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He releases a deep breath and says, “It’s hard for me to understand that you’re not who I wanted you to be. But in some ways, I think you’re better. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy to understand your personal preferences, but I promise I will try to accept whoever you choose to spend your life with.”
I hand him the phone with the picture of Thea and Matt. “They’re great. Appearances are deceiving, Father. They’re smart, sweet, and loving.”
“You are with both?” I nod. He doesn’t need more than that for now.
We’ve yet to get our woman, but that’s a slow process of groveling and swooning the fuck out of her.
“That’s not… easy to grasp,” Dad says, instead of condemning my relationship. “I promise to do my best.”
Father has changed over these months. From angry to depressed, and now he’s different. I don’t know if it’s the near-death experience, but whatever happened has transformed him. I like the new version of Ferdinand Cooperson.
My mother, well, I don’t think she’ll ever change. With the help of my lawyer, I set up a trust for my parents. They get a monthly allowance deposited directly to their joint account. The trust pays for utilities, taxes, and insurance. To access more money, they have to contact me, and if I see it’s necessary, I’ll approve it.
That means no more impromptu trips to Europe to buy a new wardrobe. No redecorations or any other shallow expenses. Of course, not everyone agrees with these new changes.
“What’s going to happen to us, Tristan? You’re moving everyone to Washington,” Fey’s whiny voice drills through my ears. I look down at her ankle and smirk.
The poor useless child. She hasn’t realized she’s a grown woman who should be responsible for herself. Except, for the next twenty-four months, she’s under house arrest and my parents’ responsibility. According to Mason, Thea decided that maybe living under the same roof with her parents would teach her something—or at least torture her.
I press a few keys, turn my screen toward her, and point at the results. “According to the HR database, you’re not an employee. The move shouldn’t affect you.”
“I should take over the company, Father, not him.” My sister stomps her foot as she glares at our father.
My sister has no fucking idea what she’s talking about. I’m saving the company and jobs by taking charge of it. A few hundred agreed to move with their families to Kirkland, Washington.
During the transition, a few employees will stay behind. Next year they’ll decide if they stay or go to Washington. The offices in New York are closed. To save it, we had to transform it completely. Bring it into this century and sell some assets. Part of the changes included the relocation and leadership with a different philosophy. Our company will lead with diversity.
Embracing, supporting, and appreciating our employees no matter their race, religion, or gender. And we’ll make sure that the corporation puts emphasis on supporting our LGBTQ+ employees.
We’ll donate funds to different non-profit communities that help members of the LGBTQ+community.
“Shut up, Fey,” Father says, slamming his palm against the desk. “I’m tired of you and your selfishness. If you’re worried about money, you have a trust fund. That should cover you for the rest of your life. As for the company, it’s now Tristan’s.”
“I think this is all I needed from you, Father.” I shut everything down, placing the documents he signed back into my portfolio. “After I pack, I’m heading to the offices in New York to ensure everything is ready to shut down by the end of the month.”
“The trust?”
“It’s ready. I emailed you a copy. After the office, I’m heading to the airport. My flight leaves at six.”
“We’ll be in touch, Tristan. Call before you leave and have a nice trip.” Father bows lightly.
I nod, getting closer to him and giving him a quick hug. “As soon as I find a place in Seattle, I’ll let you know. Maybe you can come visit the new offices once we’re all settled. See you around.”
Walking through the cold hallways of my childhood home, I wonder why they never placed pictures of our childhood. Mother only hung art or big family portraits taken by whoever was theitphotographer at the time.
The five of us wearing expensive clothing and looking pristine. The Deckers have thousands of pictures of their children from when they’re babies all the way to now. They’re messy, fun, candid pictures of the entire family.
As I enter my old room, I promise myself this will be the last time I travel east. The corner of my lip tugs as my phone rings and I see his picture. Matt’s.
“It’s a little early for you.”
He yawns. “Relatively speaking. I went for a run with Mason and on my way home, I thought about you. Ready to head west?”
I take a deep breath before answering. “Yes. How’s Thea?”
“We spoke a couple of days ago. She’s busy, but doing well. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
I nod, forgetting that he can’t see me. “Yeah, see you next week, babe.”
