Chapter 41
CHARLOTTE
Two weeks later…
Closing down my computer, I finish up for the day. The numbness controls my body, and I’m forcing myself to be present in every meeting.
Knock. Knock.
Go away. Leave me to go home so I can wallow in self-pity.
“Come in.”
Franklin strolls into my office and shuts the door.
“Hey,” I offer without enthusiasm. “This is a surprise.”
Franklin pours himself a whiskey, then comes to sit on the other side of my desk.
He crosses his right foot over his knee, revealing his black leather Gucci loafers.
Every inch of him is clothed by famous designers.
There is no mistaking his billions. While he may look relaxed, I know this conversation is going to hurt.
“Have you heard from BJ?”
“I have, but nothing you don’t already know,” he says gently. “Are you happy here?”
I frown at him. “Here in LA?”
He takes a sip of whiskey. “No. Here, governing the team.”
I sigh loudly. “I used to think it was everything I dreamed of, and every morning, I would wake up excited for the day. Now…” I shrug. “I drag myself here, but it’s the distraction I need.”
“Hear me out.”
I close my eyes for a second. “Have you all been scheming behind my back?”
Franklin gives me a heavy brow, bouncing his whiskey on his calf before taking another sip. “Byron is about to announce his retirement.”
“What?” I snap. “Why am I the last to know?”
“You’re not. He is going to take over as governor and relieve you of all responsibility.”
“The fuck?” I push up from my chair and stride to the window, crossing my arms as I stare out at an empty court. “Who on the board agreed to this.”
“No one. Only our family knows.”
“I’m fucking family. It would have been nice to be consulted. Asked.”
“I,” he says firmly. “Took charge. You need to go to Australia and be with BJ. I don’t know how long you’ll need to stay, but we don’t want you worrying about matters here. If you want a position back on the board, then it’s yours.”
“Fucking kind of you.” Franklin pisses me off when he acts like my father. Then I realize what he’s telling me. I spin around. “I’m free to go?”
A subtle smile grows on his lips. “Whenever you want. The jet is being prepared as we speak.”
I run to him as he stands and places his whiskey glass on the table. I jump into his strong arms and wrap my arms around his back, pushing my face into his shirt to muffle a happy sob. “Does BJ know?”
“He is aware of the plan.” He pats my back.
“There is something else. Before you leave… I was helping BJ secure a winery. The sale has been approved. Our family owns half. Stay, set up a life with him, and come back to LA whenever you want. But support him through this time first because he needs you, Lottie.”
I shake my head, bewildered. “He told me not to come.”
“He didn’t want to force you or do anything to hurt the team.”
“He’s an idiot. There was never a choice,” I blurt out.
He pats my back slowly, gently. “A man in love will always be an idiot.”
“Ain’t that the truth.”