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“I’m going to need time to process this,” I blurt out. Ruslan’s going to have to understand just how big of a shock this is. I don’t even know what sort of questions I would have for him yet. I’m speechless about this whole thing.
“That’s fine. Take as much time as you need for this. Um, Amelia was talking to me earlier about how you may be looking for an apartment. You’ve been staying with Nazyr for a very long time, and I imagine you’d like your own space better.”
I didn’t realize Amelia had already talked to Ruslan about this. Then again, I guess there isn’t really much of anything that he doesn’t know about. “Yeah, Amelia chatted with me when I came in earlier. She’s arranging for Emily to show me a few places in a few days.”
“Good.”
There’s an awkward silence filling the space between us. I suck in a long, deep breath, and anxiety skyrockets through me. I think I just need to get out of here and go somewhere to relax for a while. As I’m thinking about it, I stand up. “I need to go.”
I don’t even let Ruslan respond before I leave his office and search for Rolando. I need to get out of here.
Chapter Seven
Ambros
“Sir, I don’t know if you were expecting your father and mother, but they are here,” Marsala tells me out of nowhere.
I’m making myself a much-needed espresso over ice in the kitchen. The day has been long, and I completed a job last night in France before flying back to Greece. Most of the day has been spent looking at new projects. “They showed up unannounced?”
“Yes, sir. They did.” Marsala presses her lips together in a light slash, showing her disapproval. I’m aggravated with their antics as well. Not so much my mother since she means well most of the time. My father, on the other hand, is an entirely different story.
“Where are they right now?”
“I have them seated in the open-concept living area out back. I even made them both a drink. The last I checked, they were chatting with one another.”
“Mmm, thank you. How does my father seem?”
“May I speak freely?”
“Marsala, I only ever want you to speak freely.” She’s worked for me for many years now, longer than anyone I’ve had previously. The only way she’s been able to do that is by maintaining a level of trust with me. Whenever there’s been an issue, she’s the first one to come to me and notify me. Others I’ve had working for me have tried handling things themselves, which isn’t their job. I’m the one who needs to maintain order with everyone underneath me, not them. It’s why I don’t have anyone in management positions.
“He seems like he’s up to something. I don’t know what it is, and I didn’t overhear anything specific. He just looks… like there’s a reason he’s here. Your mother, on the other hand, seems happy to have the opportunity to see you.”
I have been traveling a lot lately and haven’t spoken with my parents too much, besides the phone call I recently had with my mother.
After thinking back to that phone call, I debate if my father is the one up to no good or if it’s my mother. I told her I’d arrange a meeting with my father and how long have I been home for, maybe twelve hours? I’ll put my money on the fact she’s the one who decided to stop by unannounced. My father probably wants to speak to me about whatever agenda he’s currently contemplating, but this has to be my mother’s doing.
“Thank you for letting me know.”
“Of course. Enjoy your drink. I’ll go check on your parents and see if they’d like me to get them anything to eat.” Marsala walks out of the kitchen and heads back to where my parents wait.
I slowly sip on the bitter yet sweet espresso until I’m finished. Before I even finish the cup, I’m much more alert than I was a short while ago.
I head outside where my parents are and see they’re sipping on alcoholic beverages Marsala likely made for them. “Are either of you hungry?” It’ll be a good starting point for our conversation.
“Yes. Marsala is making us all some dinner. Isn’t that lovely?” My mother’s hair is blowing in the wind, and she has a satisfied smile plastered across her face. She’s happy she’s here, and I’m starting to think she might have even encouraged this. The other day, when she called, she was very adamant I speak with my father. This might have even been her idea in the first place.
“Yes, it is. How have you both been? I’ve been traveling so much lately. I apologize for not checking in more.” My apology is bullshit, but I try to make it seem genuine.
My mother shoots me a knowing look and rolls her eyes as she looks away. Meanwhile, my father sips his drink and keeps his eyes glued to me. The same eyes I inherited from him. They bore right through me, and as a child, I used to be terrified when he’d look at me like this, but not anymore.
“I’m sure it’s been very difficult for you to manage professional obligations as well as your family. It’s good you’re home now for a bit. Now we can discuss more pressing matters,” my father starts off. He looks over to my mother, and she makes herself scarce, walking over to the balcony overlooking the water. She’s a good thirty or forty feet away before my father begins speaking again. “You can cut the bullshit, Ambros. I know you’ve been avoiding me. You’ve done the same thing ever since you’ve been a little boy. You dodge. You pivot. You go off and occupy yourself with something and then use it as an excuse. It’s ironic how, in twenty years, your antics haven’t changed in the slightest bit.” My father chuckles lightly, obviously amusing himself.
Inhaling deeply through my nose, I take a seat across from my father and settle back into my chair. “Unlike when I was a child, I have obligations that I need to take into consideration. Our employees at the Organization need to see I get my hands dirty, too. I just set records for the company, Father. I know your team has told you how well I’ve been doing. They’ve undoubtedly said how much money I’ve brought in, how many kills I’ve gotten, and how many clients are happy with our services. Have they not?”
He’s silent for a moment. “Do you think what you’ve done for the company is going to make up for your behavior?” Ah, there it is. He’s appalled by what I’ve done. He’ll just have to get over it. Sure, I might have been avoiding him, but I have my reasons. I won’t ever admit that to him, though.
“Dad, I think you need to look deep within yourself and ask why you think I’d be avoiding you. I’ve been working, and that’s all.”
