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"There were some compromising photos of you with two women online."
I pinch the bridge of my nose. My PR guy handled the photos, and I issued a statement, but it seems those photos keep returning like a bad cold.
She says, "I'm not here to judge your personal life, but I run a day care, and you are investing in my business. The parents and my staff know you are investing. Should I be concerned that more images like that will come up?"
I take a deep breath and pause before I speak. "Mrs. Martin, you don't have to worry about any more images like that coming up. I will make sure of it."
I can't believe I'm making that promise. My relationship with my family is strained, and Cassidy has brought up my so-called ‘notorious playboy’ past on more than one occasion. I've never cared what people think about my personal life, but Cassidy is right. And now things are starting to catch up to me.
"Okay," she responds hesitantly. "Ivan, my business is very important to me." I hear the emotion in her voice. "My parents struggled to find childcare for me because they worked the evening shift. I don't want anyone to have to experience that."
I grip the phone and close my eyes. "There won't be any more photos. You have my word."
"Perfect," I hear the relief in her voice. "I'm sorry to bring your personal life up."
"No worries. I completely understand. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Mrs. Martin."
I hang up the phone and let out a deep breath.
I get a security alert that someone has entered the house.
Cassidy.
Things are about to change in this house. I’m going to stop walking on eggshells around her. I won’t be made to feel like a stranger in my own home. I'm putting my foot down and if she doesn't like it, she will have to find somewhere else to stay. Not here.
I check my calendar. My virtual meeting starts in five minutes. More time is needed for this heavy of a conversation. I decide to send her a text message instead.
Me: Enough's enough - it’s time to stop acting like a child. Your ungrateful attitude stops here and now – if I go out of my way to do something nice for you, that deserves appreciation! So grab a fork and knife. You're eating dinner with me. Otherwise, you’ll have to tell your dad you need to find another place to stay.
Is the text a bit petty? Maybe. But I'm not playing games with her anymore. I hate myself for how much I want to spend time with her, and whether she likes it or not, she will give in to me. In the end, I always get what I want.
The day goes by in a blur of meetings, and I don't hear back from Cassidy. Dinner time rolls around, and I leave my office and head to the dining room, alight with the aroma of garlic and rosemary. I take a deep breath and savor the smell as I go to my seat at the head of the long rectangular mahogany table. On the menu tonight are pork loin chops, herbed roasted potatoes, and broccoli rabe with a balsamic glaze.
The chef sets the table and starts laying out the meal. Cassidy isn't around. She better not still be in her room. I grind my teeth and march upstairs, but the doorbell rings. I head back to the front door, expecting to see Antonio.
I open the door, but it wasn’t Antonio. It was my brothers, Ezra and Dane.
"What are you two doing here?" I try to hide the dismay in my voice, but with their unexpected presence it’s nearly impossible. I don’t doubt that they can feel my animosity, but they don't seem to care. It’s nothing new with us.
"Good evening," Ezra says as he strolls past me into my home.
Dane nods at me and hands me a bottle of bourbon, slamming it against my chest. "A peace offering."
I take the bottle, rubbing my chest from the impact, and arch a brow; then shrug in acceptance.
"Mom wants us to put everything behind us."
"Yep," Ezra says. "The photos have put a big strain on the family."
"At least people have stopped asking me what I think about your behavior," Dane adds.
I lead my brothers to the dining room. "Sorry. I'm getting my shit together. For real this time."
Dane and Ezra look at me with shock.
"I'm changing. People change."
Ezra says, "Change takes time."
