Page 22 of Unfinished

I'd already been working on a travel schedule to see Hannah when the school year started. There were only three years left before I got an MBA. She had four years left with her plans. Somehow, we would find a way to make this work.

My biggest problem was going to be convincing my parents, specifically my mother. With every other decision in my life being controlled, I should at least be able to choose who I spent the rest of my life with.

Heading downstairs to grab lunch, I checked the time again to see how much longer the wait to see Hannah would be. There were still a few hours to go. Walking past my mom, I nodded and went straight into the kitchen to make a sandwich.

“Liam?” My mother called and followed me into the kitchen.

“Yes?” Continuing to make my sandwich. I didn't even glance at my mother, still angry about her involvement with Brittany.

“On Saturday, I am inviting a few families over for dinner. I would like for you to join us.” This was a demand based on her tone, even if she framed it like a request.

“That’s a shame,” I replied sarcastically, “I have plans for Saturday.”

“Cancel them.” I glanced up at my mother’s sharp tone, as my father walked into the kitchen.

“No.” I put my hands on the counter and looked at my mom.

“I don’t know where this little rebellious streak with you has come from, but it ends now. You need to start thinking about landing an advantageous marriage. The families are coming with their daughters.”

“You know, sometimes I get the feeling you two only had me for the sole purpose of taking over the business. You chose my schooling, my college, and my career path. You are not choosing who I marry.”

My father spun from the sink and looked at me with a shocked and confused expression. My mother rolled her eyes and spoke before my dad said anything.

“Liam, you have been given a certain life and there are appearances that you will need to keep up.”

My father leaned against the counter and gave my mother a look of shock and disgust. What was going through his head? I doubted he’d say anything. I’d have to stand up for myself on my own like I always did.

“Not who I share my bed with! I’m already seeing someone. I am not interested in meeting anyone else.”

“What do you mean you are seeing someone?” My mother shrieked like I’d offended her greatly.

“I am dating someone and I’m…” I started and then stopped myself.

“You’re what?”

“Elaine, that’s enough, leave him alone.” My father finally spoke up and I was honestly shocked he said anything at all.

“No, you’re what? Falling in love?” My mother spat with venom.

“If I am?”

“People in our positions do not get to fall in love, Liam. We simply get along.” My father shook his head at my mother’s words.

“Wow… I don’t think I want this life then.” I grabbed my sandwich and moved to leave the kitchen.

“That’s enough!” My father yelled and I stopped walking.

“Elaine, Liam is young, he has plenty of time to consider marriage. Liam, if I were to take it all away from you, you would never survive the world without it.” My father rarely raised his voice or stood up to my mother, so I was grateful he did at that moment, but the comments about me surviving without their money were a bit low. I looked at him like I couldn’t give a shit what he thought I was capable of and then left the kitchen, taking my sandwich to my bedroom.

Surviving in the world without his money would be extremely difficult, but I would find a way. My last name would still mean something. Even if I didn’t have a clue on how hard life was when you weren’t wealthy, I was sure I could survive it. Hell, Hannah worked hard and her father was gone working on a job site most of the time. It was financially difficult for them for most of her life. But she found a way to survive and would come out on top. I could to do the same if push came to shove.

At the same time, my family would be screwed if I decided to walk away from it all. I was the one that had been trained to take over the advertising company. I started joining board meetings when I was fourteen and my dad would take me into the San Diego office every day in the summer. I’d been groomed to take over Trident Advertising since I was born. I was the third generation of Teresi to run this company.

As far as the other parts of the family business, I'd be happy to walk away from it. If I could. The truth was no one walked away from the darker side of our family. At any moment, any of us, could be called on to do something to protect or enrich our family.

This marriage kick my mom was on was the one thing that I wouldn't negotiate. Only I would decide who I spent my life with.

I really liked Hannah, but I wasn’t foolish enough to give it all up after a few dates. The thought of giving her up angered me and I couldn't explain this deep attachment I felt towards her. A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts of Hannah.

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