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Charlotte stands to hug Dad, then me.
Mom kisses Dad on his cheek. “This is new for you, Carson. I like it very much.” She turns to Charlotte, and I wonder what these two have discussed. Is my mother paving the way for a career for her?
My cell buzzes.
Penny.
Finished coffee with my friends. Do you want me to meet you in Malibu?
“Excuse me,” I say and step out of the room to call her.
“Hey, did you get my message?” The sound of her voice stirs happiness deep inside me.
“I did. I’ll have Royce pick you up, and we’ll head there together.”
“I can drive myself, Franklin.”
“There is no room in the garage for your car.”
“I can park at the Malibu Barefoot Bar and walk to your house.”
Why does she argue every point?
“No. Head to yours, and Royce can meet you. Just say a time.”
“Okay. An hour.”
“See you soon.”
“I received your email.”
Finally, I have a reason to smile. “Are you happy with the terms?”
“I can’t sign it. There’s a mistake… like an extra zero added. I thought at first you were playing with me before realizing it was an oversight.”
“It’s not an oversight, Penny. I had my lawyer draw it up, and it’s what your time and creative skill is worth to give up your weekends to work on the house.”
She is quiet for a long period.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept your offer. We’ll discuss the terms later.”
“There’s scope for us to agree to other monetary arrangements.”
“I’ll talk to you soon. Bye, Franklin.”
I head back into the room, rather surprised by Penny’s rejection of the contract. She is the only person I know who undersells her worth. “Tell me whatever you need me to do, and I’ll do it. I’m sorry to cut this meeting short. I need to be somewhere.”
“With Penny?” Charlotte jokes and gives me the widest smile.
“Yes, with Penny,” I say seriously, hoping they don’t read anything into it. I don’t want Dad doubting that I’m ready to lead the business in a new direction.
Mom links her arm through mine, tilting her head back as she assesses me. “I wantyou to bring her to the gala.”
“Fine.” I dismiss her while I tap on Royce’s name. “I’m heading out front now.”
Nonchalance has worked for me before. Only I get a glimpse of Mom’s reaction, and her expression tells me I shouldn’t be fine. Everyone has an expectation of my personal love life.
“Are you staying to celebrate?” My father pours Blanton’s into several glasses.
