Page 25 of Take This Heart
“When were you planning on telling me you were bidding against Everett Whitman?”
Bruce’s lips twitch into something that’s not quite a smile. “That’s important to you?”
“Yes, it is. I’ve worked with Everett in the past. He’s a good man.”
He snorts. “Well, working with him was your first mistake. And believing he’s a good man is your second. I’ve been waiting for you to apologize to me about that project, by the way. You say you didn’t know how I feel about the Whitmans, but now you do. It’s outrageous that you’re so blatantly siding with him on anything.” He gives me a pointed look.
“I have no intention of carrying out this ridiculous vendetta you have against the man. Whatever you have against him is not my business.”
“Your grandpa would be devastated to hear this.”
“What does Grandpa have to do with it?What happened?”
He slams his fist on his desk. “I don’t have time for this. It should be enough that I’m asking you, as family, to backmeand not my enemy. I’m appalled by your lack of loyalty. Family sticks together. Haven’t your parents taught you anything?”
“They’ve taught me to be fair and to look for the best in others.”
He scoffs. “I can’t believe how naive you are. I thought...” He shakes his head. “Well, I just thought you were more of a man than this spineless, weak-kneed—” He waves his hand toward me like he can’t even find the word for how pathetic I am.
It’s quiet for a minute as we stare at each other. I have nointerest in defending myself. My uncle is incapable of hearing reason when he’s like this, and I’m self-assured enough to know he’s fucking wrong about me.
He clears his throat. “I want this property, Milo, and I want you to help me with the perfect plans.”
“I can’t do that, Bruce. I’m sorry, but I was under the impression the property you wanted was hours away from this parcel of land. I believe in what Everett’s doing. I think he deserves this. I’ll be happy to work with you on another property, but not on this one.”
He frowns. “Do you hear yourself? He’s a fucking Whitman! What do you mean, Everett deserves it? What does he want to put there that’s so deserving?”
I shake my head. “I’m not going to betray his trust to tell you that.”
“You’d really pick that man over your family?” His eyes narrow. “You’ve always been soft, to the point of stupidity.”
I give him a cool look. “Then why did you want me in on this?”
“Because I thought you’d finally learned to play the game.” He leans back, disappointment etched into his features. “You’re more like your dad than I realized.”
My jaw tightens.
His words hang between us, heavy and bitter.
I stand and straighten my jacket. “Thank God for that—my dad is a great man. I have no room in my heart for hate. I’m sorry that you do, Bruce. I really am.”
He doesn’t reply, just watches me as I turn and leave, the door clicking shut behind me. Anna’s eyes flicker with curiosity when I walk past her and nod briskly.
When the elevator doors close, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. My uncle can be intimidating, but I meant what I said. If he just wants family that mimics hisbehavior, he shouldn’t have bothered with me. I’d been more than willing to help him with another project, but not this one.
A few days later, Everett’s number flashes on my phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Milo!” Everett’s voice booms through the line. “We got it! We got the property!”
A breath punches out of me. “That’s incredible, Everett.”
“I put in a high bid. Higher than I probably should’ve.” He chuckles. “But dammit, I wasn’t letting that old goat Bruce Granger outbid me. Not this time.”
Relief swells through me. I wasn’t sure Bruce would let the matter go without more of a fight.
“I’m so happy for you.”
