I’m glad I don’t have a drink in my hand, or the rareness of meat wouldn’t be the only thing that looked like a crime.
“Will your son be doing the same?”
“For now, I’m letting Finn focus on the basketball season with his friends. But in the future, I would like that, yes.”
Mr. Montgomery scoffs. “Sports. The only thing those are good for is betting. A hobby. At their age, I was already a regular within the company. Money doesn’t make itself.”
“When the time is right, he will be mentored by me personally.” Abram’s eyes flick over at him, hawklike.
“Still, I would agree that starting sooner is better than later. Success isn’t for the lazy,” he notes while stabbing his fork at Abram.
If Abram’s unsettled by his remarks, he doesn’t show it. Collected as ever, even in the brief silence that hangs in the room. That’s the part that worries me. I can’t read him.
Madison’s father, in his egotism, doesn’t seem to realize he’s overstepped. Everyone else has. Even Lorna’s stalled her conversation. Waiting to hear Abram’s reaction.
The drumming of his fingers along the edge the only way I know he’s heard him. Waiting with guarded anticipation.
Then the movements stop, and Abram’s lip turns up, carnal.
“Need I remind you, the Caspers did not become one of the most influential families by sitting around.” Voice as ruthless as it is guttural. “I do not need you to try and sell me on a problem that does not exist. This is my family. You act as if your opinion is a product. I assure you; I know what I’m doing.”
“We do not undervalue the Caspers,” Mrs. Montgomery notes, stepping in. Tone a little nervous now. “My husband is simply suggesting it might be better to include Finn, same as Silas is doing with Cole.”
“And I will when I think he’s ready,” Abram defends, not missing a heartbeat.
“But Silas—”
“Whathedoes withhischild is his concern.” Grit lingers in Abram’s tone. His stare holds even me hostage. “Understood?”
Mrs. Montgomery is quiet for a moment before her mouth draws in and her chin jerks.
“Perfectly.”
It isn’t long after that Abram dismisses dessert. Heading to his private office in search of something stronger than a blackberry tart.
Lorna invites everyone else to the sitting room to enjoy and they agree. Following her only out of formality. Everyone else knowing the meal was over after Madison’s father opened his mouth.
The sad thing is, I could tell he honestly thought he was being helpful. Pride and egotism go hand in hand.
Still, If I were Madison’s dad, I wouldn’t hold my breath for that account.
The invite to join them had not onlynotbeen extended to me, but I’m grateful for the reason to ditch early.
“Blue or purple?”
Two sets of brightly colored party streamers are shoved in my face right after I hear the question.
I swat Finn’s hands away. “What are you doing here? I didn’t know you were back.”
His lips turn up, grin evasive before shoving the items right back in front of me. “Pick one.”
“Why?”
“Why else do you think?” He clicks his tongue, disregarding me. More persistent in choosing a color. “Look, just pick a color, okay?”
“Are you throwing me a party? A birthday party?” I ask skeptically. My nerves jump from under my skin at the thought.
His wrist snaps, fidgeting. His persistence inflating.