If I went to Amelia’s parents directly, it would have questioned her reputation and possibly caused a scandal. I have to do this properly if I want it to work. And I will make it work.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out. “I need to go.” My father stands from his desk and I nod to the both of them. “I’ll see you at the benefit?”
“Yes, of course.” My mother’s tone is soothing, and she’s trying to make nice. “Don’t forget you’re escorting your sister.”
“I remember.”
When I get outside, the valet is waiting with my car door open. I’m sure they expected me to be gone by now because I never stay long.
My phone vibrates again, and I answer it.
“Are you coming to Back Room tonight?” my best friend Beckett says as a greeting.
“No, I’ve got a long meeting with the accountants. My brain will be fried after.”
“Boring.” I can practically hear him roll his eyes.
“You say that as if it wouldn’t be boring at Back Room.”
“Well, at least there when you mope in your office, I get free drinks.”
“Beckett, do you think they’re free? When was the last time you checked on your tab?”
“I have a tab?”
“Maybe you should meet the accountants with me.” He laughs, and I check the time. “I’ve got to go, but are you coming to the Monarch benefit? Please say yes. I’ll need someone to keep me awake since I promised to escort Glenda. You know how awful these things are. People showing off their money and only donating pennies to the actual charity.”
“Is Glenda back from school already? I’m surprised they’re allowing kids at these parties.”
“You really have no concept of time. She’s come of age, and this is her first event.” My phone vibrates, and I see it’s the accounting office calling. “I’ve got to run. See you at Monarch?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” he says before I hang up the phone.
“Felipe.” I answer the other call and hear Jim, my account manager, on the other end.
“I needed to confirm a couple of things I saw on the list of discussion points tonight. Am I seeing this right? Are you really consolidating your assets?”
“I intend to sell.” My voice is matter-of-fact, and there’s a quick pause on the other end.
“If you don’t mind, can you explain why? Your businesses are some of the most profitable I’ve ever seen. Why don’t you take on a partner to manage your duties while you reap the benefits? It makes no sense to sell them.”
“I’m getting married, Jim. And as soon as I say I do, things are going to change around here.”