His grandfather’s manicured white brows lifted.
“William,” his dad said sharply.
“We’ve already been leaking information to the press about a possible partnership,” his dad continued. “It’s what’s keeping our name in the local news. Well.” He looked Will’s way, his lips tugging into a frown. “That and other recent developments.”
Fredrick stood up. He was a big man, a cross between imposing and caricature-like in his navy suit and black cowboy boots. “We’d like to capitalize on the holiday season. We’re less than a month out from Halloween. This should be signed and sealed. There are already Christmas decorations up at some of our stores, for Christ’s sake.”
Jackson stood up as well, leaning his hands on the tabletop. “As much as I want this partnership so we can grow Grand Babies to the level it deserves, we don’t need to rush, Fredrick. There’s no harm in waiting a bit longer to iron out all of the details.”
His grandfather, unusually quiet, leaned back in his chair. “In the meantime, it’d be a nice idea for Nolan to think about the image he’s creating, the reputation he’s building for your company. When Jackson brought this idea to the table, you wanted to join forces for our mutual benefit, but right now, I don’t like the terms or the temperament.”
Like a sullen teenager, rather than a grown man, Nolan got up and walked out of the boardroom. The lines around Fredrick’s mouth tightened but he followed after his son.
Will’s phone buzzed again. He pulled it out and checked it.
Mom
I’m meeting with an event planner at Mika’s. Your sister is in a meeting. Please join me ASAP to finalize details for anniversary.
Sighing, Will typed back that he’d be there shortly, wondering why they didn’t delegate some of this stuff while also realizing that he was atypically pissed off.
His grandfather folded his hands on the table. “What are you thinking?”
Leaning forward, Will gave him the truth. “I’m thinking we’re not stupid but partnering with those two is. I don’t understand, Gramps. What are we doing? You can’t possibly think that us joining forces with them, no matter how much money they invest, is a good idea for our solid name and reputation.” He kept his voice low even though his father had called after Fredrick, then followed him.
Will didn’t like acknowledging that his grandparents were aging. For as long as he could remember, his grandpa had been his rock, his friend, his mentor. His guide. Somehow, affection and warmth had skipped a generation and what Will once craved from his dad, he got from Gramps. They’d always been close and Will hated that he couldn’t get a thorough read on the man who’d molded him. Something else was going on.
“It started out on a lot more even footing. I’m in agreement with you about them. On the other hand, their capital would go a long way to opening more stores.”
“Why do we need more stores? I have to go meet Mom to talk about the anniversary party. We’re spread so thin as it is. Is having more worth risking what we’ve got?”
A slow smile spread over his grandpa’s face, making his eyes more youthful. “You’re a good man, William. I think I need to think about that question and talk to your grandmother.”
Will nodded and when he got up, he squeezed his grandpa’s shoulder. “I know you want to solidify the Grand name, Gramps, but I think we’re more solid on our own than you, and certainly Dad, give us credit for.”
Will was on his way to the upscale eatery his mother had summoned him to when he realized there was something—someone—who would lift his mood. It almost felt like he missed her and he was regretting saying they’d wait until the weekend to go out. She picked up on the first ring.
“Hi, honey, how was your day?” Lexi’s voice filled his car as he stopped at a light and his grin was instantaneous.
“I knew you’d make me smile,” he said, his shoulders immediately loosening.
“Smile maker. I’ll add it to my résumé.”
“What are you up to?” Someone honked behind him before the light even turned green.
“Just locking up the store and heading home. I wasn’t entirely joking. How was your day?”
“Interesting. It’d be a hell of a lot better if I didn’t have to wait until Saturday to see you.”
She laughed and the sound washed over him like a touch. One he wanted badly. “You just saw me. It’s only Thursday. Needy, aren’t you?”
He never had been. “I have to stop by Mika’s. It’s a small restaurant—”
“I’m a local too, Mr. Grand. I know it. It’s not far from work.”
Was she eager to see him as well?She won’t be when she realizes your mother is there.
“Meet me there.”
