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He chuckles as he takes his first sip before placing it down on his desk and folding his hands in front of him. “Your mom said the same thing this morning. It’s been a long week, hasn’t it?”
“Feels like it.” I sigh, unsure where to begin. It’s obvious why he called this meeting. I avoided him all day yesterday, claiming I was busy and leaving early in the afternoon with a fake headache.
With Luca supposedly giving me his answer today, I can’t hold off any longer.
“Before you tell me how the meeting went, did you read the sports news this past week?”
Ugh! Of course I did, Dad!
“I know what you’re gonna say, but you know how reporters are. Any bit of gossip turns into a storm.”
My dad tilts his head slightly, giving me a side-eye look I know so well. The one that saysI don’t believe you. Try again.
We both know reporters blow shit up, but we also know there’s always some truth to it. I wish he would focus on dollar signs and not hearsay and reputations.
“Did you discuss it at the meeting with him?”
I close my eyes for a brief second.Shitno.I wanted to, but considering I could barely catch my breath around the guy, it didn’t happen. “No, Dad. I treated it like any other meeting I have.”
He clicks his tongue against his cheek. “How did it go then? Did he accept?”
“He told me he wants to think about it. I gave himforty-eighthours.”
My dad’s eyebrows raise. “Forty-eighthours? Why so quick?”
Because he’s an asshole.
“I wanted an answer quickly so I could move on if he doesn’t accept. I have a few other prospects I’ve met with as well.”
“Good, I’m glad you kept your options open. Smart. Just like I taught you.”
It is a smartmovebusiness-wise. Don’t they say never to put all your eggs in one basket? But I have a feeling Dad’s words have a bit of a hidden meaning. Like don’t hire thisasshat.
I’m surprised he hasn’t given me the speech yet. The bad decision speech. My brother and I could sense it coming from a mile away as kids, but there was never any way to stop it.
Just like now. He’s rubbing his chin andstaring at me intentlylike he’s questioning my every move.Here it comes…
“Nev, have you thought this through? Have you weighed all your pros and cons? I just don’t want to see you make a poor decision…” He continues talking, but I’m no longer listening. He’s preaching to the choir.
I have thought this through. It’s all I can think about. I weighed all the pros and cons last night with Mel, and I still feel confident in my offer. I may regret it later on, but I can’t look at life that way, or else I’dnever risk anything.
“I stand by my offer. Trust me, Dad, it’ll work out. I’m sure of it.” I plaster on my best smile and sit up straighter. If I act confident, it’s more believable. Fuck if I know whether things will work out. I just have to keep hoping they will.
“I trust you, Nev. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Let me know when you hearbackfrom Luca so we can get the process going if heaccepts.”
“Will do.” I finish the last of my coffee and toss the empty cup in the bin near me. “I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner, okay?” I stand and walk around the desk. Every Saturday afternoon we have dinner together as a family, the tradition starting back when we were in high school and barely home anymore. We’ve kept it going for years now.
My dad pushes up from his chair, and we hug. As much as he drives me nuts, I love how close our family is.
“Hey, Nev?” My dad calls just as I get to the door. “One more thing. Make sure you stop in and see Mom. Or maybe take her to lunch. She’s been sad lately, though she’ll never admit it. She misses you and your brother.”
Dammit. I’ve been meaning to make more time for her.
“Okay, I will. See you later.”
* * *
Following Dad’s advice,I took Mom out for lunch. Her office is next to Dad’s, and she does the bookkeeping for the company.
