“Dad, I never applied,” I say at last, leaning my head back to rest as I close my tired eyes. “Tess wanted us to go to Columbia. I never cared about college.”
His nostrils flare. “Are you telling me that my son, who tests borderline genius, has no desire to get a degree?”
“Exactly. That was all Jax and Tess.” I stand up.
“Huh,” he murmurs and sits there, his brows furrowed.
“Are we done?” I glance at the grandfather clock. It’s already afternoon.
“No, not yet. These letters are from MIT, Harvard, and Stanford! They are all to Jax, congratulating him and welcoming him to their campus.”
I stretch my sore muscles. “Good for Jax because he’s actually a genius.”
“No, Reed, you both tested about the same. If you’re not going to college, what are you planning on doing?”
I shrug. “I was thinking about traveling.”
He frowns. “Traveling?” It comes out slowly. Then he starts laughing.
“Glad I can amuse you. Are we done?”
He scoops up the acceptance letters. “Far from it. You have no idea what the hell you want. So, I have decided you are going to get your college degree.” He says this, and he’s absolutely serious.
I stiffen then start laughing. “Perfect! What do you want me to say? Thank you? We’re fucking rich! Excuse me for not having a huge amount of drive right now. I need to go find myself.”
He stands up and pours himself a drink. I raise my eyebrow at him.
“Your grandfather and I have decided for you to take over a huge part of the family business. But you need to have a degree, Reed.”
I puff out air. “Why me?” I rub my hands over my face.
“Because Jax wants to do what Jax wants to do. And he’s earned that. I’m sure he’ll be taking some part in the business too. But he has his own interests. You do not. As your father, I’ve decided to help you thrive not fail.”
Dropping my hands, I stare at him as though he’s insane. “So, you and Grandpa Ian are deciding my life for me?” I laugh bitterly. “I’m not in any condition to take over.”
“Trust me, you’re not taking over, Reed. You will be supervising a portion. Shipping, hotels, and so on. Whatever you like. But you need a degree. Pick where you want to go.”
I sigh tiredly. “Like I give a shit. You have my whole life planned out. Just pick and let me know where and what time. I’ll try to show up.”
He smiles and stands. “Columbia it is then. I agree with Tess—it’s perfect for you. I have connections with people on the board. Also, Jordan is an alumnus. He can pull strings. Thank God your grades and test scores are impeccable. They should be able to overlook your tardiness.” Standing up, he pats me on the back. “Get some rest, son. You look like hell.” He leaves, and I wonder if it’s possible to feel any worse.TESS
Past – eighteen years old
London England“I guess we should circle around again. I don’t see him,” I tell Steven our driver today.
This is our fourth time around Heathrow airport. We’re picking up Brance. He’s flying in to help me pack.
New York, here I come! Never in a million years did I think I would miss her loud, crowded, dirty streets and stinky smells.
“We are going straight for lunch. Your father told me to call when we are at the restaurant. He might stop by,” Lana says, taking out her compact and lipstick from her red Chanel purse. At the mere mention of my father, poor Lana feels she has to primp.
I groan, “Really?”
Things have been strained with my dad ever since I informed him that I had been accepted to Columbia University and was moving back to New York. No congratulations. Nothing. He simply turned and walked out of the room.
“I’m so ready to go back to the States. He’s probably jealous.”
She laughs. “You’re probably right. I know I’m jealous. You need to get your own place fast. I don’t think your mother would like me visiting.” She smirks.
“I rarely talk to my mother. Brance says she’s hitting the vodka hard. She won’t want me cramping her style.” The thought of having to move back with my mother and staying in my childhood bedroom after she betrayed me in the worst way? I can’t do it.
“I have to convince Brance to stay in Manhattan. I’ll live with him. He’s still insisting on moving to LA now that he’s graduated.” I sound desperate, but I kind of am. Unless my dad gives me control of my money, I’m at his mercy. And I’m sure he would make me live with my mom if only to punish me for returning.
“Why don’t you just go to Stanford?” Lana checks her teeth for lipstick.
“Stanford is not in LA. Besides, I have always dreamed about going to Columbia. Wait… pull over, Steven… there he is!” I squeal.