Mom shrugs. “I don’t like business. I was more than happy to let your father handle the company while I got to spend my time giving back through charity work. It’s what I enjoy.”
“But... Wait... What?”
“Everything worked. Your father was happy where he was, I was happy with him doing the work. And I got to spend more time with you, Ajay and Sonia, as well as my causes. We never got around to making anything official.”
“So...what are you saying?”
“I’m saying I get the earnings reports just like any owner. And I’ve seen the sales your department brings in. It’s a smart business decision to promote you and demote your father. You’re the future of Loot.”
I pull back from my mother and look at her with equal parts fear and admiration. “Mom. You’re savage.”
“I’m a good businessperson. If you don’t want to be your father’s boss, then it may be time for him to retire and travel with me for my charity work. And for fun.” Mom loves giving back, but she loves having a good time too.
“I don’t want my mom to just give me a company.”
Mom snorts. “You were always going to get this company because of who your parents are. You and Ajay and Sonia. But you’re going to run it because you’re better at this than almost anyone else on the planet.”
“You’re biased.” I feel emotional at getting some validation from one parent.
“I’m not biased; you’re just perfect. I’m not going to argue with facts.” Mom gives me an exaggerated kiss on the cheek.
She gets a laugh out of me, and I move to sit on the other side of the couch, taking a drink of wine. I’m dehydrated and I think there’s some sort of hydration in this wine. Or there was at one point.
“I don’t want to win like that. I don’t know. I think it’ll be good to work somewhere else. At least for a while. Get away from Loot and all its emotional baggage. Just work.”
“Think about it. Will you come to dinner tomorrow?” Mom gets up and walks to the kitchen.
“Depends. Who else will be at dinner?”
“Has Sonia visited?” Mom starts making plates from the food she brought.
“You know she’s been here. And you didn’t answer.”
“You have to forgive your father eventually. Why not tomorrow?”
Now I get mad all over again. “He hasn’t even said sorry. How am I supposed to forgive someone when they don’t even ask for my forgiveness?”
“Because you’re the bigger person?”
“I’m the kid!” I say indignantly.
“Because you’re the less stubborn person, then.”
“I’m really not though.” She should know this about me.
“Well, it’s always been close. I’ll work on him next.” She brings the plate to me.
“I don’t want you to,” I continue over her when she starts to protest. “Seriously. I’ve put so much effort into this. I want him to put in the effort for once. Or I’m done.”
“Oh, beta. You’re never going to be done with family who loves you. And he does love you. Despite how bad he is at showing it. And I know that’s not an excuse, but it’s true.” She puts the plate in front of me. “Now eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” I protest weakly.
“Did I ask if you were hungry? No. Eat.”
I tear some naan and dip it in the butter chicken sauce but send her sad eyes while I do to let her know this is being done under protest.
“And while you’re doing that you can tell me about Gavin Carlyle.”
