She blinks. “Then why did you?”
“Parental pressure. Societal pressure.” I shrug. “Pressure.”
“Huh.”
I give her a searching look. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing. I didn’t take you for the kind of guy who makes life decisions based on the opinions of other people.”
“You don’t exactly strike me as someone who was in open rebellion against her parents. You’re even running the family business.”
“Because I wanted to. Nobody had to force me into it.”
“Have you even tried doing something else? What if you discover there’s something better for you out in the big wide world?”
She spreads her arms wide. “This is the only big wide world I need.”
“You’re not interested in travel?”
“Sure, especially in the winter. But travel only makes me appreciate this place more. I’m always happiest when I’m home.”
“Huh.” I don’t think I’ve ever felt that way about anywhere, not even my childhood home.
“Do you travel?” she asks.
“Not as often as I’d like. I have to meet those billable hour requirements each month.”
“I would hate that. Your whole life is dictated by numbers.”
“Isn’t everybody’s? We all need to make ends meet somehow. That’s capitalism for you.”
“I consider myself lucky. I inherited my house and my business, and I live within my means.”
“But think of all the money you could have if you sold the land. No financial worries. You’d be set for life.”
“I’m already set for life, Charlie. This camp is magical. How many people can say that about the place where they work or live? I have both.”
“You don’t get lonely out here when everybody’s gone for the season?”
“The Poconos are popular in the winter months too. People drive out here to ski or snowboard.”
“But you’re not doing those things. You’re hibernating in your house all by yourself. You don’t even have a Chewy or a Buffy to keep you company.”
“I’m fine with my own company. I don’t need anyone else.”
She’s holding back on me; I can feel it, but I don’t want to pry. “I have confidence LandStar would up their offer if you want to squeeze more out of them before you agree.”
She looks at me like I grew a second head in front of her eyes. “Are you ever going to give up?”
“It’s called exploiting your weaknesses.”
“It’s called being a dick.”
I’ve pushed her too far. Time to retreat. “I’ll leave you in peace.”
“Now that you’ve destroyed it. Gee, thanks.” She gives her head a small shake. “You know what, Charlie? I take it back. You have your job to do, and I have mine. I get why you brought it up again, but let’s agree that it was the last time. If you don’t accept my answer is final, then I’d like you to leave.”
I contemplate her for moment. I can tell she means every word.
