And that was it. He got it. Thanks for returning it, dickwad.
“Messages,” I reminded him.
Jerry sighed. “Look, I love that you’re up there to supervise things. But Sunset is on course to its best year ever, so I really don’t think any big changes are needed.”
Deep breaths. “We’re having a good year because of the vintage two years ago. The storm that was supposed to hit us turned, but if the next one does hit, Brien is worried the old nets won’t fully protect the vines. He’s also worried about the sun path and slope for the new vines you proposed now that he’s had some time to look at the topography a bit better. Not to mention no one here knows a thing about the land we recently acquired. There are rumors of a building permit?”
“No need to get excited, Rachel. It’ll all work out.”
Excited? I’d give him excited. Misogynistic asshole. He went there, and his silence these past twenty-four hours meant I would too.
“Jerry...you and my father never drew up an operating agreement. Which means the rights and responsibilities of both partners default to New York’s corporate code, Chapter 502 of the New York State Statue which, in this case, gives all stakeholders the right to vote for a board of directors, or in our case, a manager. It also gives each stakeholder a right to review the books and records of the company upon request, which I made when you came up here. In addition—”
“I know the laws, Rachel.”
His tone had completely changed. Gone was the fake affable, long-time father’s friend. This was the businessman who had three homes because he was good at his job. And I had no doubt he knew the law. As long as he realized, I did too.
“Good. And since I informed my father ten minutes ago I’ve decided to accept his half of the business, and will be staying at Sunset Vineyards permanently, you should have that paperwork by the end of the week. Maybe then we can have an actual discussion that doesn’t involve you pandering to me.”
Silence.
“I will need to discuss this with your father.”
Someone was mad.
Clearly, he thought I was up here on a little vacation. “Of course.” Taking a deep breath, having thought about this every waking minute since Monday when Marco and I talked about the possibility, I went for it. “Sunset has been a good investment for you, Jerry. Maybe now would be a good time to get out.”
“Get out? As in, sell to your father?”
I looked down at my desk to the valuation number that basically verified I couldn’t do this completely alone. No way I’d get a loan for that amount. But I hadn’t bit the bullet and called my father for nothing this morning. Asking him for help had been one of the hardest things I’d ever done. But like Marco said, who was I spiting by being pissed off at him for the rest of my life? I was a long way from completely forgiving him, but my father had been trying. And the least I could do was meet him halfway.
Not only had he been thrilled to hear from me, he hadn’t hesitated when I told him I wanted to stay but that working for Jerry was impossible. I didn’t even have to ask him to help buy Jerry’s half of Sunset. He offered without hesitation.
I just had to accept it, which I did. Making it clear I’d be taking out a loan as well.
“As in sell to me.”
Another pause. And then. “I have no interest in selling. But I do need to speak with your father. Have a good day, Rachel.”
“Same to you, Jerry,” I said tightly before he hung up.
My hand trembled. I’d never been able to get that under control. It was one of the many things I disliked about being a lawyer. I could run with the big dogs and pretend not to be scared, but that killer instinct just wasn’t me. I hated every second of it.
I pressed another button on my phone.
“So? Marco asked, answering immediately.
“It was awful,” I said. “My hands are actually shaking.”
“But you did it?”
“I did it. He said he’s not going to sell.”
“Of course he did. We never expected him to jump at it. A guy like him likes to win, and selling to you, right now, would not be winning in his mind. You planted a seed. That was the goal.”
“It’s been planted alright.”
“You’re upset. I’m coming over.”