Fuckingpride. Pride that I earned.
Because I did that.
I gave bonuses to franchises that planted butterfly gardens.
But after being in crisis management mode for the past four years, this is the first time I’ve seen one in person.
If I were alone, I’d walk over and watch the little ecosystem in action. Take five minutes to breathe and soak in my favorite pet project.
The one my father told me I could do with some special projects funds.
The same special projects funds that he used to buy thirty million dollars’ worth of useless wines.
And that’s how it always was.
Of course, Oliver. Of course I want to hear your vision for the company. Oh, haha, butterflies at gas stations. Get that out of your system now because when you’re CEO, you’ll have bigger fish to catch. Or should I say, bigger butterflies to catch?
Of course I’m listening to you, Oliver. But what you think is important isn’t what the family needs you to think is important so that you can keep our shareholders happy.
And the flip side of that reminder was alwaysand the family holds the majority of the shares, so keep us happy first and foremost.
I rub my chest and blink back the heat in my eyes as I climb out of the car again.
My arms are starting to lose circulation.
Most of the wardrobe I ordered online to be delivered to the cabin didn’t arrive, so my options were limited this morning.
Very, very limited.
And of what I did get, not all of it fit right.
I need to stop somewhere to get more clothes, but I’ve prioritized getting as far from New York as I can, as fast as I can, first.
I’m starting to reconsider that as I unbutton my flannel in the heat and study the pump.
Cupholder waves at me again from the screen and then shrinks to one corner as a video starts, featuring some newscaster behind a desk.
Fresh gossip out of New York this morning as pictures are emerging of the welcome-home party held last night for William Cumberland, beleaguered former CEO of the Miles2Go conglomerate of convenience stores and gas stations, following his release from prison earlier this week…
My jaw tightens, and I grab the nozzle to refill the gas tank as I actively ignore the video screen.
I turn to the car, remember I have to pop open the gas cap, then remember there’s a button inside the car to release it.
It’spumping gas.
I’ve been around the gas industry my entire life.
I’ll get this.
I’ll get this before Daphne gets back out.
I angle a look inside the store and don’t see her.
Should be easy to spot her, because she’s Daphne.
She’s never not standing out, so she must be in the bathroom.
Swear to god, if she betrays me, I’ll make her life hell.
