Page 144 of Late Nights & Love Lines
Beck’s home office is as big as a three-car garage, but with all of us in here, it’s tight.
“Okay, what’s going on?” Leo asks from the corner. He’s doing the baby slide while wearing little Ryker.
“A business meeting,” I say at the same time Beck says, “A family meeting.”
I defer to him—it’s been all hands on deck this week and we’ve each taken over a different area of the project.
“I’m not part of the business,” Leo says, grabbing the diaper bag as though he can’t wait to escape this meeting.
“No, but you’re part of the family, so we need you here. And, whether you accept it or not, you do own shares in Crystal Waters,” Beck says. Leo grumbles something unintelligible but goes back to his baby slide in the corner.
“Anyway, things have changed,” I say.
“If we accept the deal with Blaine Industries…”
“What do you mean if?” Rowan interrupts. “Don’t you have to because of Coleman?”
“No, we don’t have to do anything,” Beck explains, though there’s no hiding how his jaw twitches. “We would take a loss, but not nearly as catastrophic as we would have without the other investors on board. After what happened with Coleman in the press, the other investors have recommitted without restrictions, but Blaine brings us into a whole new arena.”
“It’s a much larger-scale project than we had anticipated because they’ll want to incorporate their hotels,” I explain.
“That all sounds like good things to me,” Tabby says with a frown.
I stand and walk to the projection on the screen showing the forecasted growth. “It is, but it means that we’ll all be busier than ever.”
“We have to decide if that’s what we want for our families. It will mean some initial travel, longer hours, and lots of changes for the next year,” Beck explains.
Alexei jumps in, “But the long-term benefits would far outweigh the initial sacrifice.”
“Says the one man without a family,” Beck growls. “We’re not going to take on something of this size without everyone on board. That means you all as well.” He points to where Rowan, Stella, Tabby, and Bella sit huddled together.
“Well, we have each other to lean on, and a year isn’t so bad,” Stella says. “If it’s good for the long-term sustainability of the merger, then I say go for it.” Tabby and Bella nod in agreement.
“Row? What do you think?”
She jumps in her seat. “Oh, I— It’s not my— I mean, I’m sure they…”
I stalk her slowly as she stumbles over an explanation. She said she chooses us, but there are still moments that freak her the fuck out and she mentally grabs her running shoes.
Granted, it’s only been a week, but she made a commitment, and I’m not letting her go now.
“Your opinion matters too, Rowan, because you’re a part of this family.”
“Flipping mafia, I swear,” she grumbles.
When I cage her in her chair, she sighs. “Fine, yes. I agree with Stella too.”
Leaning in, I kiss her forehead. “Was that so hard?”
“Dad?” Seren calls, and the front door slams shut. She’s supposed to be at her friend Marlo’s house, so I’m immediately on high alert.
Rowan has already slipped out from under my arms and is hurrying to the doorway.
“We’re in Beck’s off— Seren, what’s wrong?” Rowan’s words fill my veins with ice.
“M—Mom,” Seren chokes.
Every single person in the room stands and leaves to give us privacy.
