by E. L. Todd
“I just think it’s interesting that you’re always with him,” I argued. “I knew Trinity was lazy but damn.”
“She’s with him all the time,” Slade said. “But you hang out with me and not her. That’s why it seems like I’m always with him. Besides, I don’t mind. I like hanging out with Ryan. He’s like my best friend.”
Cayson chuckled. “We both know if I said that you would throw a hissy fit.”
“That you are best friends with Ryan?” Slade asked.
“No,” Cayson said. “That I’m best friends with Cedric.”
“Would not,” Slade argued. “Totally different. Speaking of kids, did you tell Con?”
“Tell me what?” I asked.
Cayson was put on the spot. He stopped eating his food and looked at his plate awkwardly. “Well, I wasn’t going to tell anyone this right away but since Slade brought it up…”
“Dude, just tell people,” Slade said. “Conrad got married over a week ago. It’s in the past.”
I sipped my soda and waited for the news. “What’s up?”
“Skye is pregnant.” Once he said the words he smiled. “So, we’re having another one.”
“That’s awesome, man.” I fist-bumped him across the table. “Happy for you.”
“Thanks,” Cayson said. “I’m pretty excited about it.”
“When did you find out?” I asked.
“Skye told me when we were in Hawaii,” Cayson answered. “We didn’t want to tell anyone to take the focus away from your day.”
I rolled my eyes. “Dude, I don’t care. The only thing I cared about was Lexie. You could have made a speech and told everyone and neither one of us would have cared.”
“Even so, we wanted to wait,” Cayson said. “I hope we have a girl—one of each.”
“When Trinity and I have another one I want a girl too,” Slade said. “I never thought I would want one but now I feel complete without her.”
“Wow,” I said.
“What?” Slade asked.
“Who knew you would turn into such a pussy.” I laughed at the smile on Cayson’s face.
Slade’s eyes narrowed. “If loving my kids makes me a pussy, then I’m fine with being a pussy.” He snatched a handful of fries off my plate and shoved them into his mouth. He spoke with his mouth full. “But I’m gonna steal your fries to make a statement, asshole.”
Now that his hands had been all over my food I lost my appetite.
“How’s work?” Cayson asked to change the subject. “Hard to get back into it?”
“Actually, my dad and Sean are leaving on Friday. I’ll be on my own starting on Monday…” When I told the news to other people I realized how true it was. It was really happening.
“They’re actually retiring?” Slade asked in surprise. “I kinda thought they never would. They aren’t the type of guys that just sit around all day. They’ll get bored.”
“I think they really mean it,” I said. “Said they want to travel and spend time with their grandkids.”
“Are you okay with that?” Cayson asked.
“I was nervous at first, but I feel better now. I mean, I’ve been working there for years. And for the past six months, Sean and my dad have been goofing off and not contributing to the company whatsoever.”
“You’ll be fine, Con,” Cayson said. “You’ll make a fine CEO.”
“Thanks, man.” I fist-bumped him again.
“So when are you and Lexie having kids?” Slade asked.
“Are you a girl?” I snapped. “You’ve turned into the biggest pussy I know.”
“What the hell?” Slade argued. “I just asked a simple question. Geez. If Cayson asked the same thing, you would be cool with it.”
“But I already was pussy-like,” Cayson answered. “I haven’t really changed. But you’ve gone from super asshole to emotional family man. It’s easy to pick on you.”
“You gonna answer the question or not?” Slade pressed.
“I don’t know,” I answered. “I think we’re going to enjoy our lives together for a year before we start a family. We need to buy a house, something with a yard for Apollo, and I need to get the swing of things at PIXEL. Having kids right now wouldn’t be the smartest move.”
“Yeah, that makes sense,” Cayson said in agreement.
“Well, Ryan and Olympia need cousins to play with,” Slade said. “But I guess they can wait.”
“They have Cedric and baby #2,” Cayson said.
“Do you have any names picked out?” Slade asked.
“No, we haven’t talked about it,” Cayson said. “When we find out if it’s a girl or a boy we’ll probably start thinking about it then. Right now, we’re just excited she’s pregnant.”
“So, are you guys coming to the ceremony on Friday?” I asked.
“Hell yeah,” Slade said. “We wouldn’t miss it.”
“Of course,” Cayson said. “We’ll all be there.”
“You can get the time off work?” I asked. “It’ll be in the middle of the day.”
“Yeah, it’s fine,” Cayson said. “I’ll probably have to work late on Thursday to make up for it but that’s fine. Skye will meet me in the city, and we’ll get dinner or something.”
“Cool.” I didn’t let on how important it was to me. Everyone just came to Hawaii for my wedding, and I felt guilty for asking for any more of their time. But I needed all my friends and family to be there. It was a big moment in my life, something I would never forget. PIXEL wasn’t just a job. It was my family’s legacy. We had thousands of employees that loved working for us, and we had a reputation based on our work ethics and beliefs. It was more than a job. It was how the Preston’s founded their identity. And it was an honor to not only work there but to run it.
Chapter Forty-One
Sean
I sat my desk and kept eyeing the clock. Slowly, the hand moved around the circle until it almost landed on three. When the hour struck, my tenure at PIXEL would come to an end.
I didn’t feel old. I didn’t feel like I was at the age where I should retire. In fact, it was ten years younger than the average age of retirement. But this place didn’t need three CEO’s running the joint.
And there was more to life than work.
Settling down at home with Scarlet every day, having lunch with her and taking strolls on the beach, sounded nice. Maybe she and I wouldn’t have much to do, but as long as we were together we would be just fine. We had one grandson and another one the way. And one day, Roland and Heath would have children of their own. There was plenty for us to do.
The clock struck three, and the workday officially came to an end.
I was retired.
I spent twenty years at this place. Every day, I walked into the door at 7:55 am and left around four. Sometimes, I went to lunch with Scarlet, and sometimes, I spent my lunch house eating in my office while talking to her on the phone. The years when my children were away at Harvard were some of the most boring ones of my existent. It was quiet around the house—too quiet.
I blinked my eyes only for a second, and my life passed right by me.
It was depressing—but uplifting. My life so far had been pretty incredible. I made a lot of progress in this building and built a reputation my father was proud of. My children looked up to me with admiration. I had a family stronger than blood and ties thicker than water.
I didn’t have a single complaint.
But my life wasn’t over yet. I still had so much more to look forward to. So maybe this was the end of PIXEL, but it certainly wasn’t the end for everything else. It was time to move on with my life.
I walked out of my office for the last time and didn’t look back. All that was left was an empty desk. My furniture had been removed, and all my decoration and plants had been taken away. It was a ghost of what it used to be.
I closed the door and kept going.
The lobby of the floor was decorated with balloons and ribbons, and an enormous cake
sat on one of the tables. Mike and Conrad were already mingling with everyone, looking like brothers in their black suits.
Scarlet made eyes at me and knew how sad I was underneath my smiling exterior. She extended her hands to me and beckoned me into her embrace.
I walked into her and wrapped my arms around her.
“It’ll be alright, Sean.”
I rested my face in her neck and savored her scent. She was the only person who could tell me that. She was the only person I would believe. “I know, baby.”
She pulled away and gave me a smile. “I’m so proud of you. You did amazing things at PIXEL. No one will ever forget.”
“I know that too.”
“And we can do so many fun things together. I promise you won’t be bored.”
I finally smiled—truly smiled. “I’m never bored with you, Scarlet. You’re my partner in crime, my best friend.”
“Then don’t think of this as goodbye. Think of this as a new beginning.”
“I know,” I said with a nod. “I know.”
She cupped my cheeks and gave me a soft kiss, one that ended as quickly as it begun. When we were around the kids we tried to keep the affection down to a minimum.
“Congratulations, Dad.” Skye approached us with Cedric in her arms. Cayson stood beside her with his arm around her waist. “I’m so proud of you.” She hugged me with one arm while Cedric still lay against her chest.”
“Thanks, Pumpkin.” I hugged her back and kissed her on the forehead. “And thank you, Cedric.” I kissed him too. “I’m glad you’ll be next door to keep me company while I drive your mother crazy.”
“Of course,” Skye said. “Cedric and I will always be there.”
Cayson hugged me next. “Congratulations. I just hope Conrad doesn’t run this place into the ground.” He chuckled so it was clear he was joking about his friend.
“That makes two of us,” I said. “But I don’t work here anymore so it’s not my problem.”
Roland came next. “Hey, Dad. I think congrats are in order.” He hugged me tighter than Skye did. It hurt my old wound, but I didn’t say anything. The affection outweighed the pain.
“Thanks, son.” I nuzzled his hair like I used to when he was a child. I hugged Heath next, my other son. “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course,” Heath said. “I would never miss free cake.” He winked.
“Good call,” I said with a smile.
“So, what are you going to do now?” Roland asked. “Travel the world? Have another kid?”
“Have another kid?” Scarlet asked in shock. “What gave you that idea?”
Roland shrugged. “Don’t couples do that when they’re older and bored?”
“No.” I tried not to laugh. “Your mother and I are not having more children. We just got rid of you guys not too long ago. We’re going to enjoy our freedom.”
“But you’ll babysit for Heath and I, right?” Roland asked. “Because child care it too expensive and we’re on a budget.”
Scarlet rolled her eyes. “Of course we’ll babysit, Ro. You know that.”
“Sweet,” Roland said. “Free day care. Cha-ching.” He high-fived Heath.
Mike gathered everyone around. “Alright, you guys. Let’s do this.”
I came to Mike’s side while everyone formed a circle around us. The employees who worked on the top floor were there as well. Quietly, they waited for us to hand over the reins to the next Preston in line.
Mike grabbed a small black box from Cassandra and extended it to Conrad. “Sean and I have no doubt you’ll be the finest CEO PIXEL has ever seen. You’re hardworking, smart, and compassionate. No matter how hectic things get, you’ll always stay strong. And when times get tough, you’ll always do what’s right.” He opened the box and pulled out the sleek business card we designed for him. In deep black was his name and his title. “We’re both very proud of you.” He handed it over.
Conrad took it and examined it. His eyes were glued to his name right in the center. His sleek, silver wedding ring contrasted against the fair skin of his ring finger. Just a few years ago he was a boy. But now he was man. He was strong and powerful, and he was smart and understanding. Mike and I couldn’t pick anyone better to take over this company. Conrad nodded slightly but he met his father’s look. “Thank you.”
Now it was my turn. “I now pronounce you as the sole CEO of PIXEL software. Conrad Michael Preston, congratulations.” I shook his hand and clapped him on the shoulder.
Mike did the same thing. “Congratulations, son.”
Everyone clapped and whistled as we shared our embraces with Conrad. Just a few moments ago I felt the sadness hang deep in my chest. I felt like I was saying goodbye to a part of myself I would never see again. But now I felt invigorated with the change. This was only the beginning of beautiful things.
“Squeeze in together.” Scarlet held up her phone. “I want to take a picture.”
Mike and I got on either side of Conrad and wrapped our arms around his shoulders. Scarlet took the picture, and everyone us got a few shots of the three of us together.
Everyone else moved in and wanted pictures too. I took a few with Skye and Roland, and then another with just Scarlet. The last one I took was with Conrad. Cassandra was adamant about getting Conrad’s picture with everyone.
“Mom.” He kept his voice even because he didn’t want to be disrespectful, but it was obvious he was annoyed. “That’s gonna take all day. Just take one of Lexie and me, and then another group picture with everyone in it.”
Cassandra didn’t look happy but she complied. She handed the camera to an employee before she stood beside Conrad, Lexie on his other side. Everyone else squeezed into the picture until nearly all forty of us fit. The babies were held in the front, and most of the girls had to kneel down on the floor.
Slade was right beside me, squeezing in until he was breathing on my neck. “Yo, Uncle Sean. Move in farther.”
“I’m gonna crush your aunt if I move any further,” I argued.
“Guys, I’m gonna suffocate,” Silke said. “Just take the damn picture.”
The employee finally snapped the photo and we broke apart. I wasn’t claustrophobic but that was a difficult picture to take in a small room. I loosened my tie a little because I was starting to sweat.
“What’s next?” Slade said. “Should we go out and celebrate?”
“Let’s go somewhere nice,” Trinity said. “It’s a special occasion.”
“Where do you want to go?” I turned to my brother.
He shrugged. “Mega Shake?”
I couldn’t think of a better place. It was a burger joint with greasy food and thick milkshakes but it was perfect—for us. “Mega Shake it is.”
Epilogue
Slade
“Look, listen to me.” I slammed my hand down on the counter. “I’ve got to get out of here. If I don’t leave now, I’ll miss Christmas. I can’t miss Christmas, alright? It’s my daughter’s first Christmas.” I put my hands together and didn’t feel shame for begging. “Please, please help me.”
The flight secretary gave me the same stern expression she’d been giving me throughout the conversation. “Sir, flights are shut down because of the storm. There are no flights in or out right now. It’s not just your flight.”
“But I have to get home.”
“I’m sorry, sir. As soon as the flights open up again, I’ll let you know.”
“Fuck.” I stepped away and ran my hand through my hair. Everyone was going to be gathered around that tree in twelve hours and I wouldn’t be there to see it. I had to see my two kids open their stockings. I had to see my wife wear her favorite Christmas sweater.
“Like, oh my god.” A teenager girl walked up to me with her friend. “You’re Slade! Oh my god! Can I have an autograph?”
I wasn’t in the mood for this but I didn’t want to be rude. “Yeah, sure.” I grabbed the pen and paper from her and signed it. Then I handed it back. �
�Thanks for being a fan…”
“Everything alright?” she asked.
“I’m just trying to get home to see my family.” I was stuck in California and I was alone. I never should have left New York when I knew a storm was coming in. It was my fault.
“Trinity?” she asked with a smile. “And Ryan and Olympia?”
It was freaky when strangers knew so much about it. “Yeah.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “It sounds like all the flights are down.”
“Yeah, I know,” I said with a sigh. “I hope I don’t have to spend my Christmas in a hotel.” I walked away and pulled out my phone. I called Trinity and prepared myself for the disappointment in her voice.
“Hey,” she said when she answered. “What’s on the news on the flights?”
“They’re all grounded. I can’t get out of here.”
“Oh…”
I hated this. I hated being away from her. But I hated the fact I would miss Christmas. I didn’t want to be the dad that was never around. I would kill myself if I ended up like that. “I’m sorry, baby. I’ve tried everything.”
“I know, Slade. I know.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to miss Christmas…” I would spend it alone watching holiday movies and eating room service. It was the most depressing day ever.
“It’s okay. We’ll have our own Christmas when you get back.”
“It won’t be the same.”
She fell silent on the line, the disappointment filling the air. “Let me call you back.”
“Why?”
“Just let me make a call.”
“Okay.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.”
She hung up.
I shoved my phone into my pocket and looked out the window. It was pouring down rain and the wind was soaring at a dangerous speed. There weren’t any workers out there because the weather couldn’t be challenged. I took a seat at one of the chairs and stared at the water as it splattered against the windows.
My phone lit up with Sean’s name.
“Hey, Uncle Sean.” He was probably checking on me. He did it just as often as my own parents.
“Hey, Slade. I heard the bad news.”