Charlotte
“I’m sorry, what?” It’s out of my mouth before I can even consider an alternative.
This is dumb. Ludacris. When we were young, Dad loved playing games.
He’s a big believer in competition making everything better: from products to people.
He didn’t necessarily pit Chris and me against one another, but he certainly enjoyed it anytime we were in direct competition.
Fortunately, we’ve never let the competitive spirit get between us; our relationship is closer than that of any other siblings I know.
But this.
Chris’ mouth has dropped open, his gaze swinging between my dad and me. I try to use our twin telepathy to figure out what the fuck we’re going to do with the bomb Dad dropped, but he is too busy gaping.
Dad carries on like he’s updating us on financial projections for the next quarter, not announcing a complete change to his inheritance plans.
“You both have done an amazing job in running the two primary divisions of Langford, but what I need to know is that you’re going to be able to run the entire company from now into the future.
I need to know you can take on the part of the job you’ve never done before.
So, starting next week, Chris will take over Langford Entertainment, and Charlotte will lead the Stallions. ”
I laugh.
Because he’s joking.
Of course he is. I know nothing about football. Chris knows less than nothing about the music industry. It’s like their bet about how long I would hold out earlier. It’s all in good fun.
Chris gives a minute shake of his head, and I realize Dad isn’t laughing.
“I’m glad you find this entertaining.” Dad sounds genuinely pleased. “I was worried I was going to get pushback. But for the record, I’ve been talking to smart people about this. As much as it might hurt now, this is the best course of action for the future.”
He pauses, as if waiting for us to agree.
When we don’t say anything, he continues, “I know your mother is anxious for me to get out of the day-to-day of the company, so this is how it’s going to work.
I’m not going to simply pick my favorite and give you the whole thing.
I, along with the top executives in both companies, will be evaluating each of your performances as you step in and lead the side of the business you haven’t proven yourself at yet.
The person we feel is best prepared to run Langford Enterprises as a whole will be named my successor at the company retreat next March. ”
I forcibly close my gaping mouth. “Why would you change your plans? We’ve talked about splitting up the company, each getting half, since we were kids.”
“True. But, as I said, that plan was focused only on this generation. We can’t be shortsighted. I want to make sure my life’s work is able to benefit our family for many generations to come.” Dad is calm. Too calm. Which means he doesn’t see this as a discussion. He’s already made his decision.
“That can still happen if you divide the company,” I try again.
Chris nods. “Yeah.”
I shoot my brother a glare. Yeah? That’s what he’s contributing to the conversation that is ultimately going to decide our fate?
I lay out my argument, explaining, in detail, why it would, in the end, be a better decision to split the companies. I even promise to bring him supporting figures by the end of the day. My dad listens the entire time, his hands folded in front of him, attention fully on me.
When I’m done, he nods once. “I appreciate your willingness to work on this, but my decision is final. As much as you and your mother want me to sail off into the sunset, this is still my company. This is the decision I’ve made.
If you’re not happy with it, just say the words, and I’ll give the full thing to Chris now.
You’re good at your current job; it’s likely he would let you keep it.
I know you two are close. It is my greatest wish that you don’t let the need to do this drive a wedge between the two of you. ”
I blink, trying to process the thousands of thoughts racing through my mind, banging into each other like last-minute shoppers the day before Christmas.
I don’t know how I’m going to win this, but doing my job forever, knowing I didn’t try to take the responsibility and position I so desperately want?
Not an option. “So, we just have to… run companies we’ve never had anything to do with before? ”
Okay. That’s fine. Chris and I are both highly intelligent people with advanced business degrees. We can do that. We’ll crush this. Though I suppose I don’t want Chris to do well—
I cut that thought off, not willing to think of my brother as my enemy. We’ll figure out a way to do this together. We always have. But at the same time, the competitive spirit is coming to life inside me, and any thought that doesn’t involve me heading the business is simply out of the question.
My dad narrows his eyes. “To an extent. But, as I said, this is about the Langford family and ensuring its success for future generations, which means, I also expect to see your commitment to the future of our family: both in terms of spouses and children, and in work-life balance.”
Well, as I’ve already decided I won’t be settling down for, oh, the next decade or so, that really puts a damper on this, and—fuck! “But Chris is married!” I realize how truly behind I am starting this competition.
Dad nods. “Happily so. I want to make sure he keeps thinking about Kim and the kids before the company.” He sighs heavily.
“I’ve been trying to get you to settle down for years, Charlotte.
Your mother and you kids, and now Marlee and Kim, are what bring value to my life.
It makes me sad that you don’t have it, too.
Maybe this will be the spark you need to finally prioritize finding a partner to share your life with. ”
Of course. Because as much as he loves me, my dad is always scheming ways to get me to do exactly what he wants. It’s annoying that the fact that I’ve resisted his pressure to settle down is going to make this competition so much harder for me to win.
“I’m seriously dating someone!” The statement flies out of my mouth. No thought. No nothing. And I have absolutely no idea who I can even pretend to be dating. So, thanks for that, mouth.
Dad’s eyes are round as he asks, “Who?”
Yeah. Who, Charlotte?
“You know them,” I reply. Which is a bold start. “And that’s why I didn’t tell you.” Okay, I think we might be going somewhere with this.
“Devine?” Chris’ question is almost a whisper, but I swear everything in the room freezes.
Callan Devine.
Why in the name of all things holy would Chris think I’m dating him?
When I don’t answer, Dad nudges, “Are you dating Callan Devine?”
“That’s why you were hugging him by the elevators!” Chris exclaims like he’s just put the final piece in a million-piece puzzle.
“Yes.” I honestly have no idea how my voice sounds so calm.
“We’ve been dating for a while now. I didn’t tell you because, you know, he’s a player.
On the Stallions.” Excellent, Charlotte.
Just name facts about him. “So we wanted to make sure before we told anyone. But, we’re about to move in together. ”
Holy mother of… Why? Why would I dig this hole deeper? Except…
“So, that probably puts a kink in your whole me-leading-the-Stallions thing.” I could win an Oscar for the devastation in my tone. “Conflict of interest and what not. Sorry.”
I’m not even sure what I’m apologizing for at this point, but hopefully it covers the massive, elephant-sized lies I’m telling. And, fingers crossed, maybe it’ll get me out of this ridiculous situation.
Dad waves away my concern. “No. I’m not crazy enough to have you be the final decision makers in your first few months on the job.
I planned to have you run any changes through the number twos at each company for the rest of this calendar year.
Come January, you’d shift to making decisions, but we can make everything run through Hugo and Frannie—and ultimately, me—the entire time.
To keep things above board.” A playful grin spreads across my dad’s face.
“Or you two can get married so things are slightly less messy.”
Sure. Why not? I’m already fake dating one of the top professional quarterbacks in the league. Why not fake marry him as well?
“Hehe.” A terrified laugh squeaks out of me.
“Dad,” Chris admonishes, coming to my rescue like he does every time our dad starts pressuring me to get married. “How would them being married help things, anyway?”
“Sorry, sorry. I just, Callan Devine. Who would’ve guessed it?
I knew you secretly loved the team more than you let on.
” And it’s in that moment, I see the genius of my subconscious: Steve Langford loves the Stallions; so by dating Callan, I’m not only showing I’m working on building my own family, I’m building it with the most Stallions person possible.
It must be the red power suit.
Dad spends the next few minutes telling us more about the wisdom of his plans, but I’ve checked out.
My mind entirely on how I’m going to convince Callan Devine to date me.
And then move in with me in the next couple of months.
Or maybe I should move in with him? How do real couples decide who has to give up their home?
Either way, I’m sure Callan has everything he could ever want, so I’m not sure why he’d want to spend his time fake dating me.
And fuck, it’s going to take time on his part. The Langfords love a good family get-together. Birthday? Family party. Holiday? Family dinner. Random Tuesday night? Family taco night.
When Ulysses finally pokes his head in to let Dad know his next meeting is about to start, I wander out of the door, not paying any attention as my mind tries to work through the self-imposed hurdle before me.
“Charlotte!” Chris’ face is way too close for that volume.
I whack away the fingers he snapped next to my nose. “What? Jeez.”
Chris jabs the button for the elevator. “I’ve been talking to you for the last minute, and you haven’t listened to a word I said.”
“I don’t know if you realized this, but our dad dropped a huge bomb on us.
Like, nuclear level. What is he doing? We were always going to split the company.
It’s literally been his plan since they found out they were having twins.
I’m pretty sure they made us learn to share solely so we’d be ready for this day. ”
Chris’ expression is full of pity. “Char, all parents teach their kids to share.”
We both step into the empty elevator. “Not the point. I don’t understand why he’d change his plans now.”
“Because it’s Dad. He’s always done what he wants. Plus, he joined that ranch ride group last summer. Those guys are all obsessed with succession plans that keep the farm together.”
“That’s dumb! This isn’t a farm—or a ranch.”
“I agree.” Chris leans against the wall of the elevator. “But what are we going to do about it?”
“How do we not let it come between us?” I ask, my concern about my relationship with Chris almost as much as for my future.
Chris shrugs, both hands in his pockets. “I don’t know. Though you didn’t tell me about Callan Devine, so maybe something is already between us.”
I wince at the pain in his voice. I would never actually keep something like that from Chris. “It may be less serious than I led Dad to believe.”
He squints. “How much less?”
“Well…” I really draw the word out.
Chris slaps his hands over his ears. “Nope. Don’t tell me.
You and Callan have been dating. It’s serious.
You’re moving in together. That’s what I know.
That’s all I can know. I will fuck it up for you if I know anything else.
We both know I’m terrible at secrets. I told you about Marlee when Kim was five weeks pregnant! I was supposed to wait until twelve!”
“We’re very serious,” I confirm. Because the man’s right. He cannot be trusted here. “But we’re good, yeah?”
Chris pulls me into a side hug as the elevator doors open. “We’re good. And no matter what happens with this whole thing with Dad, we’ll still be good. I promise.”
I wrap my arms around his waist. “Me too. We’ll figure it out. Though I’m not giving up. I just… I can’t walk away from the company I always thought I’d be leading.”
His cheek rests on my head. “I know. I can’t either.”
We let go of each other, exiting the elevator into an empty lobby. That was certainly not how I thought my day was going to go, but at least I know I’ll always have my brother.
Now, all I have to do is convince Callan, the hot pro quarterback I’ve spent the last few years annoying for my own amusement, to help me make sure I don’t lose the company I’ve been preparing my entire life to lead.