I left him there, mouth agape, with a new spring in my gait. This would probably hurt my career here, but it was the right choice. Laney had called my ass out. I hadn’t put her first in years. I had put this fucking company first, and I refused to believe in a life where this place ruled me. Dennis could call a board meeting and fire me right now. But that could happen at any point. Why live or lead in fear if it could be pulled out from under me at any second?
The ringing of my phone didn’t take long, and I knew it wouldn’t. My dad’s name popped up on my dash as I pulled onto the highway. I wanted to focus on Laney when I got to her, so I answered, preparing myself for a beating.
“Go ahead, let me have it,” I answered.
“You are a fucking idiot! How dare you speak to Dennis that way? Are you kidding me? He has done so much for your career, and you treat him like that? And Petra? Please. Connor, she’s worthless. You could hire ten of her. I know thisseparation with Laney is upsetting you, but this isn’t you. Get your head out of your ass and go back to the son I know. Get a new wife. Get a new assistant, but be a CEO. You’re too emotional right now, and it’s disgusting.”
“You done?” I gripped the steering wheel, clenching my teeth as my body reacted to his words. They hurt me like he wanted them to. I had catered to Dennis and worried about my father’s influence so much that it affected the trajectory of my life. It didn’t matter that I was in my thirties; I still wanted my dad’s approval, but would that keep me warm at night? Would my dad’s approval make me happy? No.
“What the hell did you ask me?”
“If you are done throwing a fit.” I barely recognized my voice anymore. “You want me to act like a CEO so damn bad, watch me. I’m running this company the way I want, with or without you and Dennis. Unless you want to ask how my holidays are going, or how Laney is, do not call me.”
I hung up.
My skin felt too damn tight, and regret clogged my throat—but it was done and over. It wasn’t worth worrying about something I couldn’t take back. My father tried calling again, but I ignored it and focused on driving safely to Cherrywood.
An hour and a half later, I made the choice to crash the pizza place. But as I stood outside the doors, I hesitated. I hadn’t asked Laney if I could join or if she’d want to see me. She was still inside, sitting in a booth next to some pretty blonde, both of them laughing. They had drank at least two pitchers of beer, and one dude was standing up and acting out a scene from somewhere. The adrenaline from the showdown with Dennisand my dad had worn off, and now, as I watched my wife seem happy without me, I panicked.
I could text her first. See if she’d welcome my presence.
“Uh, what are you doing staring in the window like a weirdo?”
I spun, surprised to see Petra standing near me. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m staying in this tiny-ass town and bored out of my mind. The hotel guy told me this was a cool spot.” She pursed her lips. “Not sure how the meetings went today, but my email and phone are blowing up.”
“Total disaster.” I smiled through my words. “Worth it. I could blow everything up, Petra. I want you to know that if it does get blown up, I’ll make sure you land on your feet.”
Her nostrils flared. “I appreciate the sentiment. However, I need context.”
“Didn’t go well with Dennis today.” I rocked back on my heels, not wanting to hash this out. “I should—”
“Hey, guys.” Laney pushed the door open, her gaze moving from Petra to me and then back.
“Laney, hi.” Petra jumped back a foot, her face turning red as she stuttered. “I-I just walked up. I’m not with him.”
Laney frowned and stared at me with a what-the-hell-is-going-on look.
“I was debating on walking in to surprise you or not when Petra showed up based on a hotel recommendation. Apparently, this is a hopping spot.”
“It is, yeah.” Laney sighed and wrapped her arms around her stomach. “You’re back.”
I nodded, finally smiling. “I wanted to see you.”
She gave me a small grin before she met my gaze again.
“I’m heading back to my parents’. My stomach has been weird today, so I’m calling it an early night.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“I should take my car back in case it snows.”
I waved my hand in the air. “We’ll get it tomorrow. If you don’t feel well, I’m driving you back.”
“Okay.” She shrugged. “Petra, go inside and ask for Tessa, Travis, and Matt. They’re a great group and would gladly show you around. I’ll text them now.”
“Uh, great, thanks.” Petra rarely seemed nervous, but my assistant was a mess.
