We’re going home to discuss our options, my mother announced, gathering her purse with trembling hands. Jillian, come with us. Jillian hesitated, looking between our parents and Grandpa Harold.
Jillian, my mother repeated sharply. After a moment’s hesitation, Jillian followed our parents from the room. The heavy library door closed behind them with a sound like the period at the end of a complicated sentence.
The dinner that evening was possibly the most excruciating experience of my life. Grandpa Harold had insisted we all stay at Lake View Manor to begin the transition process, as he called it. My parents and Jillian arrived last to the dining room, having apparently spent the afternoon in intense private discussion.
The massive oak table that could seat 24 comfortably now felt both too large for our small group and too confining to contain the tension radiating between us. We ate in near silence. The only sounds the clink of silverware against fine china and the occasional direction to pass the salt or wine.
Ethan kept shooting me questioning glances across the table, clearly as uncomfortable as I was. After the main course had been cleared, Grandpa Harold spoke. Tomorrow morning, we’ll meet with the board to announce the leadership changes.
Amanda, I’d like you to prepare a brief statement about your vision for the company moving forward. My father’s knife clattered against his dessert plate. This is still precipitous, Dad.
The board has worked with me for years. They won’t simply accept Amanda stepping in without question. They will when they understand the alternative is a public scandal and potential criminal charges.
Grandpa replied evenly. Most of them have their own investments tied up in Blake Holdings. They’ll choose stability and discretion.
Later that evening, Ethan found me in the garden gazebo where I’d retreated to call David and process the day’s revelations. He sat beside me on the cushion bench, looking up at the stars visible through the gazebo’s glass ceiling. “So,” he said after a moment, “apparently, we’re business partners now.”
“Despite everything,” I laughed. “Apparently, I know nothing about real estate development,” he admitted. “You know more than you think. And you have good instincts about people, which is half the battle.” I turned to look at him. “Are you okay with all of this?
You’ve always been clear about wanting your own path. Ethan was quiet for a moment. I think I’m actually relieved.
Music will always be my passion. But I’ve been struggling in LA. Too many talented people.
