“I know, I know. I thought you might bend the rules with the Ivanov deal, but apparently, you’re more stubborn than me.”
“I am more patient than you. I do things in the correct order, as should you. Fuck her, marry her, then fire her and fire the workforce. That will save me more money long-term than your twenty percent cut in the deal. Always think long-term, Hunter. That’s how you succeed in this life. Plan for the future.”
I look at the blotches on his cheeks, the broken veins from the lifetime of heavy drinking, the watery eyes filled with memories of all he’s done to reach where he is today. “I intend to,” is all I say about that.
“When you return to the office, Toby will be there.”
The door opens, and I turn in time to see Ernesto walking in. “Baby brother,” he says, throwing his arms around me, and kissing my cheeks. “It’s been so long.”
“Ernesto,” I reply. “Call me baby brother once more, and you’ll be walking out of here on broken legs.”
He throws himself into an armchair, laughing loudly. “Always with the threats, yet when was the last time we fought? We were children.” He slaps me on the back. “Congratulations are in order. I heard Ivanov pissed his pants when you made him sign. Is that true?”
“The contract was signed. That’s all that matters.”
He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a contract of his own. “While you worked hard to secure one business, I bought out three. You need to up your game.”
I glance down at the contract. “Consolidated Holdings- Melbourne, Bob’s Fruit, and Veg - London, Tonia Falcone’s factory - Bangkok. How much are we talking?”
“Three million a year.”
I can’t resist laughing.
“What? What’s so funny?”
“One floor of Ivanov’s building will bring in that when it’s rented out again. Maybe you’re the one who needs to up their game.”
The smile crumbles on his face but only for a moment. “Three firms. You only got one.”
“One building. Thirty-two firms. Worth fifty times as much.”
“All right,” Father says. “Enough bickering.” He turns to Ernesto. “How is Julia?”
“Fine.” The humor has gone from his voice. His mouth narrows, and his gaze darts around the room. “There is no problem there.”
“So she is out of the hospital?”
“She fell.”
“I didn’t ask what happened.” Father glances my way. I note his raised eyebrows. He wants me to notice. Ernesto volunteered that answer. He’s lying.
“How did she fall?” I ask. The answer he gives will tell me everything I need to know.
“None of your fucking business,” he snaps. “When you get a woman, you can start bitching about mine. All right?”
“Will she be well enough for the wedding?”
“Of course.” His smile returns. “It’ll be such an occasion. I take over the famiglia, and you can carry our gifts out to the car, get used to taking orders from her and me.”
“The contest is not over yet,” I say, getting to my feet. “I have work to do.”
“You have no girlfriend. You need one to get married, you know? You had a shot, and you lost it.”
“I have a girlfriend. I only need to propose. You will lose.”
“Enough bickering,” Father says, draining his glass. “Go back to work, Hunter. Enjoy life as a magazine editor.”
“Going so soon?” Ernesto says, yawning loudly. “Couldn’t fetch me a drink on your way out, could you, baby bro—”