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“Good, good. By the way, did you receive the e-mail I sent you about the LA mansion?” He raises his eyebrows.
“I received it but haven’t opened it yet. I’ll look it over tonight. Not much can be done until Monday, anyway.”
“In our world, every day is a good day to close a deal.” That’s the Remington motto. Work like a dog, close deals, make more money. It’s what’s expected of me as well. Just throw a leash on me and hand it over to my father.
“In our world, but everyone else’s world believes in unwinding. I’ll look it over tonight,” I say with finality.
I was always expected to be the person to take over the family business one day, especially after my brother broke family ties and went off to travel the world, which led to working with non-profit organizations. The same way my father did when his father retired. The Remington legacy. It wasn’t always what I wanted, but no one says no to my father, let alone my grandfather.
“Oh, hello, dear. I didn’t hear you come in.” My mom walks into the living room holding a teacup. She’s dressed to the nines even if she’s been home all day.
“I just got here a few minutes ago.” I stand and kiss her cheek.
“Were you with Tobias?” My mom sits on the armchair next to my dad’s and places her teacup beside the tablet on the side table.
“I was. He’s well and ready to marry Hope.” Coldness is key in our family. Forget being laid-back and happy. The Remingtons don’t believe in happiness.
“Wonderful. Be sure to tell us where they’re registered so we can buy them a gift,” my mother is the ever-present symbol of societal politeness. It’s always irked me.
“I’ll be sure to do so.”
“When will you be back to New York?” My dad questions.
“I’m not sure yet. I have a few things to do in town. On Tuesday, I have a meeting in Portland, Maine, for a luxury home.”
“Waterfront?” My dad sits forward, his interest piqued.
“Of course. They want two million for it.”
“Get that deal,” my dad demands. When his eyes are set on something, nothing will deter him from it. “It will be an easy sell.”
“That’s exactly what I plan to do. It seems another realtor in the area told them two million was too steep for the property, but they’ve done their research and know the price is competitive. They want to work with us, so it should be an easy deal to secure.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” His face leaves no room for argument.
“I don’t expect anything less,” I say flatly.
“You two are always talking about work,” my mother interrupts us as if it were a nuisance to her. She loves it, though. Our family business allows for her expensive lifestyle.
“Tell me about the engagement party.”
“It was fine. Dinner, some drinks.” I check my phone—still no message from Lex.
“Who is part of Hope’s bridal party?” My mom takes a sip of her tea.
“Ellie, Lex, and I’m not sure who else.”
“Oh…” Her face screws. “You saw that girl.” I resist rolling my eyes.
“You know she’s Hope’s best friend. What did you expect? That you could completely remove her from every aspect of my life? Not even you have that power.” I stand.
I wasn’t blind to my parents’ actions when I was eighteen and getting ready for college. There was no way that their oldest son wouldn’t attend Columbia University like the rest of his family. It was perfect for their plan. My father decided to expand the business into the city, making sure I would be the one to manage that office under the pretense that it’d be preparation for taking over the realty agency one day.
Considering my father wasn’t near retirement at that stage, I knew it was a ploy to create more distance between Lex and me. They never approved of her.
Anger filled me when Lex refused to move with me to New York after college graduation. I didn’t want my parents to win, but it seems they did. She had other dreams, though, and I was too selfish back then to realize it. Now, as an adult, I know the sacrifice it would’ve been for her to move.
“Hudson,” my father warns.
