Page 36 of Strike Zone

“Is this your friend with the farm?” my dad asks. I briefly mentioned Wyatt’s situation a few days ago and asked him for advice. This is what we do after all. My dad has been breathing life into failing businesses his entire career. If anyone knew what I can do to help, it would be him.

“Yes.” I give him a pleading look to not discuss this topic further. I don’t want to bring up Wyatt’s situation in front of the Abbotts. They don’t need to be involved.

Wyatt didn’t give me very much to go on, but his situation isn’t far off from other projects my dad has taken on in Georgia. I can’t silence the voice inside my head pushing me to get more information and try to help him.

“Very well. Now is not the time. We have other matters to discuss.”

“We do,” Fred agrees. “Do you plan on coming home right after graduation? Or do you need to tie up loose ends?” he asks me. By loose ends he means ending a relationship.

Another reason why I’ve always kept feelings out of relationships. In the back of my mind, I knew that getting married to Daniel was always a possibility. Allowing myself to get attached to someone else would only end badly for everyone involved.

I glance briefly at Daniel before answering. “I will be coming home as soon as graduation is over. I’m ready to start working.”

Fred gives me a calculating look and continues to question me. “Where do you see yourself fitting in with your father’s company?”

I’m not entirely sure why he is so interested, other than I know he’s been trying to become business partners with my dad for the last few years. My dad has consulted on several of his projects and ever since then he’s been attempting to sink his teeth in deeper and take a bite of the pie.

Is that his motive behind the marriage? If I’m married to Daniel, then he’ll automatically have a stake in the company.

“We haven’t discussed it in entirety yet. I think my skill set is best served in consulting and focusing on business development.” I enjoy finding problems and solutions. It is satisfying work.

“I look forward to having you on board,” my dad says with a smile. Then takes a sip of his wine. “We have several new projects starting up I think you will find interesting.”

My dad and Fred discuss the new strip mall Fred has acquired. He’s brought Ellington Business Solutions on board to consult with the existing businesses that are leasing the retail space. These are exactly the kind of projects I want to drown myself in.

Fred is a greedy man, but he’s also smart. He purchases run down pieces of commercial real estate using his development firm. Then hires my dad’s company as the consultant. I can see it in his eyes. He is looking forward to double dipping and growing his financial portfolio with this marriage.

He also expects my dad to extend the same courtesy and use his real estate firm when needed. I don’t think my dad has that on his agenda, which has been brewing tension in their professional and personal relationship.

Dinner is served and I silently eat my salmon and rice while absorbing every detail of their conversation. I don’t miss the hint of hostility in Mr. Abbott’s voice when my dad says he is taking one of his projects in a different direction.

After we finish eating, my dad and Mr. Abbott excuse themselves and head toward the bar. I try my best to look appreciative for the privacy they’ve offered us.

“You’re really interested in this,” Daniel says to me, leaning back in his chair. He’s assessing me. I don’t know how I feel with his sharp eyes on me.

“I am. You aren’t?”

Daniel shifts his body closer to me. “I have been working alongside my dad every summer since I graduated high school. He’s taught me the benefits of clean slates and starting over.”

“You think it’s better to force business owners to quit their dreams instead of offering them the tools to succeed?”

“Businesses fail every day. He believes we are doing them a favor by saving them from years of being in debt.”

I shake my head. “I disagree. You are letting them drown. Saving them would be throwing them a lifesaver, and showing them where they can improve and stop the bleeding.” I take a quick sip of my water. “You said that’s what he believes. What about you?”

He glances at his father who is deep in a conversation with my dad at the bar. “I want to throw them a lifesaver.”

“Is this why you are agreeing to the marriage?” It would make sense. It’s a way for him to work with my dad without insulting his own. It’s a dramatic approach instead of simply standing up to his father and telling him he doesn’t believe in his business practices.

“Not entirely. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’m sure you’re great.” His smile seems genuine enough. “My dad is holding my inheritance ransom. If we don’t get married, I lose access to my trust. I need that money to start my own venture.”

That is a glaring difference between our parents. I had access to my trust the day I turned eighteen. The stipend was small in the beginning and has increased over the years. I have been saving most of the money.

Besides the occasional splurge on office supplies, I don’t have the need for much beyond food, gas for my car, and clothing—all of which is budgeted every month.

“Can he do that?” I feel Fred watching me out of the corner of his eye. I move closer to Daniel and stroke the top of his hand with my fingers. Daniel jumps in surprise. “He’s watching,” I whisper.

Daniel’s hand curls around mine. He leans in closer. The scent of his aftershave wafts over me. It’s clean and refreshing. It suits him, but I don’t feel that same high when I’m lost in a haze of Wyatt’s familiar scent. “He can do whatever he wants. It’s his money. I can think of worse fates for the two of us.”

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