by Jamie Beck
“I have to do right by the company, the employees, and the shareholders. If I can’t do that, I don’t deserve the title.” He didn’t look forward to facing his father today, whom he hadn’t seen since the blowup with Gentry. Colby had kept him apprised of his dad’s condition, which had neither improved nor deteriorated. Hunter had expected a call after the argument with Jenna, but his dad had gone underground. “I’ll round back with you after the meeting.”
“Good luck. I’m pulling for you. I’m sorry Sara isn’t here for support, but if things don’t go well, and you need a shoulder—”
He raised his hand. “I’ll be fine.”
A lie, but in this instance, it worked. No need for her to think he couldn’t handle himself, or to give her false hope that Sara’s absence left an opening for something more personal than their collegial rapport, if that’s even what she wanted.
He raised the stack of materials. “Here goes nothing.”
“I have faith, Hunter. CTC has to remain a Cabot family business.”
He nodded, hoping her faith would be satisfied.
Haru knocked on the doorframe. “Excuse me. Everyone’s in the conference room when you’re ready.”
He nodded sharply, then forced his feet to move. Along the way to the conference room, people watched and whispered. His father’s arrival had heralded a lot of speculation. Hunter wasn’t ashamed of the decision he’d made regarding the bylaws, only of the way he’d gone about it. He should’ve talked to his father first—another mistake to add to a growing list.
His father caught his eye through the glass wall before Hunter entered the room. He’d taken his normal seat at one end of the table, flanked by Jenna and Gentry. Hunter almost stumbled, having forgotten that he’d also be dealing with his sister today. He wondered if she even cared about the damage she’d left in her wake.
Stay calm.
“Dad,” he said upon entering the room. Standing a short distance from him, he asked, “How are you?”
“I’ve been better.” His father laid his hands flat on the table, staring at him with no small amount of resentment. “I’m surprised you invited us here so quickly after hearing from Pure.”
“Are you? And here I thought my loyalty to the family and company had been proven year after year after year.” His snappish tone could be blamed equally on his sleepless week and his own hurt feelings. He couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge Gentry or Jenna.
At least he had Colby on his side. She and Alec had been checking in on him daily, quietly reminding him he wasn’t completely alone. He kissed her hello and took the seat at the opposite end of the table, facing his father.
“Let’s just vote so we can leave,” Jenna said.
“Hold up.” He kept his gaze on his dad. “There’s more to examine than just looking at Pure’s offer.”
“Is there?” His dad sat back and crossed his arms. “I’m almost afraid to learn what else you’ve been up to this week.”
Hunter met his father’s leery gaze.
“As you know, I’ve no interest in selling. I believe in this company and its future.” He took a breath, looking at Colby because he needed to see a friendly face.
“We’ve all heard this song and dance,” Jenna said, but his dad covered her hand with his to back her down.
“Last year I’d brought up the idea of ready-made tea, but you put me off. For the past several few weeks, I’ve done additional research and had some off-book discussions with King Cola. I haven’t had enough time to nail down specifics, but KC is exploring the possibility of a partnership of its bottling division with CTC to produce ready-to-drink iced tea.”
His dad waved him off. “Hunter, a whole new product line is a monumental undertaking.”
“It would be if we were going it alone, but pairing up with a bottler and its distribution infrastructure makes it less risky. The compounded annual growth rate of this billion-dollar market in the past five years was sixteen percent. In North America, eighty percent of tea drinkers drink iced tea. This continent is also the fastest-growing region for ready-to-drink tea. Doing this will not only diversify CTC’s revenue stream but also give us a big boost in a high-growth market.”
“Why would King Cola be interested?” Jenna asked.
“The soda market is losing ground due to increased health concerns and shifts in consumer habits. Noncarbonated drinks, like water and sports drinks, are gaining market share. King Cola doesn’t have a tea product or expertise, while we have a nationally recognized name and beloved flavors. It’s a perfect marriage.” Not long ago he believed himself an expert on perfect marriages, he thought dimly.
“It’s still risky. The Pure deal is money in our pockets today.” His dad leaned forward. “As you’ve made abundantly clear, I’m not in a position to lead this company, am I? So why should I care about this idea?”
“Everyone, including me, hopes you’ll be back here soon.” That was an undeniable fact. “If you don’t want to come back in a full-time capacity, I’m ready to lead, Dad. Let me take us to the next level.”
Jenna rolled her eyes.
“That’s unnecessary, Jenna.” Colby leaned forward. “Hunter’s dedicated himself to this place and its future. We owe it to him to consider his plan without dismissive eye rolls and pouting.”
“Thank you.” Hunter squeezed her hand. “After Pure’s due diligence review—”
“Which you sabotaged,” Jenna interrupted.
He ignored her, keeping his gaze on his father. “Pure has revised its offer down to one hundred twenty million. You said at the outset that, if they materially changed the initial offer of one hundred forty, it wouldn’t be a slam dunk. And now, if we hold on to the company and make a deal with King Cola, the value of the company should increase by twenty percent in a few years, maybe more. Why let Pure buy us cheap and waltz off with that value?” He passed out the projections and analyses he and Bethany had put together, which included a side-by-side comparison with the Pure deal. “Take a few minutes and look at these numbers.”
He noticed Gentry eyeing him, but she didn’t flip through the spreadsheets. She wouldn’t be able to read them, anyway, so he supposed it didn’t matter.
He met her gaze and held it, hiding any emotion. He hated the fact that he needed her today, but she was the tiebreaker. He wanted this so badly he was tempted to kiss her ass. Then he thought of Sara’s pain—of his failed marriage—and he couldn’t do it.
“I think this is an exciting idea.” Colby closed the binder. “I also have complete faith that Hunter can run the company.”
“I don’t.” Jenna’s nostrils flared. “This stunt he pulled this week shows a certain immaturity, don’t you think?”
“It could’ve been handled with more sensitivity, but his rationale wasn’t flawed. If I were general counsel and unconcerned with familial relationships, I’d have advised that he follow the bylaws.” Colby grimaced. “Sorry, Dad. But the company needs a leader, and you aren’t well enough now.”
His father nodded at Colby, then sighed and looked at Hunter. “Let’s be truthful. Our family has had a rough time lately. I’ve been sick, Gentry’s decisions have had some harsh consequences, and now your marriage is in trouble. I’d like to think that we’ll work through these issues, heal, and move on at some point—sooner rather than later. But right now, the wounds are fresh. Given what’s going on with Sara and you, I’m not so sure you’re in the right frame of mind to lead the business, let alone lead it through a major overhaul like this King Cola deal would require. And that’s the other thing. This isn’t a done deal. They’re interested, but there will be due diligence and other negotiations that need to fall into place. If we pass on Pure and the KC deal falls through, then what?”
“I’m not just saying this because it’s what I want, but I really don’t think the deal will fall through. King’s highly interested, but it’s a huge company, and just like with Pure, things can’t move at lightning speed. Even if it
does fall apart, there are other soda companies and bottlers out there. It’s a solid idea, and we’re in a perfect position to pitch it,” Hunter responded.
The room fell silent for what felt like a year. His father’s gaze wandered out the window. Jenna impatiently tapped a pencil eraser against the tabletop. Gentry’s head bowed, but her forehead wrinkled as if she was concentrating. Colby’s wan smile indicated she was bracing for his inevitable disappointment.
He dad heaved a long sigh, then met Hunter’s gaze. “I’ve always been proud of you and your work. Of your commitment here and elsewhere in your life. I know I’ve made you promises, and that I’ve let you down. I’m sorry about that . . .” For a moment, elation filled Hunter’s lungs; then he saw his father rub his forehead. “But at the end of the day, I still think the safest move is to sell. Who the hell knows where the economy will be in a year or three? Right now we can all walk away with the money to do whatever we want. You can start something of your own, Hunter. Build your own legacy.”
“So that’s it.” He couldn’t feel his body. “You’re voting to sell?”
“I’m sorry, but yes. I’m voting to sell.” His father’s gaze dropped to the table.
“I vote to keep the company.” Colby pressed her lips together.
Jenna looked right at him. “Sell.”
So this was it. Just as he’d thought when he first walked through the doors. All the work he’d done meant nothing. The sacrifices he’d made, and their costs, for nothing. Unexpectedly, he chuckled.
“What’s so funny?” Jenna asked.
He lifted his pro forma. “This is probably the biggest and most complex business decision we’ve ever had to make as a group, and the deciding vote goes to the person in the room least qualified to analyze the options. The one person without a full-time job, who now, because she’s about to be a mom, has a very personal motivation for wanting a windfall of cash.” He let the binder fall before he stood and paced in a tight circle. “How does that make sense? In what kind of crazy universe should all my hard work and talent and knowledge count for nothing more than Gentry’s opinion?”
“She owns as much stock as you do,” Jenna snapped.
“I don’t have an issue with that, but at least admit that she’s the least qualified person in the room to make this decision.”
“Stop it, Hunter.” His dad coughed, and everyone turned to him. “We’re not going to continue to tear into each other. I’ve always taught you that fair doesn’t mean equal. I understand your frustration, and obviously you are one of the most qualified people in this room when it comes to understanding this industry and our company. But both your sisters will be affected by the outcome, and they both get a say. We’ve heard from Colby. Now it’s time for Gentry to make a decision.”
Gentry visibly shrank in her seat. He had to admit her lack of attitude today surprised him. He held his breath, waiting for the ax to fall.
“If we don’t sell, I still get dividends like always, right?” Gentry asked their dad.
“Of course.”
She looked at Hunter. “And those payments should go up if you’re able to branch out into the iced tea business?”
“Yes.” He stood completely still, every hair on his body vibrating in anticipation of her decision.
“You and Colby both have said that you think I’m good at PR, and launching a new product line would require a lot of marketing and PR, right?”
He rocked back on his heels, surprised. “Yes.”
“Would you consider giving me a full-time job in the marketing department?” She sat up a bit, not looking at her mother, whose eyes had gone as wide as sand dollars.
“Would you be willing to start at the bottom—part-time, until you finish your degree—like I did?” Hunter folded his arms, unsure of whether he really wanted her here every day. He was still angry, and now he’d have to watch her belly grow with the child who was supposed to be his and Sara’s. But she did own part of the company, and it might be a small price to pay to keep it in the family.
“As long as you don’t plan to shove me in a storage closet.” Her customary smirk popped into place for a second, but then she must’ve thought better of it.
“You’d start in a workstation in the marketing department, just like your mom did.” He remembered Jenna from way back then, when he’d been a kid playing on the floor by his dad’s desk, pretending to be a businessman.
“Then I vote for your plan.” She looked at her shell-shocked parents. “Sorry.”
No one spoke for a moment.
He ran his hands through his hair because he didn’t know what else to do. “Thank you.”
Colby grinned. Jenna shook her head. But most puzzling was the way his dad looked at Gentry with a proud smile.
“Well, well. I didn’t expect this. Who knew you could negotiate?” His father patted Gentry’s hand before looking at Hunter with a shrug. “I guess you have your answer.”
He felt disembodied, because deep down he’d been expecting the worst despite believing with every fiber of his being that this was the right call.
“Dad, I truly hope that you’ll be back, so together we can take this company ahead like we’d always planned.”
His dad pushed himself up, wincing and rubbing his knee. “We’ll see. We’ll see.”
Jenna sat still, as if paralyzed by her disappointment. His dad tapped her shoulder. “Come on, don’t look like that. Maybe you should thank Hunter for the fact that he’s created an opportunity for you to work with your daughter.”
“I can’t believe this.” She looked at her husband with dismay and displeasure. It would take her a while to process the loss.
“Gentry, I’ll let Ross Hardy in HR know to expect you tomorrow morning. Jenna, why don’t you think about where Gentry should start, and get together with Ross to discuss it.”
She managed a cordial tone. “I’ll call him later, after I get your father home and settled.”
Hunter walked around the table and extended his hand to his dad. “I know this isn’t what you wanted, but I promise I won’t fail. I’ll make you happy that it turned out this way.”
“I hope so, Hunter.” His dad pulled him into a hug. “Maybe this will be a first step towards bringing the family back together.”
Hunter patted his dad’s back, still not quite reconciled with forgiving Gentry, and unconvinced that he and Jenna could ever be completely civil.
Colby gave him a big hug on her way out the door. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Me too.” He hugged her. “Should we celebrate at Gab-n-Eat?”
“I wish, but I have to get to the restaurant now. I’ll talk to you later.” She waved and followed their dad and Jenna into the hall.
Gentry stood a distance from him. “Just so you know, I didn’t do this so you’d forgive me. I know you’re pissed, and maybe you’ll never be able to look at me without being mad, but I won’t keep defending myself. I voted like I did for myself, and also because I think Sara was right when she said this place is your baby. It is, and you deserve to keep it, just like I deserve to keep mine.”
In typical fashion, she breezed past him, leaving him standing there with his mouth hanging open.
When had Sara said that? Probably while complaining about his schedule while Gentry was living with them.
He strolled back to his office, his mind racing with thoughts about his victory, his sister, his wife. He should be popping champagne instead of sitting alone at his desk staring at his fish. He stroked the wood desktop with his palms and glanced around his office. His second home. He’d always liked it here, but today, at the pinnacle of his career, it just felt big and empty.
He picked up the phone and called Sara, but it went to voice mail. He hung up without leaving a message. She’d hardly be pleased to learn about what’d he’d done this week. She hated his commitment to CTC and might even take his news as some kind of snub.
Sara rolled up her yoga mat and wiped her
neck with a towel. “That felt great. I’m glad I came.”
“Me too.” Lisa nodded, tossing her towel in the wire basket in the corner of the locker room before taking hold of Sara’s hand and dragging her to the fitness center’s café. “It’s great having you around. Not as lonely.”
“Lonely? You always act like you’re having the time of your life.”
“‘Fake it till you make it,’ sis.” She paused to order two peach-oat smoothies, then resumed the conversation. “Oh, don’t look at me with cow eyes. I’m fine. I mean, I live in a house that’s smaller than your closet, and I haven’t had sex in three months, but I’m fine. I like my freedom. I can pick up and go wherever I want, whenever I want. Maybe you should get a tricked-out tiny home and we could travel together!”
Sara laughed. “No, thanks. I don’t need much, but unlike you, I’m not a nomad. I like a home. A place. If I stay, I’ll need to start thinking about that, and about going back to work.”
Lisa smirked, shaking her head. “I thought you’d finally seen the light and ditched the nine-to-five life.”
“I don’t like having too much free time on my hands.” She thought about Colby’s foundation and the Angel House. Leaving without warning or goodbyes hadn’t been her finest hour. Ty’s face flickered painfully. She sipped the smoothie, determined to focus on the present, and remembered her mom’s plea. “Maybe you should consider getting a second job. It’s a great way to meet new people. As for me, it’d be an important step in starting over.”
She said those words but couldn’t imagine a life, or family, that didn’t include Hunter. Each day they’d been apart, seconds took hours to pass. He’d been so angry when they’d spoken on Friday. Almost taunting her with her hasty decision . . . not that he’d been completely wrong.
She’d thought to call since then, but each time she’d chickened out. Had she secretly hoped he’d miss her so much he’d come down here to drag her back and promise to find balance? Just like her sister, Sara was faking it, too.