Page 81 of Drunk on You

“Thank you,” Julian says, shaking his hand.

“Welcome to the family, son.”

They hug, and my entire body goes cold.

Dad wasn’t supposed to pick a new CEO until December, yet he went behind my back and chose Julian? And he couldn’t even tell me first? I know I said I planned to step down, but, damn, it still hurts knowing that my dad really doesn’t believe I’m capable of taking his place as CEO.

I knew there was a chance he’d pick Julian, but to be honest, I really didn’t believe he would do it. I’m his daughter, his own flesh and blood. I’ve busted my ass for years, trying to prove myself in the business world.

But I’m not good enough.

And if I’m not even good at what I know, how the hell am I going to be good at what I don’t know?

I’ve failed at business. And now, I’m going to fail at being a wife and a mom.

Without waiting for their meeting to end, I grab my purse from my office and take off. Since we rode in together, I call for a car service to pick me up. It takes a while since we live in a small town, so I use the time to get a drink and cry.

Once I’m home, I eat something since I’m starving and then lie on the couch to watch some mindless television while I wait for Julian to get home.

I must’ve fallen asleep on the couch because when I awake, it’s dark outside, and Julian is standing over me with a look of concern etched on his features.

“I’ve been calling and texting you all afternoon,” he says. “You couldn’t let me know you were going home early?”

“Sorry,” I mutter, sitting up on the couch. “I overheard you and my dad talking in your office today,” I admit. “I guess congratulations are in order.”

Julian’s eyes widen, telling me he knows exactly what I heard.

“It’s for the best. I have news of my own.” I reach over to my purse and pull out the ultrasound picture. “Surprise, I’m pregnant.”

I hand him the black-and-white image, and he stares at it in shock. I don’t blame him since it was a shock to me as well.

“My IUD fell out,” I explain. “I’m due in May.”

His eyes ascend to meet mine.

“So, it’s for the best that my dad picked you to be the CEO since I’ll be busy having a baby.” I shrug. “I can’t do both. Not that it matters since he doesn’t think I’m the best fit for the job anyway.”

I laugh humorlessly. “Looks like he got what he wanted after all. His daughter barefoot and pregnant at home while my husband runs the business.”

Julian opens his mouth to speak, but I’m on a roll so I keep going. “Sorry you got more than what you bargained for. You wanted a fake engagement, and instead, you got a wife and a baby.”

Another laugh bubbles out of me, along with a sob. “All I wanted was for my dad to love me, to see that I’m capable of running Kingston. For him to be proud of me. And instead?—”

“You did exactly that,” my dad says, making me jump in my spot.

I look over, and he’s standing in the foyer.

“Dad, what are you doing here?”

“I was outside on the phone,” he says.

“When I couldn’t get ahold of you, I got worried,” Julian adds. “Your dad tried calling and texting, and when you didn’t answer, he came with me to look for you. You’ve been off lately, and we were worried.”

“Well, now, you know,” I tell them both. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just pregnant, and you’re the new CEO of Kingston.”

“I think it’s time you and I have a conversation,” Dad says, coming over to sit next to me on the couch. He pats my leg and smiles sadly at me. “The truth is, I could run Kingston with my eyes closed, but I had no idea what to do with a daughter who wanted my attention.”

“I just wanted you to love me,” I whisper, emotions clogging my throat.

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