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I was more relieved than I should be.
“And based upon her actions tonight, I think she is equally finished with me. Which is fine because my focus really needs to be on work. Speaking of which, that wine you’re drinking… It better be one of ours.”
“I’m actually not sure,” I said, looking down at my near-empty glass. No wonder I was still in the same entry-level role since I started. I didn’t even take enough initiative to know the full product line and support the company when I went out. I bet my manager did.
Jonathan waved the bartender over. “Let’s fix that. Jeff, please bring her a glass of Silver Leaf.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you and your sister get together often?”
“No. It’s hard to schedule time together. Our lives are so different.”
“Work always gets in the way.”
Was he talking about him or me?
“Marketing, huh? Do you like it?” he asked.
“Yes. I love it, although I wish I were more involved, had more responsibility.”
Looking more serious, like he always did in the office—but maybe with a hint of regret—he said, “Responsibility isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.”
“Perhaps. But…” The bartender placed a fresh glass of wine in front of me. “Thanks,” I said to him.
Before I could continue my thought, Jonathan lifted his glass of scotch. “Cheers.”
I clinked my glass against his.
“What made you go into marketing, Kara?”
“Cliché, perhaps, but I followed my father’s footsteps. He’s a marketing director. And—”
“You’re a daddy’s girl, I’m guessing?”
“Yeah. Totally.”
He laughed. “Bet you have him wrapped around your little finger.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Can’t blame him for wanting to spoil you rotten.”
“Hey.” I punched him playfully on the arm.
Yup. The muscles feel stronger than I imagined.
“You shouldn’t talk, mister. Aren’t you the golden child who followed in your grandfather’s footsteps and took over a mini-empire?”
He traced the top of his glass with his index finger as he stared into space. “I did. Except in my case, I never felt as if I had a choice.”
“Really? I thought you lived and breathed Capital Brands.”
“I do. But I was raised to do what my father refused to do.”
“I don’t understand.”
“My dad’s a cardiologist and never wanted anything to do with the booze business, or any business for that matter, which nearly broke my grandfather’s heart. Grandpa wanted nothing more than to keep his dad’s company in the family. So, as soon as I was old enough to recite my ABCs, he started to prepare me to take over. As an adult, I realized my parents would have supported any path I chose. But as a kid, I didn’t see it that way. I was only interested in keeping the old man happy. I loved spending time with him. He had the best stories and knew so many interesting people.”
