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Father places his hand on my shoulder. I stiffen.
“The conversation was intense, your woman couldn’t stop gushing when your mother showed her a wedding website.”
Felicity was gushing? Does this mean she’s reconsidering her decision to leave as soon as things are settled?
“What do you say, we have dinner tomorrow to talk about this again?”
No!
“I think we need some time; besides, I need to get used to taking over the company. Don’t you think so?”
He squeezes my shoulder.
“You’re doing a great job, Son. But if you want to wait before tying the knot with Felicity, it’s fine. Whatever you decide, I’ll always support you.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Father shifts his stance, looking in the distance with a thoughtful expression. He’s been with the company for as long as I can remember, I know he’ll surely miss it.
“You can visit anytime you want. I’m sure everyone will be happy to see you.”
He shakes his head and turns his attention back to me.
“No. It’s yours now. Your turn to do right by it.”
I catch sight of Felicity and Eli walking toward the lobby. My heart stops at the sight of her looking breathtakingly beautiful in a black sheath dress that flatters her trim figure. The slightly tapered dress exposes her long-toned legs.
Father chuckles. He’s staring too as I quickly avert my gaze.
“I’ve never seen a more perfect match. Seeing her with Eli solidifies everything I’ve ever imagined her to be. You’ve got a good eye, Son. Well done.”
I chuckle and shake my head in silence, hoping someone will drag me away from staying with Father, I’m tired of holding my breath and waiting for the bomb to explode.
“Mr. Grays, it's time, everybody is here,” Martin says as he walks toward us.
The reception went beautifully; my heart is filled with hearty congratulations and support from everyone. A few hours later. I walk my parents to their car. Felicity drives back with Eli.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
It’s Amelia. I didn’t expect her to call me. She was in the meeting this morning but didn't come to the reception. She is one of the shareholders of the company. She seems calm and came to say hi to my parents after the meeting.
“Hello, Declan. Congratulations,” she says, then pause for a few seconds and continues, “I am happy for you. You deserve it. And I think we should talk.”
“Thank you, Amelia, your words mean a lot to me. And YES! We should talk indeed. Is right now okay for you?”
She hesitates.
“Um, I need to run a few errands. How about we meet at Rick’s in about an hour?”
“An hour is fine. Thank you, Amelia.”
She’s silent for a long minute then she sighs.
“Your parents are really proud of you, me too! You seem more together than you've ever been, Declan.”
An hour later, I park outside the tall building on 5th Avenue and walk into the vintage-inspired room with soft lighting and patrons playing board games in one of the corners.
Rick's used to be Amelia’s favorite place throughout our time together. She waited tables here when she was in college. We kind of made it our spot. I can’t help but inhale the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with cinnamon and peppermint as I hang my coat on the rack.
