Page 86 of Sins of the Father

Oh God.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just lost.”

“Stay put. I’m coming to get you now.”

My stomach twists. I quietly say, “Okay, thanks.”

I hang up, hand Dawn her phone, then force myself to smile. “Guess I got lucky meeting you two. My ride is coming.”

Marilyn steps behind the bar. “Let me get you a drink, honey. What do you want? Wine? Beer? A shot?”

Give me ten shots to hide from my embarrassment.

“I’ll take a glass of cabernet. Thanks.”

“Is Chase coming to get you?” Dawn asks.

“No. My sister-in-law’s brother, Steven.”

“Is Jamison your brother?”

“Yes. Do you know him, too?”

“Sure. And Quinn and Steven, too. They all do a lot with the charities I support. Vivian and I work closely on things surrounding her foundation.”

I wince some more.Now I’m embarrassing not only myself but my family and friends, too.

And they are business contacts.

“Well, thank you so much for helping me.”

“Sure. Chicago can be confusing if you don’t know your way around.”

Marilyn hands me a glass of wine. “Drink up, sugar. It’s going to be a while before they get through traffic.”

“Thank you.” I take the drink and try to be polite and continue the conversation, but all I feel is shame.

And when Steven comes racing in, demanding to know how I got into this situation, my self-loathing only grows.

13

Steven

Earlier That Day

When I get to work,Shira comes into my office an hour earlier than normal.

She knocks, and I look up from the project I am engrossed in. “Why are you here so early?”

“Do you have a few minutes?”

I point to the seat. “Sure. Sit down.”

She crosses her legs. Her back is straight, and she folds her hands in her lap.

“What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to discuss my role here.”

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