“Great, now let's get this done and over with,” Blake said as he stretched.
“Good work on the speech today. Your father would have been proud,” my mother said.
“Thanks, mom. Now let's get in there,” I said.
The lawyer started reading the will, and as expected, properties and assets were split evenly between Blake and me. That was until the company.
“And my legacy Parker Corp would be handed over to my first son Nick Parker as its sole proprietor, President, and CEO,” the lawyer read.
Silence settled around us. We looked at each other.
“Uhm, sorry, there must be some kind of mistake,” Blake chuckled nervously.
“Yeah…” I said, “…could you read it again?”
“It says Nick now owns Parker Corp, and only through his death or through a proper handover would Blake become the head,” the lawyer said as he handed the will over to me. “You can have a look at it yourself.”
I read through it, and just like he said, everything belonged to me now.
“It's true,” I said. “I've been made both the President and CEO and also chairman of the board. Parker Corp is practically mine now.”
“Well, that's…alright,” Blake said with a smile. “At least I'm still in the company.”
“Yeah, at least you are,” I replied.
“Hey, chin up. I don't remember father being so down over responsibility,” Blake added as he nudged my shoulder. “You've got this in the bag.”
This didn't sit right with me. Something felt wrong.
“I'm sorry,” I said.
“Come on, don't say that,” he sighed. “I also got part of dad's properties and assets. With proper investments, I'll be making more bags.”
“I envy your optimism.” I smiled, then turned to the lawyer. “Is there anything else to be read?”
“Nothing else, that's all of it,” he said as he adjusted his tie. Out of his briefcase, he brought out a sealed envelope. “Here are the deeds to Parker Corp. With your signature, the transfer will be complete.”
I opened the envelope and signed the documents inside. When I was done, I handed the papers back to him.
“We'll be in your care, President Nick,” the lawyer said.
After the evening, I was getting ready to be with Aisha.
“Aren't you coming?” I asked.
Blake was finishing up with some phone calls.
“Can't,” he sighed. “I realized that I have some things to tidy up on, and I want to start diversifying the assets I got from dad. You have fun.”
“Alright then, good luck,” I said.
On the car ride to Aisha's place, my mind was focused on how Blake was coping. At least he was understanding.
“I believe I ordered a twin sandwich,” Aisha said as she crossed her arms.
“I apologize that the order won't be effective,” I said.
“I take it the reading didn't go well?” she asked.