“No,” I said, keeping our conversation just between us. “It’s an example of what Dad does…did. His assistant put it together.”
Lip opened the folder. “From my perspective and those of us in brand and strategy, all of us flying to the game together is important. The Coopers are known as a family business. If Mom and Dad would have flown separately, it could send the message that there’s dysfunction in the Coopers’ executive offices.”
Scoffing, I shook my head. “Dysfunction? Yeah, we don’t want to let that get out.”
“Seriously, Vee,” Lip said. “I talked to my parents and shut down the idea of them traveling separately.”
“So I have you to thank for their warm greetings.”
“There’s a lot that needs to be settled.”
I pulled back the folder. “I’ve been so busy with my duties, I haven’t had a chance to dive into this.”
“Excuse me,” Susan said.
We all turned our attention to her.
“First, we’re all very sorry.”
Pressing my lips together, I swallowed and nodded.
“The pilot is doing his final check. May I get anyone anything before we take off?”
Our flight would be approximately four and a half hours wheels up to wheels down. We gave Susan our drink orders. Unlike Daphne, the four of us chose to remain alcohol free, seeing as it was only nine in the morning—six in Vegas. Once we were in the air, I waffled between reading Bre’s notes and conversing with my cousins. Despite all that was happening, we managed to keep our conversation light with few mentions of Dad or the Coopers.
It was after we’d eaten an early lunch that Leigh breached the subject of Fin. “I was surprised you two went public when you did. Is everything still good?”
I let out a long sigh. “It wasn’t our choice to go public. Fin was spotted by a reporter in the elevator that goes up to the floor where I live. They made assumptions.”
“Accurate assumptions,” Hayden said with a grin.
“Assumptions, nonetheless,” I replied. “At first, I hoped it would subside. When it didn’t, we decided to take away the fuel of rumors. The story seemed to lose steam after we substantiated it.”
“It’s not as sensational,” Lip said, “if it’s a fact.”
“Coopers’ brand,” I said, nudging his shoulder.
“We in branding got your order from the top to let the story ride.” He quirked a smile. “Look at you making administrative decisions already.”
I shook my head. “In case you were wondering, I won’t be in the suite Sunday.”
Hayden and Leigh nodded.
“On the sidelines?” Lip asked.
“Yeah. Honestly, it was what Dad encouraged. When I’m out there, I’m consumed with the plays, the game, and the players. It’s surprisingly a retreat to be so absorbed in the action.”
Leigh reached across the table and covered my hand. “Uncle Reid was very proud of what you were doing down there.”
“I’m not doing anything. I’m watching and learning.”
She shook her head. “To hear him talk about it, what you were doing was much more than that. You were constructing an important bridge between the Coopers on the field and the owner’s suite.”
I closed my eyes, fighting new tears. My nostrils flared as I blinked my eyes open and feigned a smile. “This is where I’m torn. Do I continue my role with stadium operations and marketing and building that bridge, or do I” —I patted the manila folder— “step into Dad’s role?”
“Only you can decide that,” Leigh replied.
After landing in Las Vegas, dry heat rushed inside the Gulfstream as the door opened.
