Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
T revor drove down Estero Boulevard toward Fort Myers Beach, made a U-turn when he got to the shops, and drove in the opposite direction. He opened the windows to let the air blow through his car. Breathing in the salt air, he watched beachgoers and tourists enjoy a day in the Florida sun.
He pulled over when he got to Lovers Key, turned the motor off, and leaned his head back against the headrest. Closing his eyes, he remembered enjoying the sun and sand with Sarah and his children and took a moment to appreciate his life.
The last few months had been a struggle for him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. He felt lost, and that wasn’t like him. Each time he attempted to figure out where he went off course, he came back to the same realization. He’d given up his power to his father, something he vowed never to do, and it was killing him.
He kept telling himself he didn’t have a choice. If he wanted to forge his path in life, he had to leave his father for good.
Looking at his watch, he noted that he still had four more hours before he would normally arrive home from work. He’d spent the morning driving all over Southwest Florida, often not conscious of where he was.
After staring at the beach in front of him, he started the engine and pulled out onto the street, heading toward Rte. 41. He wasn’t far from Bonita Springs, and his grumbling stomach forced him to think about food.
Since he was only ten minutes away from his favorite Italian restaurant and market, he decided to drive to DeRomo’s to get one of their delicious sandwiches. Taste of Tuscany was his go-to lunch whenever he was in the area. This time, he’d also bring home several delicacies from the bakery.
When he returned to his car, he put the box of Italian cookies in the backseat and headed for home. It was time to tell his wife that he’d quit his job and apologize for everything he’d put her through in the last several months, and hoped he hadn’t done any permanent damage to their family.
“You’re home early,” Sarah said.
Telling Sarah he’d quit his job should have been something he did the minute he got home that day, but Trevor needed time alone with his thoughts. He wanted to tell her several times in the last couple of days, but whenever he began to speak he couldn’t find the words. More to the point, he knew she’d ask questions he wasn’t ready to answer.
“Where are the kids?” he asked.
“You’re not going to believe this but your mother came by and wanted to spend some time with them. She took Noah and Sophia to get an ice cream cone.”
“You’re right, I don’t believe it. Are you sure we’re talking about Eliza Hutchins...my mother?”
Sarah laughed. “I’m just as surprised as you are, but I’m glad she is spending time with her grandchildren. I wish she’d come around more often.”
“Was she wearing her signature Chanel suit?” Trevor teased.
“Not this time, and I have to say it was the first time I’d ever seen your mother not dressed to the nines. You didn’t answer me. Why are you home so early?”
He took her hand in his and led her to the sofa. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something… It’s important but…” Struggling to find the right words, he hesitated.
“I quit my job. I walked into my father’s office and told him I’m through.”
Trevor was going to say more, instead he waited to see Sarah’s reaction.
She looked panicked, almost ready to cry. “Does this have anything to do with Donovan Hart?”
“What? No. I mean, maybe a little.”
Sarah got up from the sofa and began pacing the floor.
“I knew this was going to happen. I felt it. I even said to you that you were jealous of him, that he had the life you wanted. I’ve felt so much anxiety over this ever since the dinner the other night. I even talked to Mom about it. You have no idea what turmoil you’re creating in this family.”
Trevor shook his head, “I don’t want Donovan’s life. I don’t want the life I used to have either. Nothing is more important to me than you and the kids. Just because I quit doesn’t mean I’ve got plans to travel around the globe. That works for Donovan and Mila, doesn’t work for me anymore.”
He placed his hand on her face, his thumb rubbing the tears off her cheek. “Sarah, I’m not proud of the way I’ve acted lately. I know I’ve seemed like a petulant child pouting and complaining, blaming everyone around me for making me unhappy. But the truth is I never should’ve taken a job working for my father in the first place.”
He pulled her into his arms and held her, doing all he could to comfort her and take away the pain he’d caused.
“I’m so sorry,” Trevor said.
Sarah pulled away and looked at him. “What are you going to do?”
Trevor shrugged. “That’s a good question. I’m not sure.”
“Should I be worried? I mean, our finances are in good shape, but I know you. The Trevor I know doesn’t mind cutting coupons and having peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. I don’t mind those things either, but we have the kids’ future to think about. I guess the question I’m asking is what kind of job can you do that’s going to not only cover our cost of living, but allows us to continue to put money away for the kids’ school, and who knows what else?”
“It’s a fair question, and one that I’ve been grappling with for the last few days,” he answered. “We’ll figure it out, as long as we stick together, we will find a way.”
Just then, Noah and Sophia ran into the room, followed by Trevor’s mother.
“Hello dear, I wanted to talk to you and I thought it would also be a good opportunity for me to see my grandchildren.”
“Hello Mother, I think I know what you want to talk to me about, but there isn’t anything to be said, at least not right now.”
“Why don’t I leave the two of you alone to talk? These two little ones look like they wore most of their ice cream, rather than eating it. I’ll take them in the other room and get them cleaned up,” Sarah said.
As soon as Sarah left the room an awkward silence between them was palpable.
“Listen, Mom. I know why you’re here. Dad must have told you I quit. I appreciate you stopping by, but there isn’t anything you can say to change my mind.”
“I didn't come here to change your mind. I came to see my son and ask him if he’s all right. You know, sometimes I think you and your siblings have an opinion of me that isn’t warranted. I’m not a natural extension of your father. I have my own opinions on things, which is something you’d know if you cared to find out.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. Of course, I know you’re your own person, it’s just that Dad is such a force. He sucks the oxygen out of every room he’s in. He thinks the world revolves around him all the time. I don’t know how you live with it…with him.”
Eliza smiled. “I’m sure no one has ever asked Sarah that question about you.”
Trevor smiled. “I guess you’ve got me there,” he said. “I’m sorry, Mom. I feel like I need to apologize to everyone. I didn’t mean…”
His mother stopped him.
“It’s all right. I’m not here to do anything but tell you that I love you, and I want only the best for you. What are your plans? Do you have enough money?”
“Mom, please, stop. You don’t need to worry about us. We’re going to be fine. I’m glad you came for a visit today. Promise me you’ll do it more often? I know the kids would love it…and so would I.”
At that moment, something changed for Trevor. He wasn’t Eliza or Devon’s child, but a grown man standing up for himself and his family.
“Mom, there’s something else I need to say. I don’t want Dad and I to be estranged. He has grandchildren, and Sarah and I want him to be a large part of our lives, just as you are. If I stay working for him, the distance between us will grow. Leaving the family business is the only way.”
His mother nodded and hugged him. “I’ve known this from the moment you agreed to work with him. I knew it wouldn’t work, but you had to find this out on your own. Since you were a little boy, you’ve always had to do things the hard way. It drove me crazy, because I never want my children to suffer.”
He smiled and nodded. “You’d think I’d learn after all these years.”
“Well, that’s where you and your father are alike. You’re both so stubborn.”
She got her handbag from the coffee table and hugged him. “I know we won’t see you tomorrow, but try to bring the children by, will you?”
“I’ll try, Mom.”
“Good. Oh, by the way, did you know that your sister, Jacqui, is bringing her boyfriend? He’s one of Crawford Powell’s sons.”
Trevor nodded. “Yes, Jacqui told me. She wanted me to be there, in case Dad…well, you know. Do me a favor, Mom. Try to make things easy for her tomorrow. She really likes this guy and I’d hate to see Dad ruin it for her.”
Sarah came into the room, just as Eliza was ready to leave.
“You’re going?” Sarah said.
“Yes, honey. I’ve got to get back. There’s so much to do for the holiday. You both have a lovely Thanksgiving and try to stop by the house, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It would make your father and me very happy. In the meantime, don’t be a stranger…promise?”
“We promise,” Sarah said. “Happy Thanksgiving, Eliza. We’ll come by after my mother’s gathering.”
Sarah’s promise seemed to satisfy Eliza’s worries for the moment. Shocked that she didn’t pressure him to return to the family business, Trevor was also relieved. He could only hope that given time, his father would understand and respect his decision. But, he wouldn’t wait for that day, instead, he’d focus on his family’s future, and do his best to make them proud.