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ORLIE
The steak is cooked perfectly,the potatoes whipped up like heaven, and the old fashioned I’ve ordered to drink is the perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and acidic.
But I’m not hungry. My stomach has been eating itself since Kira told me the news yesterday.
Since my world came crashing down around me and any dreams of a future I had were dashed.
You might think I’m being dramatic, but has that ever happened to you? If it hasn’t, you don’t have room to judge, and if it has, well, I feel your pain.
To make matters worse, of course, I had a dinner planned with my father to go to. And I’m not going to let him know for a second I’m not up for the challenge of being a CEO. I was excited at the prospect of telling him that yes, actually I might not be one of those corporate robots you were scared of me becoming. I might have dreams beyond running the company. Thoughts of Kira Solace might be dancing in my head.
However, I should have known that wouldn’t be the case.
“You’re not eating,” Dad observes.
I look up at my father and give him half a smile.
“Head in the clouds?”
“Is it obvious?”
“Not about work, I hope.”
For once, no. “Always work.”
Dad sighs. He taps his fork delicately against his plate and then drops it. “Orlie, I owe you an apology.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“You know I’m proud of you, right?”
“I can’t say I do know that, no.”
My dad’s gaze falls and he shakes his head. “I think I’ve done an okay job letting you know how much I love you. But I guess I’ve never told you that I’m proud of you.”
He straightens up, eyes directly on mine. Father and son.
“I’m very proud of you and all you’ve managed to accomplish at Wynters Group. And how good of a leader I know you’re going to be.”
My heart leaps into my mouth.
“Just in the past month, you’ve made so many strides. I was scared to step back because I knew I’d be missed. Not to be arrogant–”
“Wow, Dad, we get it. You’re a beloved CEO,” I say cheekily.
Dad runs his hand through his long hair. “Look, I knew it would come out wrong, but –”
“I’m teasing, Dad. Everyone loves you.”
His shoulders fall. “I’m ready to retire. I really am. And the last thing I want is to step away and leave you with a company that’s lost faith in itself.”
I nod. “I understand.”
“You’re still growing up. I know you’re not a kid, I mean, you’re in your thirties. But…well, you’ll always be my kid, I guess. And I don’t want my kid to struggle. So, if I can prevent that –”
“That’s life, Dad,” I say, a wryness in my chest. “You can’t stop me from struggling.”
“Yes. I think I’m starting to realize that. Anyway. I’m really proud of the initiative you’ve taken with your position. Not just with your future projects, but in the way you’re starting to recognize the individuals that make up Wynters. They really are everything. They’re what make us. Don’t forget that.”
