His reminder on his phone chimed letting him know it was time to meet with his father. Dylan had been ready to tackle everything today, but that was probably more than his father could handle. So once again, Dylan’s list of questions was going to need to wait. Another day or two wasn’t going to change anything.
The Choice was only a two-block walk from Grayson Corp., and it didn’t take him long to meet up with his father. Of course, Dylan had run a few minutes late and his father hated being kept waiting.
“You’re late.”
“Have you ever known me to be on time?” Dylan asked.
He laid down the menu and said in a serious tone, “You’re running a multi-billion-dollar company. I’d have thought that would mean something to you.”
“Dad, this is lunch. You make it sound like I’m blowing off the deal of the century.”
“Dylan, you need to take things more seriously.”
“And Dad, you need to learn how to loosen up.” This was a good intro to what he needed to say. “Things are different at Lawson Steel now.”
“So I see.”
“I’m glad you do. We…function differently than before. It might not be what you’re used to or what you want, but it works for us.”
He stared at Dylan and asked, “What are you trying to say?”
Dylan wasn’t really firing his father. It was more like… Shit. I’m firing him. “Dad, you should enjoy this time with Penelope and leave Lawson Steel to us.”
“That is your mother’s job.”
“And running the company is ours.”
“I ran that company for more years than you have been alive,” he said firmly.
“Dad, you handed over the reins for a reason. Now it’s time to let go. We know what we’re doing and—”
“You don’t need me.”
When said like that, Dylan felt like an ass. He needed to watch his next statement, or his dad would be right back in the office tomorrow, raring to go. “Dad, if you didn’t think we could do this, you never would’ve stepped down.” That was all he had. Putting the decision back on his father. Either he was wrong then, or wrong now.
“I can see why they sent you.”
“What do you mean?” Dylan asked.
“You’re not afraid to do what needs to be done. That doesn’t mean I agree with you, but I’ll respect your decision. I will not be in the office tomorrow or any other day. Not unless one of you calls and asks for my assistance.”
“Thanks Dad.”
“Are we still eating, or was this just a ruse to get me to meet you?”
Dylan shook his head. “I’d have suggested coffee if that were the case.”
He picked up his menu and said, “Good, because I’ve missed this place.”
It was the closest he was going to get to his father saying he wanted to spend time with them. Me too Dad.
Sofia was exhausted and had almost been asleep when Emily called asking her to come to the restaurant. What change did she need now? There was no way another shift change could be happening so soon, could it?
When she walked in, she headed towards Emily. Emily pointed to a table by the stone fireplace. Was that Dylan there sitting alone? Looking back at Emily she smiled and nodded then disappeared into the kitchen.
Sofia walked over and said, “Is this seat taken?”
Dylan looked up and waved his hand for her to take a seat. “I thought you didn’t work evenings any longer.”