“Oh, soo… youdidn’tfollow the life plan they had laid out for you?” Graham said.
“I know it looks that way, but trust me, that’s not it. You’re probably too young remember our grandparents, dad’s parents. They died when you were just a baby. His alpha dad, grandpa Dom, or Dominic, he was the one who made me want to go into the family business. He was so passionate about it, and told me stories about how his father had built it up from nothing. He started with one small deli and market, and grew it to a multinational chain of supermarkets, which Gramps took over and diversified. It wasn’t mom’s plans. It was mine, she just thought it was hers. And marrying Asa, well, that was me giving up trying to find what grandpa Dom and grandpa Ray had. At first, I thought I could find it. But honestly, when it didn’t happen, mom’s yapping about Asa didn’t seem so bad.”
“Wow,” Graham breathed out, “I had no idea.”
“I never told you,” Nickolas said.
“I guess you didn’t,” Graham said, “So why now? And if the company is all you ever wanted, why were you so willing to give it up when mother threatened you with the board. Or were you just bluffing?”
“I was definitelynotbluffing. I would give it all up for Jai. Grandpa Dom always said the only thing that meant more to him than the business was his family, and especially his omega, Grandpa Ray. He always said when I met the omega for me, I’d know it because everything else would come in second to him. And he was right,” Nickolas said, “I’d give everything up for Jai.”
“Wow.” Graham said, a huge smile on his face, “I want to meet this guy. Sounds like he’s bloody special.”
“He is, but I fucked up and didn’t tell him just how special, and amazing, and wonderful he is… and then he found out about Asa, and well… he ran.” Nickolas sighed.
Graham winced, “Ouch, yeah. Wow. That’s a mess.”
“Trust me, I know. But it’s a mess I plan on cleaning up, because not having Jai in my life? Well, that’s just not an option.” Nickolas informed Graham.
“As you said, you always were an overachiever. So I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it right, and when you do, I can’t wait to meet him. Plus, at least you know he doesn’t want you for the money.”
Nickolas arched his brow, “Well, I know that. But why do you say so?”
“Don’t be dense. If he did, he wouldn’t have run. He would have put up with you and Asa, and accepted whatever you offered.” Graham said like he was talking to someone slow.
“Good point. He does enjoy putting me in my place. Do you know how many times I had to apologize to him after I went out of town without calling?” Nickolas said, laughing for the first time in days.
“Please tell me,” Graham said gleefully.
“A lot. Trust me. A whole lot, and he wasn’t satisfied until I promised it would never happen again.” Nickolas said a big grin on his face as he remembered how Jai called him out for his bullshit.
“Wow he does have you by the short and curlies, doesn’t he? I definitely need to meet him.” Graham said laughing.
“You will. Once I convince him I’m not the biggest alpha-hole alive.” Nickolas sighed.
“If he needs a reference on how awesome you are, to get him back, call me,” Graham said, before hugging Nickolas.
“Thanks, G, I may actually have to take you up on that,” Nickolas said, before getting into his car. He waved at Graham before leaving his parents’ house. Nickolas said a prayer that the P.I. he hired would have some good news for him quickly, so he could start showing Jai that he deserved him, and would never hurt him again.
