Lexi wished her sister was a little less open with their parents. She could’ve covered for Lexi and said that she’d gone to a spa for the weekend or something less controversial than spending several days with a man her father didn’t seem to like. “I’m sorry, but I’m thirty-eight years old. I didn’t think I needed to report to you.”
“While you’re staying on the family compound, I’d appreciate the courtesy of an update. It’s only natural that we would want to know where you are and that you’re safe.”
He wasn’t wrong, but this was certainly cause for ramping up the timeline on moving out. “I’m sorry, Dad. It won’t happen again. Plus, you won’t have to deal with it for too much longer. I’ve reached out to a real estate agent. I’m hoping she can show me a few houses this week.”
“There’s no reason to rush. You’re welcome to stay in the guesthouse as long as you want.”
“I appreciate that. I do. But I need my independence. Do you realize I’ve never lived in my own place? I went from living at home, to a dormitory, to Roger, and then back home. I need a house of my own.”
Her father nodded and stuffed his hands into his pants pockets. Lexi always worried when her dad got quiet. It usually meant he was mad, or at the very least unhappy. “Are you going to admit to me that you spent the weekend with Jack Bowden?”
Here we go.Apparently, they were about to have this discussion. “I don’t have to admit anything. I’m not embarrassed. Yes, Jack and I went away. He’s working incredibly hard on the Soiree on the Bay project and only has time on the weekends.”
“Is it serious?”
Lexi shook her head adamantly, even when she wasn’t certain her response warranted that much of a definitive slant. “It’s not.”
“Why do I feel like you’re just telling me what I want to hear?”
Because I am? Because I don’t know what else to say. Even I don’t know what’s going on between me and Jack.“It’s the truth. I thought you’d be happy to hear those two things match up.”
“I don’t want you getting in too deep, Lexi. A guy like Jack is okay for dating. But you know, when the time comes, you’ll want to set your sights a little higher.”
Lexi knew very well that her father had some pigheaded ideas lodged deep inside him. But she was still surprised when she heard those things come out. She’d listened to this speech as it pertained to Brett many times. And she wasn’t going to make the mistake of nodding her head like a good daughter and letting him get away with this close-mindedness again. “Dad. You don’t know Jack. I can assure you that he’s of the highest character. He treats me better than any man has ever treated me, and that includes my husband.” It was the truth. Jack regarded her like she was a queen. And when they were together, she never doubted that she was his sole focus. “And honestly, you should be thanking Jack because he saved me from some epic embarrassment on Friday night. We were going to a charity event in Houston and Roger was going to be there. With his new fiancée. Jack changed our plans, even though he was supposed to get an award.”
Her dad cast a dubious look her way. “My guess is that he had other objectives.”
“Dad. Listen to yourself. Jack’s instinct was to protect me. If anyone should appreciate that, it’s you.”
“I’ll decide what’s worth appreciating.”
Lexi decided this was going nowhere. She got up from her desk, walked past her dad and waited at the door, hoping he’d take the hint that he was cordially invited to leave. “If you don’t mind, I should get to work. I’m expecting a call from Lila with the Chamber of Commerce. There’s an arts fair this fall I think we should sponsor.”
“Arts fair? I’m not sure that attracts the sort of people who might want to bank with us.”
As much as Lexi was tired of this conversation, this was the perfect illustration of his troublesome attitudes. “And that’s the problem. When a man like Jack Bowden, who is hardworking, honest and owns a solid business, walks away from our bank feeling as though he isn’t welcome, that spells trouble for our business. We need to be welcoming, not sitting in an ivory tower.”
Her dad opened his mouth to respond, but just as fast, he closed it.
“Dad. Whatever it is you have to say to me, come out with it. I’m tired of tiptoeing around these things. I know you feel like I’m trying to change everything, but I only want you to open your eyes. I love you, and I don’t want to see your life’s work go down the drain. But I think it will if you don’t take the time to consider that the old way of working was never a very good way.”
He sighed and wandered over to the window. “Do you ever feel old, Lexi?” He turned back to her. “Because I do. And every time we have this conversation, I feel a little bit more so. I’ve been in charge of things for so long that it’s hard to let go. And I can’t help it. I feel better when I’m in charge of things.”
“You’re still in charge, Dad. I’m just steering you in a slightly different direction. One that I think will seal your legacy and the future of the bank. That’s all I want.”
He smiled thinly. “Do you know what I want?”
“I don’t.”
“For you and me to be able to work together, happily.”
“Okay. That’s going to require some flexibility on your part.”
“I’m beginning to see that.” He strolled back to the door. “And I will try. I will.”
Lexi wasn’t sure she should broach the other subject looming overhead, but now seemed as good a time as any. “I would feel better if you and Jack could make another run at getting to know each other.”
“I thought you said it wasn’t serious.”
