Page 12 of I Think They Love You

Denz picks at his muffin. He watches his dad steeple his fingers, ignoring Eva’s snappy comeback. Kenneth’s in the zone.

Denz is too.

The inception of 24 Carter Gold was inspired by an idea his dad had right after college. He was the King of Parties. Not keggers or the frat-house, vomiting-in-the-bushes ’80s movies kind. Thoughtful, organized, full-oncelebrationsthat had everyone on campus begging him to coordinate their next get-together. Denz’s grandparents, a retired doctor and teacher, funded most of the start-up. Their connections provided the initial clients. When they died, their shares were left to Kenneth, the aunties, and their husbands.

What Eva said makes sense. The company should stay within the family, one way or another. But it’s still his dad’s decision.

“I’m not stepping away until late spring, so…” Kenneth pushes up his glasses to eye every face at the table. “The public search can wait. I’ll take self-nominations. Everyone in this room has contributed to our current success—”

“Everyone?”Eva challenges, eyebrow arched.

They all know where her comment is directed: Kim and Connor, who started six months before Denz. While Kenneth is always diplomatic about his approach, the aunties are… direct.

Ruthless, to be honest.

“Everyone,”Kenneth affirms. “Any nominations?”

A hush. Denz anticipated a Carter Monopoly Night bloodbath. Who wouldn’t want a shot at Kenneth Carter’s throne? The second this goes public, ambitious event planners and CEO-wannabes are going to pounce. His dad is giving them first dibs, and no one’s shooting their shot?

Kami’s hand goes up. “I’m in.”

Denz grins proudly. Kami’s one of the most senior staff members. Kenneth has mentored handfuls of event managers who’ve gone on to start their own companies, but Kami stuck around, perfecting her craft while also elevating the company’s status.

“Being CEO means a lot of hours in the office,” Eva reminds her. “How will that affect Mikah?”

Kami’s brow pinches. Before she can reply, Cheryl jumps in. “Kamila can handle it,” she posits. “Kenny did it. And I’m a prime example of a working mother who can do it all. Right, Jordan?”

“Uh,” Jordan stammers, “right, Mom.”

“I wouldn’t call what you doworking,sis,” Eva says dryly.

Denz winces. He’s impressed by his coworkers’ ability to maintain neutral expressions during the exchange.

“Kamila’s afantasticcandidate,” Cheryl asserts.

Kenneth makes a note on his phone. “Anyone else?”

Eric raises his hand, cheeks flushed. He’s handsome, walking that fine line between a bookish nerd and one good selfie awayfrom being a model. He was hired three months before Kami, fresh out of the University of Texas. Now, they’re both the company’s top event managers. CEO is the obvious next move for him too.

“Eric!” Kenneth’s grin broadens. “Glad to see you step up for this opportunity.”

Kami quietly bristles. Not because Eric nominated himself. They work great together. It’s Kenneth’s public approval of Eric’s decision, something he didn’t extend to her. When it comes to his children, excellence is the bare minimum.

Kenneth leaves space for other nominations.

Kim finishes two muffins, cheeks so full there’s no way she could volunteer herself. Connor sinks low in his chair like no one will notice him. Cheryl narrows her eyes at Jordan.

“No way,” he says, surrender hands raised. “I’m just an assistant. That’s too much responsibility.”

Denz appreciates his cousin’s honesty. Jordan’s barely two years out of college. Stepping into a CEO role would be a bold move. Even Denz recognizes his own weaknesses. He’s a boss at the marketing side, but when it comes to performing during actual events?

He’s… not a Kami or an Eric.

A year ago, on the morning of a major politician’s luncheon, Denz failed to pay attention to theINandOUTsigns of the hotel’s kitchen. He slammed right into the pastry chef carrying a four-tier cake. A buttercream nightmare. After cleaning up, he did an emergency run to six different bakeries in search of a replacement. While the guests enjoyed the variety of cupcakes he found, his dad’s glare made Denz want to hide in the hotel’s walk-in freezer for the rest of the event.

If prompted, the aunties could list each of Denz’s “hiccups” throughout his 24 Carter Gold tenure. Which is why he nearly swallows his tongue when Eva says, “Denzel would make a great candidate!”

Cheryl chokes.“Denzel?”

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