Page 78 of Come to Me

Patrick's jaw tightened. "This has nothing to do with Julia. This is about doing what's right, what's ethical."

His father straightened his tie and fixed him with a stern gaze. "I’ll tell you what. We can discuss this at the next board meeting. In the meantime, focus on your duties here. That's where your priorities should lie."

Patrick stared at his parents for a long moment. His mother tilted her chin, as if she was waiting for him to acquiesce.

Not this time. He was already giving up too much. He wouldn’t give up this.

“No.”

“What?” His parents said at the same time, both their brows rising.

“I said no. Presumably, I’m here more than just because I’m your son. You must think I have some talent or skill I can bring to the table. If I’m to take over one day, I need to be a leader, not a follower. So, no. I’m going to continue this project.”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t pursue it, just not now.”

“No.”

“It’s that woman’s influence.” His mother’s face contorted into distaste.

“Stop now, Mother.”

She flinched, probably from his warning tone.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m still in charge.” His father stepped forward. “You’ll do as I say.”

For so long, Patrick lived his life trying to appease his parents. As he stood in front of them, once again being dismissed and ordered around, a strange sense of clarity came over him.

He picked up his suit coat and put it on.

“What are you doing?” his mother asked as he shut the lap top.

“I’m quitting.” The words freed him. "I'm not going to waste my time trying to convince you of the value of my work. You want it your way, have at it. I’m done.”

His parents stared at him, stunned by his outburst.

"Patrick, you can't be serious.” His mother’s tone was the first time he’d ever heard a note of panic. "This is your legacy, your responsibility."

"No, it's not. It’s not my job to live your life. It’s time I live my own.” He started to the door.

“Where are you going?” his father demanded.

“To live, laugh, love.” He couldn’t remember where he’d seen that. It was likely a saying hanging somewhere at Kincaid Lake.

“Oh God, you’re going to that woman.” His mother’s expression was horrified.

“Most parents would be happy I found love. Why aren’t you?” Immediately he waved his hand. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” He strode out of the office, leaving his parents speechless in his wake.

Patrick felt a surge of adrenaline rode the elevator down, his heart pounding with a mix of relief and trepidation. For years, he had dutifully followed the path laid out for him, never truly questioning whether it was the right one. But now, letting that sense of duty go, he felt a profound sense of liberation. As he stepped out onto the bustling city streets, Patrick paused, taking a deep breath. He smiled, realizing that for the first time he was in control of his own destiny.

His steps quickened as he made his way through the crowded sidewalks, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. He wasn’t thinking of his sister's struggles or his parents' disappointment, but of Michaela and the life he had glimpsed at Kincaid Lake.

The memory of her vibrant spirit, her infectious joy, and the way she had so effortlessly drawn him out of his shell, stirred a longing within him. With renewed purpose, Patrick climbed into the back seat of the car, telling his driver to take him to the airport.

How would Michaela respond when he showed up? Would she still think their worlds were too different?

Then there was the fact that he didn’t know what would do for a living. He figured he had the flight and drive to Kincaid Lake to figure that out. What was most important was showing Michaela that he wanted to give her his heart. The only question was, would Michaela want it?

CHAPTER 24

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