Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
Grayson
I was sitting behind my desk when my grandfather walked in.
“Grandfather,” I spoke in shock.
“Hello, Grayson.”
Getting up from my chair, I walked over and hugged him.
“When did you get back from Europe?”
“Last night. I’d like you to come over for dinner tonight. I have something I want to talk to you about.”
“Okay. Sure. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. We just haven’t had a good talk in a while. I’ll see you at seven.”
“See you then.”
He walked out, and Christine walked in.
“Did you know he was back?” she asked.
“No. I didn’t.” My brows furrowed.
“Glenn Sharpe called. He needs you to call him right away.” She handed me the message.
“Great.” I rolled my eyes.
When I walked into my grandfather’s home, Celia hugged me.
“It’s good to see you, Grayson.”
“It’s good to see you too, Celia.” I smiled.
“Your grandfather is in the living room. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Thank you.”
I entered the living room and found my grandfather sitting in his favorite chair with a drink in his hand.
“Hello, Grayson.”
“Grandfather.” I nodded.
“Go pour yourself a drink and have a seat.”
Walking over to the bar, I poured myself a bourbon and took it over to the couch.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” I asked.
“Are you seeing anyone special? Perhaps you’ve met someone while I was away?”
“No.” I furrowed my brows at him. “Why?”
“Excuse me, Mr. Rhodes. Dinner is ready,” Celia spoke as she entered the living room.
We both got up and took our seats in the dining room.
“Why are you asking, Grandfather?”
“I’ve been keeping a close eye on things while I was away. An eye on the business and an eye on you. It seems you haven’t slowed down as far as the partying and women are concerned.”
“And?” I narrowed my eye at him. “What I do on my personal time does not affect my job or performance. You can see that.”
“That is true, Grayson. The deals you’ve closed and your decisions regarding the company have been impeccable. You’re going to be thirty-two years old. Don’t you think it’s time you thought about settling down? Find a special woman you can share your life with?”
“No, Grandfather, I don’t thinkthat. You know how I am.”
“And I’ve overlooked it the past few years because I thought it was just a phase. But like I said, you’re going to be thirty-two years old. I married your grandmother when I was twenty-one and started a family when I was twenty-two.”
“That was fifty years ago. Times have changed. People have changed. Views about relationships and marriage aren’t the same anymore. What exactly are you trying to say?”
“Family is important, and I think the key to a solid, exceptional businessman is his family supporting him. You know I’m retiring in a year.”
“Yes. I know.”
“You’re my grandson, and I love you very much. But your partying and excess use of women is out of control. I’m giving you one solid year to find someone to love and build a life with.”
“What?!” I exclaimed. “And if I don’t?”
“Then I have no choice but to sign the company over to Alfie.”
“Alfie? You can’t be serious! That pompous ass couldn’t run a company on his own if it were shoved up his ass!”
“He’s doing just fine, and he has a great wife who supports him.”
“Yeah. Under me and with my guidance. His wife has nothing to do with his job performance.”
“Sure, it does. A happy man makes you better. If I didn’t have your grandmother by my side when I started the business and over the years, I probably wouldn’t have made it.”
“This is utterly ridiculous! I can’t believe you, Grandfather.”
“And I can’t believe you, Grayson. It’s time to grow the fuck up and have some stability in your life.”
“I have stability, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you sign the company over to Alfie. I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am today. That is MY company.” I pointed at him. “You’ve been grooming me to take over since I was a teenager.”
“And it will be yours as long as you adhere to my request. You’re missing out on so much more in life.”
“I’m missing nothing, and I’m doing just fine. I enjoy my life and the way I live it. You cannot sit there and tell me what to do! This is MY life!” I shouted.
“You’re right. Only you have the power to create your destiny. But it is my company, and I can do what I want with it. You have one year, Grayson. Enough with these trashy women you’re spending your nights with. I no longer want to see your name at the top of New York’s most eligible bachelor’s list. And if you think you can pull a fast one on me and drum someone up just for show, you’re seriouslymistaken.” He pointed at me. “My intention from the day you were born was to have you take over the family business, and I want that legacy to continue for generations to come. But I will not hand my company over to someone who never intends on making that happen.” He got up from the table. “It was a pleasure having dinner with you again. It’s been way too long. The fate of your future is in your hands, Grayson.” He walked out of the dining room.
I slammed my fist down on the table. Rage consumed me, and I needed to get the fuck out of here. Dialing Damon, I told him to come get me.
“Are you okay, Mr. Rhodes?” Celia asked. “I overheard part of your conversation.”
“No, Celia. I’m not okay! He’s being an asshole! What the hell is wrong with him?!”
“I’m sure he’s just trying to look out for your best interest.”
“Well, he needs to stay the fuck out of my life.” I got up and kissed her cheek. “Have a good night,” I spoke as I walked out the door.