Chapter 36
E
I follow Alex back to his house after school.
Steven wants to speak with me about something, but wouldn’t say what.
After I park my truck, I hop out and follow him inside, where he leads us to his dad’s office.
Knocking, we enter and take a seat on the couch by the window.
I’ve always liked this room with the oak wood paneling, built-in bookshelves, and fireplace.
There’s a brown leather couch under us with a black oval coffee table in front.
A large oak desk sits across from the door, with two brown leather wingback chairs facing it.
An old fashioned globe on a stand rests beside a bar cart close to the door.
A Persian rug covers most of the floor, and there’s a family portrait of Alex, Steven, and his mom above the mantel.
“Hello son, Elijah. Thanks for coming,” Steven says.
“Of course. What’s this about?” I ask.
“I wanted to talk to you about your grandparents and provide you with some information I think you need to know in order to make informed decisions.”
“Okay,” I reply, looking at Alex with my eyebrows raised. “Was this Alex's or Summer’s idea?”
“Actually, it was Seb,” Alex replies.
“Now, Elijah, I’ve learned about your situation. As I understand it, you are hoping to change their minds on the stipulations of the inheritance?”
“Yes I am. I need to try at least. I know Seb and Summer don’t understand any of this, but you and Alex do.”
“We understand, and we’re not here to sway your decision or tell you what you should do. That is your burden alone. However, I can tell you why they will allow none of the things you want.”
I sit and listen as Steven tells me about my dad, what happened with him growing up, and his broken engagement. He was never a dutiful son and always had an abusive streak.
“Your mother was a complete surprise and an embarrassment to them. Around a year after enlistment, your father showed up during leave, already married. Your grandparents knew she was a gold digger as soon as they met her. Your father refused to get a divorce quietly, and since there was no prenup, she could’ve caused a scandal.
They’ve spent a lot of time and, I’m guessing, money covering up all your father’s choices, Elijah.
Between being set in their ways and all the scandals, they won’t allow the same to happen with you.
I’m afraid it really is a choice between your inheritance or your own life. ”
Leaning forward, I run my fingers through my hair. What am I going to do? Alex pats my shoulder in support. “I am sorry, E. Your choice is between your relationships or your inheritance. You cannot have both.”
“You could have an independent lawyer access the terms of the inheritance, Elijah, but if your grandparents have full control as I suspect, they can do as they wish,” Steven adds.
“Okay. I’ll have a lawyer check it out. Thanks, both of you.”
“Come on. We will go up to the apartment so you can think,” Alex offers.
I get up and blindly follow. Flopping down onto the couch, Alex joins me. “So it’s really my inheritance or Seb and Summer.”
“Yes, I believe so. You will have to marry a woman and choose a career they want, but it would be prudent to discuss your inheritance with a lawyer before you make a final decision.”
“Does Mr. MacLeod handle that kind of thing?”
“It is not his specialty, but I am sure he can recommend someone. Why not call him now?”
I grab my phone and dial the number Alex gives me.
Mr. MacLeod suggests a lawyer from another firm, assuring me she's excellent. I make an appointment for after school tomorrow, paying the retainer over the phone so she can request a copy of the inheritance papers first thing in the morning. My grandparents will be thrilled when they find out, but I’m not going to bother mentioning it to them tonight.
I thank Alex and tell him to thank his dad for me before heading home for the night.