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“Nothing will make my weekend until this fuckery ends. Enjoy yours.”
I toss my cell on the desk. Closing my eyes for a moment, I roll my shoulders to ease the stress. Paul is eyeballing me, so I tell them, “Finally, some good news. My house sold.”
Paul closes his computer. “I’m calling it a day, gentlemen. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know. Caleb, send me the details of Cleanrgy, and I’ll get back to Franklin on the figures. Franklin, go celebrate.”
* * *
Closing my eyes,I push all thoughts of PetroDepend out while I throw the last of the whiskey down my throat. I stand, head to the window, and stare out over the sprawling lights of New York. Endless police sirens wail in the distance. These walls block out most of the noise and… life…
I feel lonelier than I have in my life and want to call Penny and tell her the good news. I check my cell—she hasn’t replied to a text all week, and my calls have been ignored.
My cell buzzes in my hand, and hope swells until I read my mother’s name—again. I want to ignore it only five missed calls are excessive.
“Mom.”
“Franklin. Where are you?”
“In New York.”
“Don’t act smart with me. Why didn’t you answer my calls?”
“You can’t blame me for being apprehensive after you’ve had certain women checking in on me. I’m dealing with something, as you know, that’s requiring all of my time.”
“And you can’t blame me for being concerned. What’s more important is I have spoken to Penny.”
“Mom!” I growl. “What did you say?”
“The truth. You need her. She is on her way to you now.”
“To New York? What flight?” Jesus, my head is in a spin.
“I organized the jet. Call it an intervention, but I know when my son is spiraling.”
“She agreed to get on the jet?”
“Why wouldn’t she? It’s more comfortable than commercial.”
“Penny is environmentally conscious.” I close my eyes and imagine Penny’s reaction to my mother.
“Meaning?”
“Penny is aware a private jet emits ten to twenty times more carbon pollution than a passenger plane. Just what did you say?”
“Oh, I see the connection with the Malibu house.”
“Mom,” I warn.
“I understand how much she means to you, so I mentioned how lonely you are in New York.”
What?
“Damien’s name came up, and I explained what happened.”
I tug at my hair. “Next time, askmewhat I need. By the way, Damien is finally improving.”
“Franklin, that is wonderful news. Son, please understand whatever I do, it’s out of love. I sat by and watched your father emotionally detach himself from the family all for the Hendricks’ name, and I’m not about to let my eldest son do the same. Be honest with yourself and open your heart to this girl.”
There is not enough air in the room when dealing with my mother. “Do you believe Penny will be happy living a life like yours?”
