Page 90 of Gold Rush

I can’t help but contrast this interaction with the dinner at my parents’ house. They didn’t want to get to know Rory; they wanted to show her off.

I’ve always taken some measure of responsibility for our strained dynamic. Believed I could have done more, done better. There were countless times I disappointed Julian on purpose, sick of perpetually falling short, even when I tried to impress. Would it have mattered if I’d always striven for success? Was there anything I could have done to earn lasting approval? Was my trust fund always going to be a means of controlling me, no matter what I accomplished?

I stand and shake hands with Oliver, thanking him again before exiting his office.

Out in the hallway, I nearly knock into a young woman carrying a stack of papers. “Sorry,” I say quickly.

“My fault,” she returns, smiling at me. “Do you need directions or … anything else?” Her eyes are fixed on me.

It’s an opening. An invitation.

“All set. Thanks.” I continue walking without looking back.

April, Kit’s assistant, glances up as I approach her desk. “Hey, Flynn.”

“Hey, April. Is he in?”

“Yep. Let me just make sure he’s not on a call.”

I nod, glancing around the immaculate offices as she picks up the phone on her desk.

I probably could have gotten a job in Kensington Consolidated’s legal department on my own. I absolutely could have gotten hired here if I’d mentioned to Kit I was interested in the role. If Simon Grey has ever mentioned to Julian that he’s impressed by my job performance, my father’s opinion of my work ethic hasn’t improved accordingly. I should’ve spent more time considering what I could do with a law degree rather than simply chase the most prestigious position. I could be doing something with an immediate impact, like Rory, rather than helping rich corporations get richer.

April hangs up her phone. “You can head right in.”

“Thanks,” I tell her, walking toward the door.

Kit stands when I open it, expecting me. “Hey! You get fired?”

I roll my eyes as I shut the door behind me, heading for the couch against one wall of his huge office. “I’m on my lunch break.”

“And you came to see me? I’m honored.”

“Don’t be. I came to see Oliver. You just happened to be conveniently located down the hallway.”

“What was the meeting with Oliver about?”

“I asked for advice about the foundation, like you’d suggested.” I flop down on his couch.

“And it went …”

“Fine.” I adjust my tie so it lies flat again. “Great. I’m just tired. Didn’t get much sleep.” I yawn for emphasis.

The MetroHealth acquisition I’m working on exceeds federal reporting thresholds, so antitrust filings are required. I’ve been gathering information concerning market share, competitors, corporate structure, and prior acquisitions that I have to present this afternoon before we submit to regulators reviewing the deal.

“Do I want to know why?” Kit smirks.

“Work. Rory didn’t get home until two a.m. The flight was delayed due to weather.”

“Didn’t stop me and Collins.” He grins, taking a seat in one of the armchairs across from the couch. “She’s finally out of the nauseous phase of pregnancy and into the⁠—”

“How about we pretend this is like the last time you knocked her up and you tell me absolutely no details at all?” I interrupt.

Kit scoffs. “We’re sharing the news with everyone next week, once she’s in the second trimester. Until then, you’re the only person I can talk to about this.”

“What about the mother of your child?”

“Great idea. I’ll complain about the lack of sex while Collins is dealing with heartburn, vomiting, and bloating.”