When Mom said she was going to make this right, I had no idea this would be the result. She and our father decided to separate. Their reasoning was that news of their divorce would bring too much negative attention to our family, and we still had the legacy of the company to consider.
At first, I scoffed, thinking the worst, but our mother surprised us.
“Aja, if you had the opportunity, would you want to be at the helm?”
We were all shocked by her question, mostly because none of us believed Dad would ever give up Gentry, especially not after all we’d been through.
“Honestly?” Aja said with apprehension. “Yes. I know it’s difficult to understand, but I really do care about the future of Gentry.”
“Granddad would be so proud of you, sis,” I remarked. Out of all of us, Aja loved Gentry the most. Janae and I may have wanted different things, but the company our family built would always hold a special place in our hearts.
“The job is yours if you want it, dear,” our mother said matter-of-factly.
“What?” We all said in unison, including Evelyn, as we waited for her to explain.
“The board wasn’t too pleased about your father’s involvement with Sheriff Strauss. Your Granddaddy was smart; he had contingency plans in case the company ever found itselfin trouble like this. Your father and I both agreed to transfer our shares to you if you want them. The board is just as invested in keeping Gentry a family business. They will support you as the CEO of Gentry.”
Turning to Janae and me, she continued, “In addition to agreeing to transfer his shares, he has agreed to release your inheritance, Parker. I know it may be too late now, but Janae, you don’t have to stay at the company if you don’t want to. The choice is yours and yours alone.”
Evelyn gasped.
“Mom, I’m happy, but how did you get him to agree to this?” Janae questioned.
“Your father and I have been married for over thirty years. Throughout all that time, I never asked for anything. All I wanted was to raise my beautiful children and give back to the community that embraced me with open arms. When I left Macon, your father asked me to trust him, and I did so blindly. When things shifted, I ignored it. I disregarded what he was doing to our family, and I’ll forever regret the role I played in your unhappiness. So, I asked him to grant this one request, to return what was rightfully yours and to let you kids be happy finally.”
“Wow,” Aja and Janae said at the same time. Evelyn scooted closer to our mother, putting an arm around her shoulders.
“Thank you, Ma,” I said as emotions clogged my throat.
She stood up for us. I didn’t care about the money, I never did. I just wanted to know that she was in my corner.
This situation couldn’t have been easy for her. I knew she loved our father dearly. She probably always would. She was hurting, yet she still went to bat for us.
Our family was still broken, but now we had the tools to rebuild. Janae no longer had to go to a job she hated every day. She could pursue a singing career. Aja was going to be the CEOof Gentry, and I knew the company would be in good hands. I now had more money than I knew what to do with. Over the years, I had invested and saved, living a comfortable lifestyle. Now I was a millionaire in a matter of minutes.
The twins stood and went to the couch, where Evelyn and our mom sat, embracing her.
As my mom sat with her arms around the girls, her eyes held unshed tears.
“You all are free to live your lives as you see fit. We only have this one life, and I want you all to be happy. Whether it's working for the company or pursuing your passion, know that you will always have a home here and that you are enough. I am so proud of the amazing adults you have become.”
We surrounded her, embracing her in a hug.
Our mother had made things right and had given each of us our freedom back. As I looked around at my family, I thanked the universe for giving us this second chance and for reminding me that family is everything. I’d protect these women with my life and never take their love for granted again.
After speaking with our mother,I couldn’t put off seeing him any longer. I left the ladies to themselves and hopped in my car with one destination in mind.
Our father had been staying at The Marquis. There were a couple of townhomes on the property owned by some of the more influential people in Oakland Ridge. We rarely stayed there since we lived so close to the country club, but sometimes our father liked to host gatherings there when he was golfing with large groups.
Marching up to the door, I rang the doorbell and waited. When my father opened the door, he looked disheveled, his shirt was wrinkled, and his tie was haphazardly loose around his neck.
“Dad.”
He wore a face of shock and surprise, as if he had seen a ghost.
“Parker,” he muttered, gesturing for me to come in.
“I want to talk.”
