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Penny is the polar opposite of her.
“Bring her,” Mom says with a gentle yet firm tone. “A date attracts positive feedback for the family. It makes you appear—”
“Less of a Casanova,” Byron says as he sits beside Mom and she gives him the side-eye.
“Likeable and less serious,” Mom adds.
Byron chuckles. “Right.”
“Just get out of bed?” I snap at him. He looks ridiculous in purple-striped sweatpants and a matching sweater.
“This is the latest trend, not that you have any interest in athletic wear.”
He is right about that.
Charlotte waves and takes a seat on the opposite side of Byron. My two youngest siblings have always been close.
“Have I missed anything?”
“No,” I snap again. “You all interrupted the conversation about Dad’s trip and any potential investors.”
Charlotte leans forward to see our father. “I thought you said you’re retiring?”
Is she serious?“He’s been saying that for years but always manages to keep a finger on the pulse when it comes to him researching current market conditions and analyzing investment trends worldwide.”
Dad takes my mother’s hand. He appears resigned, and it confuses me. “Your mother and I had a discussion, only I haven’t broken the news to you.” His gaze flits to me. “It depends if you’re ready to take the wheel.”
“I’ve had the wheel for years.”
“Complete control,” he adds.
Everyone is silent.
Hendricks Capital Management will be my responsibility. I have been groomed for this position my entire life. It will own all my time—all of me—and right now, I’m not sure if I’m ready.
What am I thinking?
I am ready.
“This is a matter for discussion at a later date.” Mom gives Charlotte a firm look. “Today, I want to chat with you about ideas for extra sponsorship.”
When the day comes for me to step into my father’s shoes, there will be zero time for a relationship.
It has to be temporary.
Eventually, I’ll have to let Penny go, and I’m queasy at the thought.
My father’s cell dings. He reads the text message.
“Sorry, Sophia, but we need to see this.” He stands and asks for us to follow him.
We gather in the living room and hover around the television. My father says a command, and it turns on. The sports broadcaster announces the first-ever Hendricks-owned sports team.
“Son…” my father slaps my back, “… we are now the owners of the LA Sharks. Get ready to work some pretty big weekends for the next few months as we gear up for the season. I hope you like attending basketball games.” His hearty laugh vibrates around the room.
Byron is smiling from ear to ear.
Jobe rubs at his jaw.
