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“He would never do that.”He would totally do that. But he didn’t this time.
“I know, but still. Sometimes I think he’s pushing me out the door.”
“No, he’s not.”Churchill felt the same way. Maybe you’re both right.
“He thinks it’s easy to run the firm, but it’s a lot of responsibility. The ultimate responsibility. It’s about leadership.”
“I’m sure.”
“Did he bring pastry? It’s a condolence call.”
I masked my smile, knowing it was my mother’s influence. She thought carbohydrates cured everything.
“Hmph.” My father reached for the door handle. “Well, anyway, let’s go. Come on.”
No.I had to watch the Hyundai. “Dad, you go. I’ll wait here.”
“No, you’re not sitting in a car like a vagrant. Come in and say hi to Stan. It’s good client relations.”
“He’s not my client.”
“He’s a client of the firm, smart-ass. Let’s go.” My father stepped out of the car, brushed down his suit, and stood at the open door. “He’d like to see you.”
“He doesn’t remember me.”
“He asks after you.”
“I don’t remember him.”
“Then how’d you know you didn’t call him Stain? Get out. Now.” My father slammed the car door, then stood outside waiting for me. There are mountains that move more easily than my father, so I got out of the car.
“I’ll stop in but then I—”
“And take off that ball cap. It’s juvenile.”
“I’ll take it off inside.” I didn’t want the Hyundai driver to see my face.
My father shook his head, walking to the building. “TJ, when are you gonna grow up?”
I assumed it was a rhetorical question. I kept my head down as I trailed my father, watching the Hyundai under my brim. My father reached the building and opened Runstan’s door, but before I went inside, I took one last look at the Hyundai.
Whoa.
Its door was opening. The driver would be out in a minute. I could finally get a look at his face.
I stopped, stalling in the threshold.
“Gimme that hat,” my father said, yanking off my cap.
Yikes. I was exposed, just like that. The Hyundai driver was getting out.
“TJ, come in!” My father pulled me inside.
Chapter Seventeen
A teary clutch of Runstan employees filled the reception area comforting each other, and among them were Stan and John, who masked his surprise at seeing me. Meanwhile all I could think about was the Hyundai driver. I glanced outside, hoping for a glimpse. The window didn’t afford me a view.
“Stan, I’m sorry.” My father bear-hugged Stan. “What a tragedy.”
