Page 63 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“Wonderful.” Tom sighs, then sits back down, visibly annoyed.
“Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Bradley Wines is a large part of this community, and to be honest, Jack is a flight risk,” Steve says.
I tightly ball my fists in my lap, and I have to remind myself that this is a professional setting, and I am in the presence of my mother, so I need to reign in my boiling anger. “What the hell does that even mean?”
“You left for college to pursue your own dreams, which I commend you on, but to the rest of us in this community, wine is our life and our passion,” Steve starts like he’s preparing some groundbreaking speech.Fucking joke.
Preston adds his half-baked two cents before I have the chance to speak. “I have been running one of the largest wineries in the area. I have had my hands in every aspect of this industry and know what it takes to make it run efficiently and effectively. I am involved in our community and currently sit on many local boards. I have what it takes to keep that business alive—not you.”
I start clapping. “Wonderful job. I am proud of you. Do you know that?”
“Fuck you, Jack.”
My mother stays quiet, and I’m not sure what she’s thinking. I can’t imagine this is easy for her. She’s tired, worn out, and wants to retire early. Without my father, I know she doesn’t have the energy or drive to devote to it. She’s still severely grieving. I push my own grievances aside and rest my hand on her shoulder, sensing her sadness.
“Preston is also marrying Sophia Dennings, who has deep family ties in this community. They will provide security for the business and our local economy. Not to mention that she’s also worked in this industry for years and has many connections with vendors,” Steve adds like it’s going to make a difference to me.
“I could give a flying fuck about any of that, Steve.” My eyes narrow. “And how would you even know if I’m qualified for this or not? You have no idea how capable I am or how I’ve made a name for myself in Phoenix within the restaurant industry and hospitality.”
“But not in Dupara, Jack, and right now, that’s all that matters.” Steve shifts in his seat and softens his beady eyes like he’s trying to throw me a bone.
“Again, I don’t give a fuck. It’s no secret that I didn’t always get along with my father, but I am still his son who shares his tenacity, fuck-you attitude, and the gift of being an absolute prick,” I grit out before shooting them a condescending smile.
“Here’s the thing, you have been away for nearly ten years. You have no idea how to run this business. Since we all have a vested stake in the success of Bradley Wines, I think it would be best if you let Preston and I take over,” Steve states, pouring himself a glass of water from the large carafe in the middle of the table.
“I still can’t believe you’re doing this. You were Cliff’s best friend.” My mother’s voice is shaky as she holds back tears. She takes a softer approach than I expected, but my dad’s best friend or not, I’ve never been fond of Steve. He’s always been a wormy guy who’s too focused on money and never saw eye to eye with my dad’s creative vision.
“Like I’ve told you before, it’s not personal. It’s just business—” Steve tries to defend himself, but the whole situation is still shady as fuck.
“Look, the reality is that we still own seventy percent of Bradley Wines, so despite your unneeded concerns, your opinion does not matter,” I interject, leaning back in my chair and resting my elbow on the armrest. “We will continue to make decisions on behalf ofourbusiness.”
Steve glances at his lawyer to his left, and then all three sets of eyes refocus on my mother and me. “That’s one of the things we’d like to discuss with you today. Preston and I are offering you a buyout.”
My mother’s face turns white. “A buyout?”
Steve clasps his hands together in front of the table. “Yes, that is correct, Heidi. We have drawn up the paperwork for what we’re willing to offer you.”
I pull my chair closer to the table. My mind flooded with everything that a buyout would mean. I get flashes of me as a kid. My dad chasing me through the vineyards. The first time I ever crushed the grapes with my bare feet— “Wait, what?” I blurt out, interrupting my thoughts.
Steve’s lawyer opens a black leather folder and removes a folded white paper. He glances at Steve again before sliding it across the table. Tom reaches out first and opens it. Straight-faced, he gives it to me. I snatch it from his hands, then open it in front of my mother.
Anger slashes at my back when I see the shameful and downright disrespectful offer. I raise my chin and flare my nostrils. “What a joke.”
“This can’t be a legitimate offer,” my mom adds.
The three of them stand to leave. “We are willing to negotiate. When you’re ready, get in touch with my lawyer and we’ll see what you’ve come up with.”
My mother, Tom, and I stay seated, neither responding as they walk out the door.
Pursing my lips together, I shake my head. “I need some time to process this. Let’s talk again next week.”
My mom nods in agreement, and the three of us leave the room.
“I didn’t know that Sophia was awful to Piper that day at the pool. I’m so sorry,” my mother offers, stepping into the hallway.
“Don’t worry about it, Mom. It’s not your fault.”
“I didn’t even know she was coming. I hope Piper wasn’t too upset by it.”
