Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
I’m left speechless as disgust coats my mouth. It’s always about money and the bottom line, whether it’s personal or in business.
He calms before my eyes as if reason has reentered the picture. “They only have one son.” I knew I was giving him too much credit. “Gregory is set to inherit everything.” And there it is . . . “But you chose to run around with a server instead.” Wait . . . what? How does he . . . my chest tightens and my breath labors from the inference to Keats. Did the police bring it to his attention? The cameras on the property? “I’m not going to tell them, but you’re twenty-one. It’s time—”
“Actually, I’m not,” I snap in full defense. “I know my birthday has never been convenient for you, but it’s on the thirty-first, New Year’s Eve, not Christmas. You seem to have forgotten.” The lines already embedded in his brow deepen, becoming more dominant. His mood shifts as he does, sitting forward despite the light streaming through the large windows, trying to keep things light. A view of the garden out back doesn’t stand a chance under these circumstances. His hair is more salt than pepper these days, and patience seems to be something he no longer possesses by the disdain he holds so dearly in his expression.
“That’s irrelevant to the conversation we’re having now. You’ve been chasing dreams instead of living in reality. That time will come to an end today, so the ammunition you provided me last night won’t be necessary.”
My jaw practically hits the desktop as too many emotions to pinpoint just one run through me. I land in shock, but it’s more disbelief, if I’m honest. I thought there was a floor to his cruelty. I was wrong. “Is that what you needed to get me to conform to your wishes? You need ammunition against your own daughter?”
“Nothing else was working. I knew letting out the lead just enough would benefit me. You did not let me down, dear daughter.” The dog reference makes my blood boil, but somehow that just doesn’t feel like the worst of it.
The temperature between us is rising so fast that if we’re not careful with our words, we’ll never be able to turn back. I guess this is the moment I realize I’m already there. But I can’t give up just yet. “I’m in school.” I slide to the edge of my seat, pleading my case. “I start back in a few weeks. I’m not doing anything that wasn’t previously agreed to, Dad.” My voice rises in pitch as my heart rate increases. “I’ve done everything you’ve wanted—”
Rocking forward, he steeples his fingers like we’re in a negotiation. I guess I was too naive to realize it before now. “Except what I needed you to do, and you refuse me at every turn.” I’ve seen him close deals before. This is when he goes in for the kill unless I stop him.
“Date Gregory? Is that what you need from me, Dad? I’m supposed to give myself to some guy so you can close a deal to secure your fortune.”
“My fortune? You’ve never had a job. You’ve never had to think about a damn thing in your life. It was all taken care of before you rolled out of bed in the morning . . .” He checks his watch. “Afternoon, in this case.” He’s not wrong. I’ve been fortunate in many ways, but that doesn’t make what he’s asking acceptable in any world.
“You have millions, Dad. When will it be enough because it’s about to cost you your daughter!”
He’s too composed as he stares at me like I’m a stranger. I’m losing the battle. My hands start to shake, so I tuck them under my legs on the chair so he can’t see how he affects me. “You’ve always had a flair for the dramatic. That’s why your mother enrolled you in acting.”
“I’m not actually dramatic, but yes, I have emotions. I’m real and the only kid you’ve got despite wanting a son all along.” There. It’s out in the open. I always said I’d never let them know I overheard them when I was younger, but it’s been so hard to live with their disappointment. “I will never be enough for you, will I?”
“Take a breath and calm down.” I’ll take the breath, but calming down seems to be out of reach. Resting his hands flat on the desk, he says, “You have options.”
“Which are?”
He sits back in his leather chair with tension seeming to escape his posture. He knows he’s winning. On the flip side, I’ve never been more on edge of losing in my life. I don’t know where he’s driving this discussion, but I’m certain it won’t end favorably for me. He says, “A server isn’t going to provide the life I’ve set you up for.”