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Beckett linked his fingers with mine on the walk across the lot, though he pulled away just before we reached the door. Dad was behind the desk, looking frazzled when we entered.
“Finally,” he muttered. “What took you so long to get over here?”
“A little thing called working our asses off,” I said dryly.
Dad chuckled. “Fair enough. Beckett, I wanted to talk to you before I left town.”
“Okay,” Beckett said hesitantly.
“Someone’s got to manage the work schedules and payroll while I’m gone. I want you to take point.”
“See? Work shit,” I muttered under my breath.
“Me?” Beckett sounded surprised.
“Yeah, why not?” Dad said.
“I just assumed you’d want Wes to take the lead in your absence. I mean, he’s the crew foreman, so…”
“Well, running a business is about more than one person, Beckett. It’s about having a team and playing to your team members’ strengths. You’re the one best suited for this. You’re one of my most trusted team members. I hope you know that.”
“Thanks,” Beckett said in a soft, surprised voice. I didn’t know why he always seemed so surprised when Dad showed him love and respect. He deserved that.
Dad glanced at me, where I stood a step behind Beckett and to the side. “I trust Wes with other things, which I think he knows.” I nodded agreement, so Dad continued. “So, what do you think, Beck? Can you step up and do this for me while your mother drags me on vacation?”
Beckett chuckled. “Yeah, of course.”
“Good man. I knew I could count on both of you.”
“You always can,” I said.
Dad nodded, eyes speculative. “I’ve seen how you’ve handled the park project. That’s a big undertaking for us, and you’ve been doing great. I’m really proud of you boys. I think when I get back, we’ll talk about me formally stepping down.”
My stomach flip-flopped. “Really? You’re ready?”
He gave me a rueful smile. “Carol has been ready for the past three years. But yeah, I think I’m ready too. This vacation is a bit of a test run for retirement. Carol wants to move up there, or at least spend summers over that way.”
“Wow, Dad, that’s a big deal,” I said, a little caught off-guard. “I didn’t think you’d ever leave Granville.”
“Well, nothing’s decided. But I know if I do leave, my business will be in good hands.”
* * *
BECKETT
“Holy shit,man, the business is basically ours!” Wes said, grabbing my waist and spinning me. I was heavier than any of his prior girlfriends, and he grunted with the strain.
I laughed as he set me on my feet, none too gently. “Fuck, man, you’re ridiculous.”
He laughed. “I’m just happy.”
Andi emerged from her bedroom, and when the hell had I started thinking of it as her bedroom, instead of mine?
Almost from the beginning. Definitely after the first time Wes and I hooked up in his bed. That room felt like home now, even as cluttered and disorganized as it was. Maybe once Andi moved out, we could switch rooms and have a bit more space, but I couldn’t imagine going back to sleeping separately now.
“What’s going on?”
“Dad just the same as said he’s going to retire when he gets back from vacation,” Wes said with a grin. “We’re finally gonna take over the business.”
