Page 69 of Everything Has Changed
Almost being the keyword. Because after all this time I realize something. He needs me. I am not irreplaceable to him, or he wouldhave cast me out a long time ago. Andthatis power over this man. But, I cannot let him know that I know this, so I just steel my spine. My shoulders roll back as I brace for impact. This time, rather than the physical force he preferred when I was younger, it was his words I had to worry about.
“The plan remains the same. You will charm this town and the people with this fucking festival, which will go off without a hitch. Those numbers will be spectacular when we give them to the board and show them just how fucking lucrative this place is. We need everyone to be on your side, and then some. So when the time comes for me to announce my retirement and for you to step up, no one will argue. Then we can let them know about the expansion.”
“You mean the corporate takeover of their beloved town.”
His nostrils flare with irritation, but he lets my interruption go. “They will be more likely to accept the changes if they trust you one hundred percent. You need to show that you can take charge and lead them into a better future.”
One that will pad his pockets and those of his closest allies in this takeover, but I keep that to myself this time.
“You were born for this.”
“Actually, that was Jake” I can’t help the words that spill over, because a part of me needs to remind him and the universe that it wasn’t me. This wasn’t my lot in life. At least, until it was, thanks to one small misstep that changed the whole course of our lives.
“Do not speak about your brother to me. You lost that right when you let him die. You were too chickenshit to man up then. You can at least attempt to make things better by manning up now. Or maybe a certain cafe might have a hike in rent? A bad health rating next month? Who knows what could happen, but whatever it is, you better believeI’ll get it done. Then she won’t even have a fighting chance to stay afloat even if Triton decides to let her stay open.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek so hard my mouth floods with the taste of copper. I let it wash over my tongue to keep from letting more words that will only dig the hole deeper loose.
Unfortunately, my father knows the exact words and actions to rile me up. Right now, though, I cannot afford to let him get to me too much. I can’t let the work I’ve been putting in to set all of his plans ablaze go up in smoke instead.
“Fine,” I bite out. “What do you need?”
The smirk that unfurls on his lips is sinister. “See how easy that was? It can continue to be that easy. Now, I need you to go to the city tonight. Camila already booked you a hotel. You have a meeting with Triton first thing tomorrow morning. You will go and pitch to them how these changes are not conducive to the overall plan. You’re good with words. Put that college education I paid for to good use and make it known that these small businesses are what will help keep the charm alive that will bring the tourists in. Not some big box store or chain coffee shop they can get back home.”
“You want me to fight for the little people for once?”
“Don’t make me out to be some devil in disguise, Logan. I might have my own motives in life, but Willow Grove will always be home to me. I grew up alongside these shop owners. I know them better than you ever will. Don’t act so shocked to think I’m not looking out for them.” He tucks his tie into his chest as he takes a seat in his oversized desk chair again. “Besides, studies show it’s the truth. Tourists want local. They want exclusive.”
“Which means more money for the town to stay alive. You don’t need to sell it to me, Pops.”
He grunts in response. “Get out of here. And don’t fuck this up.”
25
Gwendolyn
“Gwendolyn.” My grandmother’s soft voice catches as I exit the dressing room. “You are stunning. Do a twirl for me.”
The back room of the thrift store had been turned into a makeshift dressing area. Four curtained-off sections allowed for some privacy to change, while a neon orange velvet couch sat in the middle. Ophelia had taken her place there, waiting for us to try on our finds.
I step in front of the mirrors placed in the corner, unable to take my eyes off the dress on my body. As soon as we found the racks for discarded old prom dresses and evening gowns made for various themed parties, I had gravitated to the deep emerald silk nestled between two poofy Cinderella style ball gowns, as if hidden from public viewing until it found the right owner.
The silk skirt of the A-line cut fell in perfect waves to the floor, while the cowl neck draped elegantly against my chest. I fiddle with the thin straps that are tied into bows at the top of my shoulders.
Ophelia stands from her seat, her hand covering her mouth as her eyes gather in tears. Stepping up behind me, she adjusts my hair against my back to get a full look at the dress in the mirror.
“Sweetie, this was made for you.” Her sniffle cracks my heart, and I turn to fully look at her.
“Why are you crying?” I swipe at the tears falling down her cheeks as she releases a small chuckle.
“Just emotional at my little Gwenny all grown up.” She fidgets with the bows, her fingers slightly shaking, before she lays her hands on my shoulders and looks me in the eye. “You look just like your mother.”
My eyes prickle with unshed tears that I try to hold back.
“She would be so proud of the woman you have become, my sweet girl.”
I can’t hold the tears back as I let one, then two, slip from my eyes.
“Oh, please don’t cry, too! We don’t want tear stains on the silk!” She wraps her arms around my shoulders, pulling me in so my face is in her shirt.
