Page 77 of Accidentally Perfect

Sitting in my office feels like something I have to do and not something I want to do. I always thought work, having my own company would fulfill everything I wanted out of life. Now, it doesn’t bring me the joy that it once did. I called Troy this morning to discuss the expansion of the company.

“So what has you all twisted? You look like you’re trying to find the cure for world hunger.” Troy comes in and takes a seat in front of my desk.

“I wanted to touch base with you about the Whitmore Assets expansion.”

“It’s going well; everything is right on track. We should have enough of our current clients on board along with plenty of new clients to have it a go at the start of the new year.”

“You still looking to relocate out west and head it up?”

“Well, about that. I’m not sure I’m willing to move. I’ve kinda been seeing someone, and I know it’s too early to say anything for sure, but I don’t not hate her, you know?”

“My, my, my. After all these years knowing you, serving with you, watching your drunk ass puke everywhere time and time again, I never thought I’d see the day you’d second guess your life for a woman.”

“Hi, pot, meet kettle. Fuck, man, I didn’t think I would even consider it after the shit storm I walked away from when I left for our first assignment. But she’s different, you know. She’s a no-nonsense type of woman. She says it how it is and doesn’t allow me to pull any shit on her.”

“She sounds like she knows who she is. The question is, does she really know who you are? Our pasts define us, Troy.”

“You don’t have to tell me that, brother.”

“Well, if you’re serious about her. I want to meet her; maybe the four of us can go out soon. Have some dinner, get to know her.”

“No need for that, man, she’s your wife’s best friend.”

“Well, fuck me.”

“Mr. Whitmore,” my secretary breaks in. “Your father is here to see you.”

“Shit. All right, well we need to revisit the west coast deal then. If you don’t want to go, I’m not sure I trust anyone else to take care of it. I’m sure as hell not gonna relocate to open it and get it started. This whole expansion may need to be tabled for a while.”

“Got it. I’ll talk to Stella about getting together. Man, I can’t believe Laney didn’t tell you. That woman can keep a secret.”

I watch Troy walk out and my father stroll in like he owns the place. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today? Shouldn’t you be at work? I’m still paying you to hold down a job, aren’t I?”

“Please spare me the whole ‘I’m the lord of Whitmore and you aren’t' bullshit. I’m not in the mood for it.” My father says.

“Then what do you want?”

“Well, I wanted to see where your head is when it comes to this marriage of yours. It’s been weeks now, Nathan, by my predictions, I’m thinking you’re on your way out of the relationship.”

“This is really laughable coming from you. I’m not going to defend my marriage to you or anyone else for that matter. It's none of your business. What I do with my wife is not your concern. You have no idea who I am or how I feel because you and I haven’t been true father and son for a very long time. From the moment I was old enough to see who you are, I’ve made it my goal to steer clear, and I’m not about to change my course now.”

“You may think your marriage isn’t any of my business, but what you do with your mother's jewelry most certainly is. Especially when you and I both know this isn’t going to last, Nathan. You’re like me, you aren’t made for fidelity.”

“I’m nothing like you! I’ve never wanted to be anything that resembles you. From the moment I saw you for who you really are I’ve made it my mission to only do the opposite of what I thought you would do. You’re wasting my time by coming in here, nosing around my marriage and my company. This isn’t your place. You need to remember that. You need to remember who really holds the cards. I haven’t yet taken action to reiterate that point, but I will. Force my hand, Father, and I’ll make sure you’re out on your ass.”

“Please, boy, you think you have any actual power? You hired people to do the job you didn’t want and now you think you have the right to remove me or anyone else for that matter.”

“Well, old man, do you want to challenge me? I would like to see you try. I may have people running each and every division of Whitmore, but remember, it’s still mine. All of it is mine. Every piece of it is in my name. The office you call yours, well you see, you’re just using it. Borrowing it from me. Even that chair you sit your ass in every day is mine. That will never change.”

“Maybe, maybe not, son. Time will tell.” I’m so tired of hearing the same old shit come out of his mouth. It’s like a broken record that just won’t stop.

“Is there anything else? I do have a company to run.”

“Funny, I’m amazed this one is still afloat. Seeing as the boss has no education in business.” This comment right here, is the same one that he made to my mother when she took over Whitmore. The main reason why he couldn’t stand the fact that she was able to run it, successfully, I might add.

“I have it in my blood. Running a company is second nature to me, but you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you? Now, get the fuck out. The amount of time I can tolerate you is up.”

“I’ve heard some rumblings around legal.”

“Why are you even over in legal? Jesus, I bet if you put the same amount of effort in your VP spot as you do trying to find a way to one-up me and take my company, I’m sure I could find a reason to promote you.”

“Why are you looking into developing the land next to the estate?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“It is when you are throwing away money on some pipe dream. That foundation your mother wanted to create was a waste of time and now I see that you have your head in the clouds, just like she did when it came to helping all those good for nothing orphans.”

“Get the fuck out now before I have you removed!”

“I see I hit a nerve.”

Before I know what I’m doing, I have him by the back of the neck. “I've never laid a hand on you, you piece of shit, but I’m not against it. I think you need to get your ass kicked, so you’re brought back to reality.” I’m seething with anger, spitting my words at him. “Do not ever speak about my mother, my sister, my wife or any other person I care about again. I will not repeat that. I will ruin you without thinking twice about it.” I open my door and toss him out like yesterday’s trash.