"This all happened yesterday?"
"Yes. In the afternoon."
Okay, now I was starting to understand why Jake was pissed. I could get not calling immediately, but after a few hours?
We both rose from the couch when we heard footsteps on the staircase.
"See, he's fine," Jeannie said.
"He's not fine, Grandmother, and you know it," Jake said. Although his voice was kind, the words were direct, and Jeannie looked every bit admonished.
"What did you talk about with him?" she asked.
"About how he's not to go near Whitley Advertising again."
The relief on her face was visible.
"So, who’s going to take care of that, then? You know your grandfather won’t let it go unattended."
Jake looked at his grandmother, his nostrils flaring. "I am. I’ll take the position of CEO for the foreseeable future."
Chapter Nine
Natalie
"Oh, darling. That’swonderful news. We should celebrate. Is your grandfather sleeping?"
Jake was frowning. This was not an easy decision for him. Being CEO for both companies would be super difficult, I was sure of that.
"Yes. Let's not bother him. We can throw a party another time." His voice was completely flat, like he didn't think this was a reason to celebrate.
"Your brothers are on the way, so, at any rate, the six of us can celebrate that your grandfather is home...and your decision, if you want." She glanced at me. "Well, the seven of us."
"I'm going to be out of your hair."
I didn't want to intrude, especially if the other Whitley brothers were coming. I'd done my job, and it seemed like this was exactly what Jeannie needed to feel better—to know Jake was going to take over the business, no matter if he only did so grudgingly.