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“Yes. Now. Occasion? Is someone getting fired? Married? Who died?”
“We’re promoting Josh to president of Sawyer Financial,” her father said.
News of her ex’s promotion settled in Isa’s stomach like a rock. The waitress’s timing on that second glass was impeccable. Isa accepted the wine and drank down a hearty gulp.
“We’d like you to attend the ceremony next month.”
Isa opened her mouth to say no, or more aptly hell, no, but her father anticipated the answer and spoke first.
“Just because you two are no longer dating doesn’t mean you can’t support him.”
“Isn’t that exactly what not dating him means?” she asked.
“This is a very big win for Josh,” her father said.
Isa replied drily. “Yes, it’s everything he ever wanted.”
Everything he’d ever dated her for. She’d always wondered if, when she broke things off with him, he was saddened because their relationship was ending or because he might not be able to secure a higher station at Sawyer Financial.
“He’s a very driven man, darling. You can’t fault him for that.” Her mother moved her hands to her lap as the waitress brought a round of tapas.
No, and Isa didn’t fault him for his drive. She faulted him for not loving her in a whole and genuine way. He appreciated her breeding more than her as a person.
“You are still a part of this family,” Helena continued, “even though you’ve opted to go the servant route rather than take on the position we grew and pruned specifically for you.”
Isa closed her eyes and counted to five. That was the farthest she made it before her father started in.
“Our families have decades of past business between us. It would be rude for you not to show up and support the Lindens over some petty breakup eons ago.”
“It was not petty, Dad,” Isa said, measuring her words carefully. This wasn’t a new conversation. One day, they’d hear her. For now, she would let them think she was having a repeat of her teenage drama years. “Josh was more in love with Sawyer Financial Group than he ever was with me.”
Her mother let out a disbelieving pfft.
“And we broke up three years ago, which, yes, was a while but definitely not eons.”
“He’s single,” her mother said. “And so are you.”
Okay, so this angle was new. Isa felt her forehead crease. “I’m not…we’re not getting back together.”
“He’d like to see you, though. He misses you.” Her mother cut a scallop in half casually as if she wasn’t trying to steer Isa into the arms of a man who barely liked her, who’d never loved her.
“He doesn’t miss me,” Isa said. How could he? He’d barely tolerated her and her big ideas to start a business outside of Sawyer Financial when they were dating.
“I’m a man, Isabella.” Her father lifted his martini to illustrate his point. “I can see when another man is heartbroken.”
“Is that why Josh has been dating vapid excuses for women lately?” Isa mumbled. She wasn’t jealous, but it was frustrating to know that he’d carried out the plan he’d warned her about.
If you don’t climb to the top of Sawyer Financial mountain with me, Bella, I can find someone who will.
“You can’t blame him for drowning his sorrows,” her mother interjected.
“Oh, please.” Isa lifted her wine.
“We’ve already spoken to him about reputation. As upcoming president of our institution, we can’t have another repeat of Reese Crane’s issues.”
Isa put down her glass without taking a sip. Her father was referring to Reese’s reputation with women before he’d married Merina. Twice. Rumor had it he’d nearly missed out on being named CEO because of his philandering ways, but who knew what to believe?
“Renegades, those Cranes.” Her mother sneered.
