by E. L. Todd
When I left my room, Cayson was wearing slacks and a dark blue button up. “You look nice.”
“Not as nice as you.” He eyed my legs and looked away.
“I hope I can last in these heels. Me and stilettos don’t mix well.”
“I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”
“Thanks.” I grabbed my laptop and placed it into my bag.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“A little.”
“Can I get you something? There’s a Starbucks down the street. I can get you a coffee.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m sure there will be snacks downstairs.”
“Okay.” He stood up and adjusted his tie. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
He took the bag off my shoulder and put it on his. “I got it.”
“You don’t need to—”
“Don’t argue with me.” He opened the door and waited for me to walk through.
“Someone’s bossy today…”
“Someone owes me twenty dollars today.”
I blushed. “I guess I was more tired than I realized.”
He smiled. “It was a long flight. I’ll let you off the hook—this one time.”
We took the elevator down to the lobby then headed to the conference hall. The crowd was swarming in the entrance, talking and greeting each other. I didn’t know anybody so I kept walking with Cayson.
When we got inside, there was a designated area for coffee and snacks, and the rest of the room was the auditorium with rows of chairs. A chandelier hung in the center of the room, and stairs led to the seating area below. It was fancy for a conference. The hardwood floors contrasted against the white banisters of the stairway, and the dark lighting illuminated the room just right.
Everyone was wearing suits and dresses, looking professional. I read the nametags people wore as I walked by. Numerous influential and inspiring professors and experts were in the crowd.
Cayson whistled. “Wow. This is fancy.”
“I know, isn’t it?”
“I think I picked the wrong major.” He nodded toward the coffee cart. “I don’t get free food in the chemistry department.”
I rolled my eyes. “What you’re studying is far more important than what I’m studying.”
“I couldn’t disagree more.” He eyed the coffee. “Can I get you something?”
“No, it’s okay. I’m too nervous right now.”
“Alright.” He stood with me while we watched the crowd move. He looked at his watch. “It’s starting soon.”
“Good. I just want to get this over with.”
“You voluntarily signed up for this.”
“Yeah, but I always get nervous right before public speaking.”
“You shouldn’t be. You’re very good at it.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re just trying to make me feel better.”
“Would you prefer if I said you sucked and you were going to embarrass yourself?” He smirked at me.
“No, I prefer the other one.”
“In that case, you’re going to do great.”
“I feel so much better now,” I said sarcastically.
The crowd suddenly shifted as someone came through the entryway. A few people approached him and shook his hand, talking to him quickly. The room was too saturated for me to get a good look, but he wore a suit and he was fairly tall.
Cayson eyed the door. “Gee, who could that be?”
My dad parted the crowd then spotted me. Looking cool and calm, he kept one hand in his pocket and walked with his back perfectly straight. His tie was dark blue just like his eyes, and his Rolex shined in the light. The white gold band of his wedding ring looked small on his large hands. Like he owned the room and everyone in it, he came to my side then looked into my face, the fondness and affection evident.
Time had hardly weathered his skin, and faint lines that were almost invisible marked the area around his lips and eyes. His skin was fair like he stayed out of the sun, and his shoulders were still broad and muscular. Every day after work, he went to the same gym he’d been going to for years. He was thin and toned, still carrying the vigor of someone in his youth. Our features weren’t similar with the exception of our eyes. Those were the same, identical.
My dad wrapped his arms around me and gave me a long hug, squeezing me tightly. “You look lovely.”
I pulled away. “Thanks. Mom got me the blouse.”
“She has good taste.”
“And she knows how to hide a chest.”
He smirked. “Yeah, I’m not sure why she bothers.” He stared at me like he hadn’t seen me in years—like he might never see me again. I recalled the day I left for college. My dad smiled and was supportive, but my mom told me he got teary-eyed the moment I drove away. It was the same look he gave me now.
He turned to Cayson. “It’s nice to see you.”
Cayson extended his hand. “Hey, Uncle Sean.”
My dad raised an eyebrow when he looked at his hand. Then he pulled him in for a hug. “You’re getting big.”
“Hitting the gym with Slade.”
“Because that guy needs to look more threatening,” he joked. He pulled away then patted Cayson on the back. “Thanks for coming with Skye.”
“I don’t mind.”
My dad put his hands in his pockets then returned his focus to me. “How’s the room?”
“Ridiculous. We aren’t even going to be in there very often.”
“We?” Hardness came into his voice. My dad was psycho when it came to boys.
“Cayson and I. They didn’t have any other rooms available.”
His shoulders relaxed visibly. “Oh.”
Only Cayson or someone else from the family could get a reaction like that. “Mom isn’t coming?”
“No. I wanted it to be just us.”
“Oh.” My mom was my best friend. She would come down on the weekends from time to time and we would go shopping then stay up all night drinking wine. It was something only she and I did. My father and I shared our passion for business.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you.” Sadness was in his eyes.
“No, you didn’t,” I said immediately. “I was just curious.”
His eyes lightened slightly.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked.
“There’s nothing my children do that I don’t know about.” He looked around the room, eyeing everyone in our vicinity. He was like a shark, watching the school of fish around him but not really interested.
“That’s not creepy…”
“You know what I mean, pumpkin.”
“I didn’t even invite you to this. You just show up out of nowhere—like a phantom.”
He shrugged. “I’m mysterious. Is your brother here?”
“I thought you knew what we did every second of the day?” I challenged.
He smirked. “I’m not as concerned for his safety as I am with yours.”
“Because I’m a girl?” I asked incredulously. “I’m very capable of taking care of myself.”
“I know.” He kept his hands in his pockets. “But I like to ease my mind.”
“No, you’re just sexist. You treat Mom the same way.”
“If being sexist means I care about my girls, then fine. I guess I am sexist.” A flash of irritation filled his body, tensing noticeably.
“You don’t care. You’re totally controlling,” I argued.
My dad clenched his jaw. “I’m just protective. Your mother has been through a lot. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Been through a lot? What did that mean? “What happened to Mom?”
He looked away. “The conference is starting soon. Nervous?”
Was he trying to change the subject? “Dad, tell me.”
“Mr. Preston?” An elderly man came to his side. “It’s so nice to see you here.” He shook his hand vigorously. “When I told everyone you were coming, a hundred more people reg
istered. Isn’t that delightful?”
My dad kept a polite face. “It is. I’m glad to hear it.”
“Can we talk more later?”
“Sure.” I knew my father had no interest in that.
The man left, leaving us alone again.
“Having a zillion-dollar empire has its drawbacks, huh?” Cayson asked.
“Like you wouldn’t believe.” My dad’s voice was calm but the intensity shined through.
A group of girls approached the food line, talking loudly and not bothering to keep their voices down. “God, he is so hot.”
They must be talking about Cayson.
“I’d fuck Mr. Preston in a heartbeat.”
What? Eww!
“Too bad he’s married,” another one said.
“Like I care,” the first one said.
If I heard it, so did my dad. Damn, that was awkward…
Cayson smirked. “You still got it, huh?”
My dad didn’t seem amused. “According to my wife I do.”
My dad had always been weird around other women. He was so stern and rigid, like he was afraid to talk to them or even be polite. He wouldn’t even reciprocate a hug most of the time. My mom kept him on a tight leash and he was well behaved. Growing up, I had a lot of girlfriends with parents that divorced. The father usually cheated and the relationship unraveled. I was grateful my parents were nothing like that. My dad had money and I wasn’t stupid. He went on trips often, but he always took my mom with him. It would be easy for him to have an affair, but I knew he never would. He was too loyal and devoted to his marriage. I respected my dad for a lot of things, but I respected him for that the most.
“Looks like they are about to start.” He eyed the stage and the people taking their seats. “I’ll see you afterwards.”
“Okay.”
He kissed my forehead. “You’ll do great, pumpkin. I know you will.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
He walked away, one hand in his pocket. Everyone turned and stared, watching him take his leave. My father had a commanding air about him. He wasn’t famous, but he certainly was a celebrity. Being the owner of the third most profitable company in the known world certainly made him an interesting person. And the fact he was so private about his personal life made him more mysterious. I understood why he was so protective of me and my mom. If people wanted something from him, they would go through us. Despite his wealth, money didn’t seem important to him. The only things he cared about were my brother and I and our mom. And our extended family.
“Uncle Sean is so cool,” Cayson said.
“Why?”
“He can command an entire room with his silence. That’s pretty damn impressive.”
“It’s only because he’s rich.”
“No. If he were a rich idiot, he wouldn’t ring with authority. His intelligence and suaveness is what catches people’s eyes. There’s nothing that happens under his nose he doesn’t know about. Because everything is under his thumb. Being raised by him will make you a relentless businesswoman, I’m sure.”
When I thought about it, I realized my father and I were a lot alike. We both craved control and independence. We both commanded respect with little effort. When something threatened us, we didn’t take a defensive stance. We attacked. We were both cruel and malicious when we needed to be, but our hearts were golden any time it allowed. Maybe that was why my father and I butted heads more often than me and Mom—because we are the opposite sides of the same coin.
Cayson and I took a seat and listened to the other presentations. A lot of students had interesting research projects, and I learned a great deal about the open market and exchanges. There was a lot to business I wasn’t sure about. It was something I had to learn with experience, but hearing tales from other people made me see things in a different way.
When my turn came, I walked to the podium and kept my back straight. Then I set up my laptop and began my speech. Before I spoke publicly, I was always nervous. My hands would sweat and I’d get anxious. But as soon as my mouth opened, that fear disappeared. I owned the stage just like my father did in meetings. I didn’t let anyone intimidate me no matter how hard they tried. My father was the biggest shark in the sea, and he taught me to be the same way.
When my presentation ended, I received a loud round of applause. I released the air from my lungs, letting the stress ebb away. It felt good to finish, and even better knowing I did the best I could.
I returned to my seat beside Cayson.
“You were awesome,” he whispered.
“Are you just saying that to make me feel better?” I teased.
“Yes. You totally bombed.” He smirked at me, his eyes bright. “But I’m still your friend.”
“My family, actually.” I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.
As soon as we touched, I felt his fingers flinch. It only lasted for a second before his fingers went still. His hand was warm to the touch, and so much bigger than mine. His thumb lightly trailed over my knuckles in the split second we touched. Then I dropped my hold, feeling cold all over again.
We sat quietly while the rest of the presentations continued. My stomach was starting to growl, and I heard it rumble in my ears.
Cayson smirked at me then nudged me in the stomach. “Could you keep it down?” he teased.
“Shut up,” I whispered. “It’s out of my control.”
It growled again. Damn it.
He chuckled. “We’ll get something to eat as soon as this is over—if you can last.”
“I can.” I crossed my arms over my stomach, hoping it would drown out the sound.
When the lights flickered back on, the conference was over.
“Thank god. I’m starving.”
“What’s new?” Cayson joked.
We rose from our chairs then headed toward the exit. Like my father had me on radar, he joined my side and walked with me, towering over me. He didn’t speak to me, just moving with the crowd. Everyone stared at him, getting a good look at his face.
When we moved off to the side, away from prying eyes, my father relaxed slightly. Anytime he was in public, he was different, stern. Whenever we were in the privacy of our home, he was relaxed and buoyant. He always had to put on a face for the public. “You did a great job. I’m very proud.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
He put his arm around my shoulder and stood beside me. Then he pulled out his phone and handed it to Cayson. “Please take a picture of us.”
“Sure.” He stepped back and held the camera up.
A group of girls walked by. “So cute!”
It seriously grossed me out that the girls were my age and they wanted my dad. Disgusting…
We both smiled and Cayson took the picture.
“Thank you.” My father took the phone back and put it in his pocket. “Pumpkin, are you hungry?”
“Do you not know me at all?” I asked sarcastically.
For the first time, he chuckled. “You are your mother’s daughter.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I said.
“Can I take you to dinner?” he asked.
“Sure. Cayson can come too, right?”
“Of course.” My dad patted his shoulder. “He’s another son.”
Cayson nodded. “Thanks, Uncle Sean. I appreciate it. But I’m going to stay in tonight.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Spend some time with your dad. He doesn’t see you as often as I do.” Cayson stepped away. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
“No, we want you to come with us,” I argued.
“Well, too bad.” He winked then walked back toward the room.
My dad put his hands in his pockets and waited for another surge of people to pass. “Any requests?”
“Hmm…I eat anything.”
He smirked. “Well, that makes it easy.” He pulled out his phone and looked at the nearby restaurants. “There’s an Italian place just down the road.”
&nb
sp; “That works for me.”
“Then let’s go.” He walked beside me and held the door open for me as we stepped outside. The valet didn’t even ask who he was. “Your car will be here in just a moment, Mr. Preston.”
“Thank you,” he said politely.
The guy hurried into the underground garage like my dad might shoot him if he wasn’t fast enough. My dad intimidated everyone.
A slight chill in the air blew through my hair. My dad took off his jacket and placed it around my shoulders.
“Thanks.” I tightened it around me.
“You’re welcome.”
The car was retrieved. It was a two-seater Sear, the most expensive luxury car in the world. My dad splurged on a new car every few years. He always had to have the top of the line stuff, probably to keep up appearances.
The valet reached for the passenger door but my dad got there first. “Allow me.”
“Of course, sir.” He stepped away so my father could get me in the car. Then he shut the door.
I saw my dad slip the valet a hundred dollar bill.
He was always a generous tipper.
Once my dad was behind the wheel, he drove to the restaurant a few streets over.
“I thought you flew to DC?”
“This is a rental.”
“It looks identical to yours.”
“Which is why I got it.” He pulled in front of the restaurant and the valet took the car. Like always, my dad opened every door and pulled out the chair for me. His impeccable manners reminded me of Cayson. He was the same way.
I picked up the menu and looked at the selections. I was starving so I would eat anything at that point.
My dad glanced at it then put it down again.
“You already know what you’re going to get?” I asked incredulously.
“A salad.”
“That’s what you always order.”
He shrugged. “Your mom likes the way I look. I don’t want that to change.”
“Mom eats like a pig and she doesn’t look different.”
He smirked. “She’s blessed in a way I’ll never be.”
I looked at the menu then made my decision. “Where is the waitress? I’m about to eat this table.”
“Please don’t. Humans are unable to digest cellulose.”
Huh? “Sorry?”
“Never mind.”
The waitress made her appearance. And the second she saw my dad, she was smitten.