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I wanted to invite Ryder, and my father knew it. But there was no way I could ask. I was far too afraid of being turned down. I shook my head. "No, I'd love to dance with you."
I knew I should have been ecstatic about the change of events, but all I could think about was Ryder. I wanted him there on the journey with me. I wanted him to dance with me. I wanted him by my side. But I would have to get over it. I was married to the company now, and maybe the extra work would help me move past the pain. That or I would always long for him. Either way, life was moving forward, and I couldn't slow it down even if I wanted to.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ryder
Dinner at Daniel's ended up being an okay idea. I didn't feel any better, but at least I was distracted by my insane group of friends. Sicily was happy to see me, and I knew she had wondered if I was okay. I knew she and Daniel had an open line of communication, but I was alright with that. It was actually lovely to see. Finally, Daniel had someone he could confide in, someone he could count on. In many ways, I was jealous of that.
After dinner, we all sat around, talking about business and life, something we hadn't done in the context of a passive conversation in a long time. Guy took a bite of his pie. "You know, with the investments that we've made and the way the company is going, I think we might want to set our sights a little higher. Maybe we should have R&D put together a list of the most up-and-coming technologies on the market. See if there is a new line that could really open us up wider. Maybe even to everyday consumers."
"That's a big leap," Chase said. "There's a big difference between what we do, working with large corporations for solutions, and working with the consumer. I'm not against it, but that would take some considerable planning in advance. And capital."
"We have plenty of capital," Brad said. "We just would need to get the board in on it. Have them convince the investors that it was a good option, so they didn't fear losing money. I think it would really depend on what area we were looking at. Security technology? Personal computer technology? Medical technology? I mean, there are so many different avenues we could go down."
I nodded. "I think it's definitely worth having a sub-team work up a list. I'll give them some parameters and information needed and have them work on it next week. Then, we can review it at our end-of-quarter meeting. But I agree, it would take some considerable planning to launch something that big."
Daniel chuckled. "Remember when we said we would never work with consumers?"
Guy smirked. "That's because we were thinking on a small scale. Then, we imagined ourselves manning the customer service desks. But now, we would be managing on a whole other level."
I nodded, pulling out my vibrating phone. It was a message from my mom inviting me over for dinner the following weekend. Everyone went quiet, watching. When I looked back, Brad tapped his fingers. "We've all been waiting on any new information about the case. Anything?"
I crossed my legs and shook my head. "No. I wish. That was my mother. Anyway, they are still working on the leads they have. Carter is working himself crazy on this. Whoever this guy is, he's incredibly talented."
"Do they think he's going after anyone else?" Chase asked.
"They've checked on that, looking for similar reports anywhere in the country, but nothing. There are your singular incidents here or there, but nothing that would make them think it's our person. He seems to be solely focused on us."
Guy shook his head. "I wish he would just stop playing these stupid games. Hell, this is why I don't date. I don't like head games. Unfortunately, this asshole can't take a hint."
Brad and Chase stood up. "Guys, we've had fun, but we are supposed to be meeting some lady friends at the bar tonight. Anybody wanna join? Ryder?"
I shook my head, and so did Guy. They shook our hands, and both hugged Sicily before heading out. Guy nodded at me. "And how are you doing? You kind of gone recluse over the last few weeks."
"I'm fine."
Guy blinked at me. "If you tell me you're fine one more time, I might knock you out."
"Really," I said, laughing. "I'm actually fine. I'm not sure what else you would like me to tell you."
Guy looked at Daniel. "You want to tell him?"
I glanced between them. "Tell me what?"
Daniel turned to me with a nervous smile. "So, Amber told her father everything. He didn't tell the board, just making up a story to explain her not getting married due to the trauma of the incident."
"Was he livid with her?" I asked, guilt seething in my stomach.
"No, actually," Daniel replied. "From what I've been told, he blamed himself for putting her under that kind of pressure — for not standing up for her. So, he stood up for her. And now, she will be named the CEO on the day of her father's retirement."
A smile crept over my face, and I sat back. "Wow. That's really great. Amber really deserves that. I know most people think she wanted it for the money or power, but really, she wanted to make her father proud. She wanted to keep the business in the family. That's all she was really worried about. Amber worked hard to get that, and it should never have been based on her marital status."
I was staring at the ground as I spoke, not noticing the silence that filled the room as I word vomited, doting over Amber. Slowly, I looked up, finding Daniel with both brows raised and Guy smirking. Guy leaned forward and grinned. "So, when exactly did you know that you were in love with her?"
My eyes darted between Daniel and Guy, and I finally gave in, throwing my head back against the chair. "I think I knew it after I proposed, but I didn't admit it to myself until I thought her life was in danger. The moment she broke things off from me, I felt completely lost. I thought the walls would just build back up, but they never did. So I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
Daniel refilled his glass of whiskey. “I dare you to tell Amber you love her.”
