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“How can you be so sure?”
Albert crossed his legs and balanced his coffee cup on its saucer. “You’re a lot like your father, who was just like your grandfather. Stubborn and determined. The Monarchs are a successful franchise because of the force of your grandfather’s personality. They didn’t start losing until he became ill. Once you get your feet under you, you’ll be the same way and the Monarchs will thrive again.”
She wanted him to be right. She needed him to be right. The alternative was that she would fail to protect the legacy her grandfather had entrusted to her. The legacy she wished her father had lived to guide her through. She was the only thread left to hold the franchise intact. She felt lik
e she was fraying.
Jaclyn sipped more coffee. It could use more sweetener. “So, would I be able to will you into selling all of your shares to me?”
Albert’s expression was apologetic. “No.”
“I didn’t think so, which makes me wonder why you agreed to meet with me.”
“I wanted you to understand why your owning the majority shares won’t get you what you want.”
“What do you mean?”
Albert lifted the matching eggshell china pot. “More coffee?”
Jaclyn quelled her impatience. “No, thank you.”
Albert refreshed his cup. “You want to keep the team in Brooklyn.”
Jaclyn leaned back in the floral-patterned armchair. “That’s right.” Where was Albert going with this?
“Then it doesn’t matter whether you have five percent of the team or ninety-five percent. If you can’t renew the arena contract, you’re going to have to move the Monarchs.”
Jaclyn battled back a feeling of hopelessness. “The Gandy brothers are selling the Empire. They want to drop the Monarchs because they don’t think our account will attract potential buyers.”
“I know that. And so does Gerry.”
Jaclyn gripped the teacup. Why did their betrayals continue to surprise her? “Thanks for letting me know.” Her sarcasm wasn’t lost on Albert.
“I’m sorry. I should have told you.”
“But Gerry told you not to.” When Albert nodded, she continued. “Why is he so determined to destroy the Monarchs?”
“It’s personal.”
“I can tell.”
“He’s holding onto old resentments.”
“Is he still angry that Gene Mannion left his shares of the franchise to my grandfather?” Jaclyn pressed the china cup into its saucer.
“Gerry has a long memory. But it’s more than Mannion’s shares. It also has to do with your mother.”
Jaclyn’s brows knitted. “What about my mother?”
Albert hesitated. Jaclyn bit her lip. If he offered her another cup of his diesel-fueled coffee, she’d scream.
“Haven’t you ever wondered why Gerry’s never married?”
Jaclyn shook her head. “If it doesn’t have to do with the Monarchs, it’s none of my business.”
“It does have to do with the Monarchs. Gerry was in love with your mother. Your father, Gerry and I attended New York University together. Gerry met your mother first. But when she met your father, it was love at first sight.”
Jaclyn’s eyes stung. She blinked to hold back tears. “My grandparents never told me that.” She’d missed her parents’ love-at-first-sight story because she had lost them at such an early age. What other family stories had she missed? There was no one left to ask.
