Page 2 of Keep Me Never
“Paige, sweetheart.” The way he sayssweetheartis more condescending than a term of endearment. Not that he’s endeared to me.
I’m pretty sure I am a representation of his biggest aversions—artistic, lower class,single. It’s not his fault, really. We just come from different worlds.
Grant continues. “It’s not as complicated as you’re making it seem, and sure, maybe Prescott is right. You could call it old-fashioned, because yes. This is how things were done in my time, and people who were born into my world, the world your mother robbed you of, still favor this direction. It has its benefits, even if those aren’t clear to you right now.”
I want to say I don’t know why it matters, but it’s his money, his company.
Grant reaches for his espresso, taking a small sip before leveling me with what I’ve come to recognize as his tactical expression. “I’m getting old, Paige. What the rest of the world has yet to learn is how my work ethic is catching up to me.” He pats his chest. “These old organs aren’t working the way they used to, and one day, most likely in the near future, I’ll have no choice but to step back. I trust the people around me to run this company effectively. Prescott has been with me since his internship, the others just as long or longer. There isn’t a single person I fear to leave in their positions the day my time ends, but do you know what none of them have and could never achieve?”
It’s a rhetorical question, so I wait for him to answer himself.
“Randolph blood doesn’t run through their veins.” His blue eyes hold mine. “You and I are the only two people left in this world who can claim that honor. Eighteen months ago I was defeated and searching for a way to save my family’s—our family’s—legacy. And then I found you.”
I swallow, trying not to break eye contact when I really want to.
“My company’s core focus is legacy preservation and estate management. We are the guardians of generational estates. The literal definition of what we do is protecting family legacy.”
I open my mouth, but all that comes out is “oh.”
Surprisingly, Grant chuckles, the creases at the corner of his eyes deepening. “Yes, sweetheart. Oh.”
My heart pounds a little harder in my chest. “So…if someone in your—” I pause when he raises a graying brow and start again. “If someone from our family doesn’t take over after you…”
“The Randolph family legacy will be no more. The entire business model will fall. We represent royalty, names so big you would fall out of your chair if I told you, and we are still herebecause they know the loyalty of the Randolph name. Without a Randolph, we’re just another company and their money and secrets and heirlooms are at risk of exposure, or so they would assume, and I might be inclined to agree.”
“But you don’t even know me. What if I’m a slimeball at heart?”
Grant smiles, the hairs of his mustache curling over his lips slightly.
Honestly, the man is intimidating to look at. I’m basically a fairy compared to him, he’s that tall and wide. His shoulders are thick and sharp under his suit, and his salt-and-pepper hair is much fuller than a seventy-five-year-old man’s should be, but there is an air of kindness to him I can’t ignore.
“I’m a fantastic judge of character, Paige. I can peg a person after a single meeting. Call it a superpower of mine.”
His half smile matches my own and he tips his head. “This company might be at risk of falling apart, but if I thought you would destroy it or tarnish the name, I wouldn’t be asking of you what I am. I would have sold it off and made peace with that.”
“But I’m a fifth-year college student and rec leader. I don’t even charge half the kids I teach.”
“Paige, you’ve taken every business class in the book.” Right, he’s seen my transcripts. “Obviously, the purpose of those was to help you navigate your interest in running your studio, but you have the knowledge up here.” He taps his temple. “And charity is a very big selling piece for new clients.”
I wouldn’t call my work charity, but okay, that still leaves the bigger issue. “I don’t think I’m the best person for this. It would be a huge risk on your part. Clearly, I am not good with money if the state of my studio tells you anything, and taking classes for a passing grade is one thing but running a bill—” I cut myself off, the word even hard to say. “Lucrativebusiness like yours is another thing.”
“I have faith in you, Paige, and I would be here to help.”
Knots start to form in my stomach, and I shake my head. “To be honest with you, and I’d like to be, I don’t know that I’d evenwantto.”
“I know that.” He nods. “There is no denying it will be an adjustment, sometimes a small burden, but it wouldn’t only be yours to carry, now would it?” He raises a brow.
No. I guess it wouldn’t be, considering what his offer entails. “I just… I’m not ready to decide.”
“That’s okay, but I would like to request you give it a chance before you do. Can you do that?”
Can I?
Nerves swim in my veins, making me a little nauseous, but I nod, even if I’m not so sure it will turn out the way he hopes in the end.
He notices, clearly relying on his special skill, and pushes to his feet, coming my way. He smiles down at me, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder. “Do or don’t, Paige, I’ll still be here. I’d like to be a part of your family either way.”
Family.
