AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“At my interview, I remember you saying that the board made you the CEO for reasons known only to themselves. Didn’t it occur to you they might have thought you were the best man for the job?”
He laughs, his eyes sparkling for the first time in ages, and I have to smile, although I don’t know why, except that he looks glorious… like he’s finally let loose the child inside the man he had to become when he was eleven years old.
“Have you been talking to my brother?”
“No. I didn’t even know you had a brother until a few minutes ago. Why?”
“Because Drew said something like that to me not very long ago.”
He’s staring right into my eyes, and even though my head is telling me to stick to the real world, my heart isn’t listening. It wants the dream.
I’m drawn to him. I’m joined to him, and he needs to know…
“There was something else you said to me at my interview…”
“What was that?”
“You said you thought you and your father were very different men.”
“I think I said I hoped we were.”
“Based on what you’ve told me, I don’t think there’s any doubt, and I think you should…”
“You think I should what?”
“I think you should step out from his shadow. Stop waiting for his criticism. It can’t come now, other than in your own head, and you know you’re better than that. Live your own life, Hunter, and be the man you want to be.” I blush, wanting to bite back my words. They might be true, but I shouldn’t have said them. “I’m sorry.”
“What for?” He frowns.
“I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Why? Don’t you believe it?”
“Yes, I do. Completely. But it’s not my place…”
“Not your place? Are you gonna curtsey to me next?”
I manage a smile. Just. “No.”
“Thank God for that. I—”
My phone rings and I look down at the screen, seeing the word ‘Mom’. “I’m sorry. I need to take this.”
“Go ahead.”
I connect the call, holding the phone to my ear.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Thank God you’re okay. I’ve been getting worried.” She sounds it, and I feel guilty.
“I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I got held up at work, but I’m just leaving. I’ll be on my way in five minutes.”
“Won’t you have to go home first, to get your things?”
“No. I packed my bag this morning. I’ve got it in the trunk of my car.”
“Oh… okay. So, we’ll see you soon?”
