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Honestly, I couldn’t give a shit. The business meant nothing to me any longer. “So what?”
“So what? Are you fucking kidding me?” Robert barked. When I didn’t say anything, he swore under his breath. “Fine. I know about the threats. Given your nasty mood I’d say you had another one.”
I glowered at him, glancing down at the trashcan. “Prescott can make all the threats he wants. That doesn’t change a thing.”
“You’re so certain it’s him.”
Prescott Westfield was nothing but a nemesis for all the small wineries, trying to buy them up like candy. He’d had his sights set on mine prior to my father’s death. I’d always had a suspicion that constant pressure was the reason for my father’s heart attack. Prescott hadn’t managed to take enough from me. Now he demanded my entire livelihood. “I’m certain.”
“Then we need to develop a plan of action. With the profits down, the board of directors is getting antsy. They might force a sale.”
“Over my dead body. This winery belongs to my family.” I slammed my hand on my desk for a second time, hissing.
He took a few seconds, shaking his head several times. “I know that. However, you still can’t get your head out of your ass so here’s what is happening. I took my own steps in trying to force a change.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” His hesitation only increased my fury.
“Look, I hired a new employee and her contract is iron clad. I’m finished with you being able to toss people out of your organization as if they don’t mean anything.”
“I don’t need another new employee.”
“Yeah, you obviously do, but this one isn’t going to sweat in your fields. She’s going to help you get back on your feet. And you’re going to let her do it without question, Montgomery. And you’re not going to berate her or so help me God, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”
I stared at Robert, my chest heaving. He’d never talked to me in this tone. “What the hell do you mean?”
“I mean that I’ve hired an temporary associate, which I hope will become a fulltime employee, to try and recoup the losses by instigating a new marketing campaign. She’s also going to be analyzing the reasons for our failure. We’re damn lucky to get her too. Her qualifications are exemplary.”
“Our?” I retorted. “You don’t have a financial stake in my business.”
He reared back, shaking his head, tension settling between us. “You’re right. I don’t. What I do have is several years of experience in this industry. You need to make a choice, Montgomery, and I mean right now. Either you’re going to continue wallowing in your sorrow or you’re going to fight in order to bring back the glory of this estate and your winery before it’s taken from you. The choice is up to you. However, you will not fuck with this girl. Period. She will remain for the entire year or so help me God.”
I’d never seen him this angry or with so much conviction. He’d been by my side through the rough months, including dragging my inebriated ass back to the estate when necessary. I valued his friendship, but this was going too far. Still, he was right. Westfield was chomping at the bit, his ridiculous attempts at keeping me on edge actually fucking working. “Fine. I’ll see if she has what it takes.”
He lifted his arm, pointing a single finger. “I’m going to say this one more time. You will not fuck with her. You’ve run everyone off you really cared about, with the exception of Joshua and me. I’ve only stayed because I’ve known how much pain you’ve been through, but my patience is finished. Period. You’re going to help with rebuilding your corporation or I am out of here. Do you understand?”
I could tell he was serious. After a few seconds of glaring at him, I pulled the file closer. “Fine. I’ll do what I can to work with her.”
His expression didn’t change before he walked out of my office, slamming the door behind him. I closed my eyes, rubbing my forehead before exhaling. He’d been the only man to get through to me over the last couple of years, the demons threatening to take over more than once. I had difficulty breathing, my chest heaving. My head was aching like a son of a bitch from losing my temper, which occurred constantly.
“Fly like an eagle, son. Soar above the clouds to rid your mind of pain.”
My father’s words of wisdom no longer proved as comforting as they’d once been. If only he was here to try to give me advice. Snickering, I had a feeling Pops would kick my ass for surrendering to my sorrow. He never had.
I sat down in my chair, fingering the file. The last thing I needed was some hotshot telling me how to run my business. I almost laughed at the thought. My father had been a powerhouse in the world of making wine. I’d done everything I could to follow in his footsteps. A part of me felt like I’d betrayed him.
After a few seconds, I yanked the file closer, tugging it open. Not a single part of me wanted to read the details, but I forced myself to do so. The resume was just all right, at least in my mind. What did a girl from Indianapolis know about decent wines? Okay, so she’d created some award-winning marketing campaigns, but could she do it under pressure? Shoving the file away, I closed my eyes. Hell, maybe this would work, although I had my doubts. However, Robert was correct. Things needed to change.
But in my mind, I knew that I no longer cared about the winery. It has once been my life’s dream, but I could barely stomach the work that was needed any longer.
Jerking up, I moved toward the window, slapping my hands on my hips as I stared at the expansive landscape. Everything was going to shit.
A deep roar erupted from the depths of my being as I raked my hand across the credenza in the corner of the room. As pictures and other items crashed to the floor, I took satisfaction in the sound of breaking glass.
Even the horrific noise had no way of competing with my anger.
Or my sadness.
Damn it.
