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“Getting old?”
“Yeah, something like that.” A lot like that, actually. I’m turning fifty in just under a year. Five whole decades on this planet and not much to show for it, if you ask me.
“Well, you haven’t been to my Fourth of July barbecue in at least three years. Maybe more.”
I can’t remember the last time I attended Kent’s Fourth of July barbecue. In fact, I can’t even remember the last time I was at Kent’s house. The past ten years have gone by in a rush since my company, Infinium, burst onto the streaming market. We’ve expanded exponentially in such a short time with streaming rights, original content, production studios…and I’ve been at the helm of all of it.
Running a Fortune 500 company doesn’t allow for much downtime, as I’ve learned the hard way.
“It would mean a lot if you came. At least for an hour or so. How long has it been since you’ve seen the girls?”
“Um…a while.” I haven’t been the best friend over the past decade. Sure, I’ve been a steady support system for Kent in the wake of his divorce. Aileen leaving him was a shock to us all, especially for our old college pal, Malcolm.
I even have some PTSD from that betrayal, I’m not going to lie.
However, when it’s come to Kent’s daughters, I’ve kept myself at arm’s reach. I’ve been around for major events. Graduations, the first birthday party of his granddaughter, sometimes birthdays. But for the most part, I stay away. It hurts a little too much.
Even though Kent’s marriage didn’t work out, he has five beautiful girls and a granddaughter, a huge family, full of love and spirit and hope.
I’ve always wanted a family. But everything involved in getting there is too messy. Too risky. Love can make you lose all common sense. I’ve seen the destruction it can cause.
I don’t know if I’m brave enough to face something like that.
“Two years. That’s how long. Not just a while, but two whole years!” Kent says. I can hear him smiling through the phone. “I don’t even think you’ve seen Harley since she moved back from Australia.”
That’s true. Last time I saw Harley was her high school graduation. She was off to study audio broadcasting at the University of Swinburne in Melbourne. I never understood why she felt she had to go all the way out there when programs at USC and UCLA were just as good. Hell, even something in the continental United States!
“Please, it would mean a lot if you came by.”
I sigh, “What can I bring?”
“Just Victoria.”
Victoria’s my younger sister by eleven years, although she feels more like my daughter in a lot of ways. I raised her through a lot of shit. Took care of her. She’s my whole heart. “That depends on her shooting schedule,” I say.
“It’s the fourth of July! Don’t tell me people need models on Independence Day!”
Victoria has been a model for the past twenty years, ever since she graduated high school. I didn’t want that life for her, but she’s become one of the most sought-after faces in fashion.
“Fine, you’re right. I’ll do my best to book her,” I say wryly.
Kent laughs, “Okay. Do what you can.”
“Thanks for the call, bud,” I say, remembering the papers in front of me. “But I have to–”
“I know, you’re busy. Always busy. Don’t worry. We’ll talk more when I see you Monday.”
I swallow. Never feels good when other people start excusing your business. “Yeah, see you then.”
We hang up and I return to the muck and mire of trying to find this contract.
Fourth of July can’t come fast enough.
* * *
“You really oughtto find a different plus one to these kinds of things,” Victoria says as she admires her makeup in the visor mirror. Even for a backyard barbecue, she’s completely done up and dressed to the nines.
I roll my eyes. “Kent is like family, Vic.”
