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He sits back against the wicker garden chair. I do the same while he lights a Cohiba cigar and looks me over the way my mother would when she’s trying to figure out what’s wrong with me.
Neither of them would be able to guess the right thing, because something was always wrong with me.
We’re sitting in my garden on the terrace overlooking the pool. This is more of a meeting than a visit, although it’s at my new home. The new home I had to buy months ago in preparation for the wife I’m supposed to get.
Grandfather loathed my bachelor pad on Park Avenue and said it didn’t suit a family. Months ago, I accused Knight of living up Grandfather’s ass. Now I’ve become the pot calling the kettle black.
“So, I have to say you look troubled,” he notes. “More than usual, son.”
I shake my head and try to shake the memory of the beautiful girl I had in my arms last night out of my mind.
“I’m just tired. It’s been a long-ass week.”
He laughs. Sometimes, he likes the way I say things, but at other times, it irritates the hell out of him.
“I have to agree with you. It has been a long-ass week.”
Long-assis putting it mildly. All I thought I’d have to do this week is gloat over Bastian’s departure and sentence to Hong Kong, then go on a few dates with potential wives.
I went on a total of one date, and I never even knew what day it was when Bastian left. It was Thursday, but I was so wrapped up in River, Bastian was the furthest thing from my mind.
“I wanted to see you today, see how you’re doing and give you another proposal you’re welcome to turn down.”
My interest piques. “I’m doing great, so how about you tell me this proposal of yours?”
“Well, things have kind of gone astray with this scandal of Bastian’s. I thought I had everything under control, that everyone was working toward the end goal. He wasn’t.”
“Grandfather, is that really surprising to you?”
“Not so much. It’s just disappointing. I don’t want to have to extend the date for my departure. Your grandmother and I have been waiting for this time for years.”
I nod, agreeing. “Then don’t you dare do that.”
“Well, that’s reliant on you and Knight, and your father. I’d like you to take on Bastian’s role at Wall Street until we find a replacement. I know you don’t want to work with your father, but your extensive knowledge of the company and investments makes you the best candidate.”
“Then I’ll do it.”
“Are you sure? This would be an interactive role where you’d have to see him again like you did before.”
“I’m sure.”
“Thank you. I also felt this would be a great opportunity for you to step up and show the board you can handle the company.”
“I agree, but I’m sure they know I can do it anyway.” It was my father who influenced them into believing otherwise after my scandal. I wonder how he felt when he faced them after what Bastian did. My asshole father wanted me gone before I could even get the chance to explain myself, and I didn’t have a leg to stand on.
At the same time, I have to admit that I had a buildup of things against me.
“You know what I mean. This doesn’t affect the agreement we have for the CFO position at Park Avenue. It’s more like a favor I’m asking that will be mutually beneficial for both of us.”
“Then don’t worry about it. God knows you’ve done more favors for me than I can count in this lifetime.”
He smirks. “I’m your grandfather, son, it’s what we do.” He taps my hand. “That leads me to the other topic I wanted to talk to you about. I’m a little concerned that no one has met this girl of yours. Not even Knight.”
My stomach actually twists with nerves, something I never feel. “You’ll meet her soon.”
“So you keep saying. I understand that my request for your marriage is unconventional and impromptu, but marriage changes a man. You needed to change.”
My temper flares the same way it did when he first dropped the bomb on me about finding a wife.
