Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
T revor hadn’t been at his desk more than five minutes when a phone call from Donovan came through.
“Good morning. How are things in corporate America?” he asked.
“Funny. I wouldn’t call this place the hub of the real estate industry, but we do our part. When are you and Mila flying home?”
“That’s why I’m calling. I’d like to get together with you this morning if you have some time. We’re leaving tonight, and I didn’t want to go without first pitching an idea to you.”
“Sounds mysterious.”
“I can be at your office in fifteen minutes.”
Trevor didn’t have anything on his calendar for the morning, and nothing would have pleased him more than to see his friend again.
“My calendar’s free. Let’s talk.”
It was the kind of anticipation that was tinged with a mix of excitement and unease. As Trevor hung up the phone, he found himself lost in thought.
Memories of the “old days” with Donovan came flooding back. Most of them good, but some were clouded with the shadows of danger and close calls.
Their time in Bolivia stood out the most—a project fraught with risks that had tested their resolve and friendship more than once. There had been moments when Donovan’s daredevil spirit clashed with Trevor’s need for prudence.
One particular night deep in the mountains, they narrowly escaped a dangerous situation with local militia. Donovan had charged ahead, undeterred by the threat, while Trevor had scrambled to find a safe route. The memory of that night still sent a chill down his spine.
Now that Donovan was on his way to Trevor’s office, Trevor anticipated a push by his friend to join him in future adventures.
Trevor wasn’t prepared to resist such temptations. He was so close to quitting his job anyway, what would it hurt to entertain Donovan’s proposal?
Donovan entered Trevor’s office with an unmistakable energy. “Just how many coffees have you had today?”
Donovan laughed. “It’s my lust for life, my friend, no coffee needed.”
They settled into the two black leather and stainless steel chairs next to Trevor’s small conference room.
“So, tell me what’s this idea you can’t wait to pitch?”
Donovan took his jacket off and then leaned in closer to Trevor.
“Let’s get the old team back together. Say you’ll work with me again.”
Trevor laughed. “Maybe you’ve been drinking something stronger than coffee this morning.”
“I’m serious Trevor, come work with me, together we can do some incredible things. It would be like the old days.”
Trevor anticipated this conversation, but he never lost sight of his new life and how impossible it would be to work with Donovan again.
“Let’s cut to the chase, are you asking me to leave my wife and children and travel the globe in pursuit of… what?”
Donovan shook his head. “No, of course not. You see how things are with Mila and me? You and Sarah can do the same thing. I’d love to bring her on board. The four of us would make an incredible team.”
Trevor ran his hand through his hair and rubbed his chin.
“I can’t do what you’re asking, Donovan. Besides, you think uprooting three children and traipsing them around the world is good parenting? You don’t have children, so you don’t understand how important it is that they have stability in their lives. Do you have any idea how difficult things were for Noah after Ava died? When Sarah came into our lives, she didn’t just save me, she saved our son.”
Trevor felt a surge of irritation. “Don’t make it sound like I’ve given up. I haven’t. But my life has changed. I have to balance my passions with my responsibilities. I can’t just think about myself anymore.”
Donovan shrugged his shoulders and then sat back in his chair.
“From what did she save you? Was your life so terrible before you got married? If it was, then maybe you should examine why you got married. Maybe you lost your nerve.”
Trevor quickly got up from his chair, his hand now a fist. “I think it’s time for you to go, Donovan.”
“Wait. I’m sorry, man. That was uncalled for. I have no right to question your life. It’s just that I look around this office and I don’t see you here. I see the Hutchins Dynasty. I remember a time when you didn’t want to step foot in this place. Now, you work here? Can you blame me for being confused? You, my friend, are not happy. I’ve known you for a long time. I know who you are and this isn’t it.”
Trevor sat back in his chair.
“You didn’t see me after Ava died, Donovan. I was an arrogant, lost man. I was far removed from letting anyone come into my life. After she died, I spent most of my time traveling, staying in hostels, sleeping on beaches, never staying in one place too long. It was the best way to avoid letting anyone get too close. That’s not me anymore. I can’t go back to that life, nor can I subject my family to it.”
Donovan leaned forward, his voice rising slightly. “What about your dreams of making a difference in the world? Don’t you miss the excitement, the sense of purpose? You’ve buried yourself in this corporate grind. Is this really what you want?”
“It’s my life to live the way I see fit, not how others see it. The only people I have to answer to are Sarah and my children. Everyone else will have to accept me or not.”
Donovan nodded, stood, and swung his leather backpack over his shoulders. “You’ve got my card; you know how to get in touch with me.” He extended his hand and Trevor shook it. “If you change your mind, give me a call.”
Trevor nodded. “I will.”
They hugged, and then Donovan walked out of the office. This time, Trevor didn’t walk him to the elevators.
Trevor had no idea his old friend would add to his frustration, but Donovan’s visit did more for him than he’d realized.
As soon as Donovan left his office, Trevor marched directly to his father’s, and didn’t care that his brother Clayton was in a private meeting with him.
“Just burst in here, why don’t you?” Clayton said, clearly annoyed with Trevor.
“Trevor, Clayton and I have a few things to go over. Why don’t I catch up with you as soon as we’re done here?”
“No, this can’t wait. Clayton can stay here, because what I have to say affects him as well.”
“We’re not going to talk about Thanksgiving, are we?” Clayton asked in his usual sarcastic tone.
“Shut up, Clayton. This isn’t the time for your warped sense of humor.”
“What the…?” Devon started to ask, but Trevor stopped him.
“I’m done. For the last three years, I’ve worked hard to fit in here, starting with the constant mantra I’d say every day as I drove here. That you and I had finally found a way to connect…to get along. But that wasn’t the truth. The truth was and has always been that you are in charge and refuse to let anyone have even a modicum of control.”
He looked at his brother. “Clayton does what you tell him…always has, always will. I can’t live my life like this anymore.”
Devon got up from his chair and walked around his desk toward Trevor.
“I don’t know what specifically you’re having a problem with, but this is my company and it’s time you accept that.”
“Do you hear yourself? Even a stroke that almost killed you didn’t teach you a thing. I’ve got a news flash for you, Dad. You can’t take it with you. All this wealth? All this power? It all goes away when you do.”
Devon wasn’t backing down.
“I gave you what you wanted when you came on board. Now, you’ve decided it isn’t enough. Talk about ungrateful.”
Trevor laughed and lifted his arms in the air. “What did you give me? Whatever you promised was just to get me to work here. It wasn’t long after you took control over everything again.”
Trevor began pacing the room. “I kept telling myself that things would turn around, and that maybe the transition needed time. Instead, I find out that you never meant any of what you promised me. You’ve lined the pockets of heaven knows who, but you’ve made a bed you’re going to have to sleep in alone. I’m not going to spend one more day being an accomplice to whatever it is you’re doing. I was in this for people who needed a place to live when they couldn’t find a home they could afford. You never cared about anyone but yourself.”
Trevor started for the door, but stopped when Devon called him back.
“Your mother expects you, Sarah, and the grandchildren for Thanksgiving.”
Trevor turned and faced his father. “Sarah and I will be celebrating the holiday with her family on Captiva. We’ll bring the kids to see Mom the day after. I’ll let her know.”
With that, Trevor walked to his office, took only a few things from his desk, and left the building.
Jacqui was shocked to see Trevor standing outside her front door.
“Has someone died? What are you doing here?”
“I needed a place where no one will ask me a million questions,” he answered.
“Okay…so you came here? I guess that means I should leave, because you know me, Trevor, I’m not one for keeping my mouth shut. You know what that tells me? You want to talk, you just don’t want to talk to certain people. Am I right?”
Trevor was already annoyed with his sister.
“You are right. You can’t shut up. Is that what you wanted to know?”
“Not exactly,” she answered, going back to her yoga mat. “I’ll just keep stretching and you talk or not talk as much as you want.”
Jacqui looked at her laptop screen and tried to follow the instructor.
“Breathe and remember that you are one with the universe…you are an enlightened human being who with love, compassion and deep connection can make a positive influence on the world around you…now let’s begin…”
“Do you have to do that?” he asked.
Jacqui stopped the video and looked at Trevor. “Is this bothering you?”
“Let’s just say that I’d rather talk than have to listen to you breathe in and out.”
She closed the laptop and got up from the yoga mat.
“Do you want something to drink or eat? Are you hungry?”
He rolled his eyes. “Jacqui, stop playing the Mom role and come sit on the sofa with me, and for heaven’s sake, can’t you just listen for a change?”
Jacqui’s finger and thumb did an imaginary zip of her lips and nodded.
“Good. I quit my job.”
“WHAT? Are you crazy? You went through so much to get that job. What in the world are you thinking? Have you told Sarah? Dad must be furious. What about Clayton? Does he know? Oh, this is awful.”
Trevor stared at his sister, and even though he was upset about his situation, he couldn’t help but laugh at her.
“You are impossible. What happened to your zipped mouth?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. But this is big news. You can’t expect me to be quiet when you tell me news like this. What did Dad say?”
He shrugged. “He’s not happy, that’s for sure. But, listen, Jacqui, I needed to tell you that I might not see you at Thanksgiving. We’re not going to be there for dinner. If I can, I’ll bring the kids by the day after, but the way I left things with Dad, I don’t think we should be anywhere near each other for a while.”
Jacqui nodded. “This Thanksgiving is going to be awful.”
“Just because we’re not there? That’s so sweet,” he said.
“Well, that and Joshua wants to meet the rest of the family that day.”
“Are you kidding? Now I’m sorry I won’t be there. I’d love to see that show.”
“Thanks a lot, Trevor. I was already upset with having to tell Joshua we’d do it another time. Now, with you not being there and quitting your job, Dad’s going to be in a foul mood. Not the best time to introduce him to my boyfriend.”
“No. I wouldn’t think so. I’d go with your plan to try another time. Thanksgiving at the Hutchins mansion this year won’t be like any other.”
He held up his hand to high-five his sister. “I do give you credit for trying, though. If you do bring Joshua, you best prepare him on what to expect. We don’t want the poor boy to go running out of the house screaming at the top of his lungs.”