Chapter 6. THE WILL
(Sienna)
My phone started ringing. I lifted my head from the pillow and checked the screen.
“It’s too early…” I complained while pressing the answer button. “Hey, Sarah.” I yawned.
“Morning, gorgeous,” Sarah said with way too much energy. It was 5:40 a.m. She kept forgetting the five-hour time difference between New York and London, and I kept forgetting to silence my phone when I went to bed.
“I have something to tell you, but promise me you won’t try to talk me out of it,” she warned me.
“It’s five in the morning, Sarah! Can this wait? I have a meeting with my lawyer at eight thirty, and I’m exhausted. I got home late last night and need more sleep; the gin hasn’t left my system yet.”
“Uh, you went out last night? Spill the tea, girl.”
Sarah had been my ray of sunshine since we met when we were twelve, and I missed her terribly. The distance would be our worst enemy. I couldn’t picture my days without her laughter or her positive energy. Especially now.
“I promise I’ll call you later and tell you about it, okay? Wait till you hear it, girl. You’re gonna FLIP.” I chuckled.
“Well, why don’t you tell me about it tomorrow when I land in New York?”
“WHAT!?” I screamed.
“I feel terrible that I couldn’t come to your parents’ funeral, and I want to support you as much as I can as your best friend, soooo…I’ve booked a flight. I land tomorrow morning at JFK and will stay for a couple of weeks so I can help you move to California. Would you like that?”
My chest tightened.
“I’d love that,” I said, tears welling in my eyes.
“Alright. Let me send you my flight details. No need to come pick me up; I’ll grab a cab. Considering everything you’re handling now, you must be knackered.”
She was so British .
“Okay, babe. Text me when you land.”
“Good luck today, Sienna. It’s going to be a tough morning, but you got this. Love you.”
“Love you too. Bye.”
* * *
Mr. Lehman, my lawyer, stood outside the building holding two cups of coffee. He wore an expensive suit and a golden Rolex, but that didn’t surprise me as he was one of the founders and the principal partner at the Lehman these account for 51% of the company’s stock. Mr. Peter James Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer at Cos Pharmaceutical, will continue to oversee the ongoing business operations within the company until the Board of Directors appoints a new Chief Executive Officer.”
A knot built in my stomach, my pulse began to race, and my hands started shaking.
“What does it mean? Don’t get me wrong, I know what it means, but…what is expected from me?” I asked.
“It means you own the company, Sienna,” Peter responded.
“You will control the board, and you will have the last word for every single decision. Until a new CEO is appointed, I’ll continue to oversee the business. You don’t have to worry about the company’s day-to-day operations, but I can train you in the role and bring you to key meetings so you can learn about the company, the business, and how to become a great leader like your father. You’re now the major shareholder and president. I understand this is a significant responsibility for someone your age, but you have our full support to ensure this new role doesn’t affect your studies.”
The major shareholder? President? I was eighteen, for fuck’s sake. I still struggled to choose the toppings I wanted on my pizza.
“You obviously need time to digest the amount of information I’ve unloaded on your shoulders, but it would be great if we could sit down and draw up a plan before you leave for college. Your father would want you to focus on your studies, so I will help as much as possible to keep this from becoming an additional burden.”
It was a lot to take in, and there was so much to unpack.
“That’s all, Sienna. I’ve prepared a copy of the will,” he added, handing Mr. Lehman a manila envelope. “My assistant will call you to arrange a meeting next week once you’ve had the opportunity to go through everything in more detail.”
We all stood, and Peter walked us to the elevators. I noticed that everyone in the office was looking at me as I strolled past their desks on the main floor. Were they looking at me because they felt sorry for me or because they knew I was their new boss?
The whole thing was ridiculous.
Peter noticed and said, “They don’t know anything yet. Our PR department is currently in conversation with our investors and the board to see how we should announce it internally and to the press. I’ll send you the final communication to announce your name as the major shareholder and president for your approval. I think the announcement is scheduled for the end of September, in about four weeks.”
Peter escorted us to the lobby, where we stopped in front of the elevators.
“Thanks, Peter,” I said, mustering a strained smile. “I suppose I’ll see you again soon.”
“Take care, Sienna,” Peter replied, giving me a brief but warm hug before he turned around and left.
Mr. Lehman and I entered the elevator, and he pushed the button for the ground floor. We stayed silent for about twenty floors, and then he turned his face to me and said, “You’ve done well. You’ve listened and kept yourself together. Let me summarize the contents of the will and see if I need your signature before you leave for college. When do you leave?” he asked.
“On the eighth. Classes don’t start until September sixteenth, but I want to explore campus and settle in my apartment before then.”
I couldn’t believe I would be moving across the country in less than two weeks. With everything that had happened, I wasn’t as excited as I was two months ago. I’d procrastinated packing since the funeral, but the task seemed less terrifying now that Sarah would be staying with me to help me move.
Mr. Lehman and I said our goodbyes, and I picked up the phone from my handbag. There was a text from Sarah.
Sarah
Hello, gorgeous. My flight leaves from LHR at 8:55 a.m., and I arrive at 12:15 p.m. JFK local time. I’m traveling with Virgin.
Can’t wait to see you! Hope the meeting goes well.
PS I have sent a little something to your house. It should be there by now. Love ya. xxx
During the ride home, I kept staring out the car window, wondering what it would be like to live a different life. Mine had always been easy since everything was handed to me on a silver platter. But man, I’d trade all the money in the world for just one more day with my parents. Wasn’t the saying, “You never miss the water until the well runs dry”? Facts.
When I got home, Mrs. Bishop handed me a box. Sarah had sent me a bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2012, my favorite, with a note.
I’m sure today was tough, but I’m proud of you. Have a bubble bath and drink the whole thing while listening to some Billie Eilish in the background. By the time you wake up tomorrow, I’ll be there. Love, Sarah.
She was indeed the best.