Page 54 of Fate In Fiction

“My father went on about his doubt in my ability to pull through and one day take over the family business. Somehow, I was a lost cause for misbehaving in school and wanting to just spend the family’s money without taking the initiative to ask more about my future role. I was nothing but a pretty face who’d probably end up as a popular heir, known more for my name and celebrity associations instead of the hard work it takes to keep the businesses going.”

“I’m sorry.” Her voice is soft.

“I wish they had instilled the same routine and demands they had given my older siblings. At thirteen, I had figured if that’s what my family thinks of me, I may as well live up to it with the best of my ability. I think living the famous for nothing lifestyle appeals to any impressionable child.” Clearing my throat, I’m still thankful for the life they’ve given me. “My parents are wonderful when it comes to affection and trying to give us a humble childhood as best as they could. My bedroom is nothing fancy, and we didn’t have an in-house private chef.” I wink as she rolls her eyes.

“So, you’ve based all your life choices on that one conversation?” She’s skeptical, with raised eyebrows.

“A lot of it, yeah, unfortunately. They never cut off my funds until I started the CEO position and started to take life seriously. I could have avoided a lot of stupid mistakes if they had just done that from the start.”

“It seems like your parents didn’t want you a part of this business.” They’ve never outright said it but, for some reason, the way I was raised was completely different than Adam and Kelsie. And it shows.

“My mother didn’t. I had no pressure other than living a happy life. My sister and I don’t have as close of a relationship as we could, but I think it’s a mix of envy and annoyance with me. But I want that to change. I want to prove to myself that I can be taken seriously.”

“I believe in you.” Josie smiles as our hands remain tangled for the rest of the flight.

San Francisco’s fog is absent for once as we fly in at the crack of dawn. The weight of her head on my shoulder is comforting. She looks so angelic, peacefully sleeping. Josie’s even breathing has kept me calm as I spent half the flight trying to copy it. Her relaxed lips plump out, and even though I know waking her up with a kiss is completely off limits, that’s all I can think about. Gently, my hand cups the side of her face and my thumb brushes over her cheek. She sighs, melting into me. She’s the cutest thing. I bet she’s quite the snuggler too, even though she states otherwise.

“Josie.” My voice sings her name quietly. “We touched down, little darlin’.” A groggy Josie opens her eyes with a soft smile. Her features are extra gentle as she wakes. Like my own personal angel. She rubs her eyes and looks out the window, her smile widening.

“That was a quick trip.” She rubs her eyes with a yawn.

“Because you slept through half the flight, little darlin’.” Staying up into the early hours, she intently studied everyone’s backgrounds and basic qualities. Her work ethic was admirable, but now we need to drop off our bags at my childhood penthouse and head to Napa Valley. We exit the plane and go to find our awaited car.

The drive is quiet as we sit in traffic, waiting to arrive at the hotel. Josie’s leg bounces about in the passenger seat, silently signaling her nerves. It’s only one night in town, but anything last minute seems to shake her. Placing my hand on her knee, I give it a light squeeze.

“Where is the girl who stormed up to me in the lounge saying I’m the girl you take home to mama?”

“Where is the alcohol for me to shoot back? If I blow this, I’m going to have run away to Europe on my own dime.”

“How long are you able to float the cost if you had to?” I want her to experience life, even if it’s on my own finances. I’m getting in too deep.

“I do have social media income from my reading account, Rookie.” She looks up at the tall building as they begin to surround us. “It’s been a slow increase, but an increase, at least.” That’s impressive.

“So, either way, you’ll still get to venture out of Aspen.”

“Yeah, but having access to more funds would be helpful. It’d allow me to have more experiences.” Her laugh fills the car in disbelief. “I am going for what I want in life. I need to show Julianne she can have freedom too.”

“We’re here.” Thankfully, San Francisco is only seven miles wide, so once within the limits, it’s doesn’t take too long, depending on traffic.

“Showtime,” Josie says with a shaky breath as I park. Entering the building, we head up to the penthouse hosting childhood memories.

“Emmett, my dear.” My mother opens the door as we step off the elevator. “Good to see you again.” Her smile is wide as her brown eyes shine.

“Good to see you too, Mom.” I wrap her in a hug. “This is Josephine. Josie, for short.”

“Oh, you are gorgeous.” My mother cups her face with an endearing smile. “Such an angel. How did my son land someone like you?” The three of us laugh, though mine and Josie’s are more from anticipation.

“Son.” My father nods, holding out his hand as we shuffle into the penthouse.

“Hi, Dad.” Stepping aside, Josie moves forward with an extended hand.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wheaton.”

“You may call me George, sweetheart.”

“Your genetics are quite strong.” Josie looks between me and the older version of myself.

“Emmett and his brother could pass as twins,” my mother goes on. “Despite the height difference when they were younger, people thought they were.”