeable allowance until your trust fund kicks in. I would never turn my back on you.”

Sitting back, I sighed. “I don’t want it.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”

“The money. I don’t want it. I want to take care of myself. Make my own way, just like you did. Who knows, maybe I’ll start my own Davenport Industries.” I arched a brow, and he burst into laughter.

“Are you sure? You don’t want any of our money? I mean, the trust is yours in a couple years, but I am happy to support you until then.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so. It’s time I stood on my own two feet. Even though you didn’t believe me, I really was making it okay on my own. I doubt I have a job to return to, or a boy for that matter, but I have to try.”

“A boy?” He pursed his lips.

“Yes. But a good one this time. He’s a fisherman.”

“Really? A fisherman?”

I nodded. “Yes. And I hurt him, Grandpa. I need to go make things right. I need to fix my messes. All of them.”

“Tell me about your time in Door County.”

We sat in his office for hours while I told him all about my mishaps, about my time with Jake, the Blue Ox, and all the things I’d learned. When I’d finished, I felt the rift between us repairing, and I hoped that when I returned to Door County in a few days, after spending some much-needed time with Grandpa, that I could get them to forgive me as well.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Jake

“Are you sure you put whiskey in here, Jo?” I grumbled, sipping on my drink.

Jo rolled her eyes. “It’s over half whiskey, Jake.”

Leveling her with a stare, I pushed it forward. We sat in a silent standoff for a long moment before she sighed and grabbed the bottle of whiskey, filling it back up to the top.