Epilogue 2
Andi
I looked up when a shadow stepped into my office doorway.
“Dad. This is unexpected.”
Quentin waved me down before I stood, and strode over to sit in a chair opposite me.
“Is Mom okay?” Why else would he be here?
“We've been arguing a bit lately,” he said softly.
“You're always arguing,” I said. “Is that why you gave me the team? So you wouldn't fight over me anymore?”
“It isn't just you we fight over,” he said. “We also argue over your sister. And the color your mother wants to paint the bathroom. Sunshine yellow, for the record. ”
“I can't see my mother in a bathroom painted sunshine yellow,” I remarked.
“That's what I keep telling her. I think she wants to do it to spite me. The moment the paint is dry, she'll choose a shade of white. And I'll let her. You know why? Because that's what love is.”
“Letting someone make a choice you know they'll hate and then watching them fix it?” I asked.
“In a manner of speaking,” he said. “Letting people make their own choices and being there for them if things don't work out. And cheering them on when they do. That was why I gave you the team. I wanted you to make your own choices. Working with me… I was all too aware you weren't able to do that. Everything goes past me.”
He was right about that. Nothing went on in Welling without his knowledge and approval.
Quietly, he added, “It was time for you to have somewhere everything goes past you .”
“I didn't realize you'd had so much faith in me.” I was trying not to get choked up with emotion.
This was the first time he gave any indication he truly believed in me and what I could do. Sure, he'd hired me and I'd worked my way up, but he'd never said he was proud of me. Never gave me any kind of special attention or treatment. I hadn't wanted any, but his approval meant everything.
“Andi, you're one of my proudest accomplishments. You and your sister. Welling Developments comes a distant third. Anything either of you do, I have faith that you'll succeed. Because you're as smart and as stubborn as your mother.”
“She still thinks I'm a kid,” I said ruefully.
“Give her some time,” he said. “She's always had difficulty cutting the apron strings when it comes to you girls. Especially you. Pia picked up a pair of scissors and snipped them, but you've always been closer to your mother. Always willing to bend to make amends, even when she’s in the wrong.”
“I'm a doormat,” I concluded.
He chuckled and patted my knee. “Definitely not a doormat. More like a peacemaker. Exactly what a good CEO needs to be. You listen to every side and understand it before looking for a compromise everyone can live with. I don't know too many people who can do that. Much less do it well. When the time comes, you'll take Welling to places I couldn't dream of. Now, I better get back to the office before they decide it's time to hand the company to you.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek before stepping out the door.
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