Page 12 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

My father sneers, “Busting your ass? Is that what you call it? I’ve had to clean up your messes more times than I can count.”

I shove my hands into my suit pockets so I don’t punch my father. “I’ve been a slave to what you’ve built and Grandmother assured me my freedom was coming, to start my own company, find my own passion, with that inheritance. She said nothing of stipulations.”

“You’re not seeing the bigger picture,” my father counters, his voice somber. “This is about securing our family’s future before you squander it. A stable marriage will ensure that our legacy is passed down properly.”

“I don’t need a wife to prove my worth,” I shoot back, anger coursing through me. “I’m more than just your son, just the Astor name! I want to make my own way in the world.”

“But you can’t make your own way without our support,” my mother counters, her eyes narrowing. “And you know how we feel about this. You need to find someone who meets our standards.”

“Standards?” I repeat sarcastically, thinkingthere’s that word again.“So you want me to find someone from the right social class?”

“Exactly!” Father nods as if I’ve finally understood the essence of their demands. “You need to understand the importance of the family unit.”

“The family unit?” Memories of lonely birthdays haunt my mind as I stare at the man. I feel heat rising to my cheeks, anger and disbelief swirling in my gut. “So…what? I just have to find a woman who fits your mold, marry her, and then you’ll unlock the trust fund? That’s your grand plan?”

“Think of it as an investment in your future,” Mother says, her tone softening slightly, but there’s a steely undertone that suggests no room for negotiation. “We’re only looking out for you, Caleb. We want you to succeed.”

“You’re not looking out for me. You said it yourselves, you’re looking out for the future of our name. So I’m supposed to find a woman I love who fits your idea of what’s right for our family, then marry her and finally be free of your demands on me, my time, and my entire life’s aspirations?” I retort, finishing with a sneer, “This isn’t about success or the family name. It’s about what Dad is obsessed with; it’s about control!” The silence that follows is deafening. The weight of their anger at my calling out the truth settles over the room like a heavy blanket.

“Did I mention,” my father growls, “that it says I define the rules for how you will get your trust and that I candeny you it,if I so choose?”

My blood turns to ice at his threat. I know what this means. Not only must I obey, but if I don’t I will be chained to Astor Corp. under his control indefinitely. What other company would hire me, with my reputation? A past littered with wreckage. Feeling chains around my future locking together, I mutter, “Grandmother didn’t tell me that.”

My mom exhales and informs me, “She altered her wishes officially seven months ago.”

“I got sober six months ago.”

Father snorts, “As if that’ll stick,” his tone dismissive as he storms out of the suite, leaving us alone.

“Caleb.”

“Mom.”

“All you have to do is find a girl who comes from a good family.” Mom stiffly squares her shoulders. “It’s not that hard. You don’t have to love her. Marriage isn’t about love. It’s a partnership. A business arrangement. Why do you think it’s sanctioned by the government in order to be recognized. Just like any corporation?” She sighs and adds, “I know what it’s like to live under your father’s control, believe me. But you do this, and you’ll no longer have to.” With that she turns and begins to leave, pausing to quietly say, “You’ll be free.”

Her heels echo in the silence.

I’m left standing at the window, staring out at a city that’s not my home, one that feels strange to me suddenly. My future hangs in the balance, a prison of their making, and I have to find a wife before it’s too late. Taking out my phone I do a search and find it top of the list:Florist Shop.

SEVEN

Zoe

Ralphie shifts his weight in the backpack at the wailing entrance bell of Florist Shop as I step into the familiar scent of fresh blooms and air made extra clean by countless plants. The vibrant colors of flora, fauna, planters and decor greet me like old friends, and my eye catches a sign for sale that reads “God said to meet Him in the Garden.” I take a deep breath, letting the sweet fragrances of roses, lilies, among others, and freshly watered greens fill my lungs. The sun filters through my large front windows, casting a warm glow over the rows of blossoms I left in the window display for attraction and easy pickin’s, and I can’t help but smile. Today feels better now that I got the approval of Ms. Perez, and feel I didn’t burn that opportunity to the ground with my forgetfulness. Everything is looking up! I may even go to that cafe tonight and see if I can run into Tom, act like it’s an accident.

Setting the old vase down on the metal counter by my sink, I coo to Ralphie, “Don’t worry, I’m setting you free now,” and slide my pack off so I can unzip it and allow my furry mischief maker to explore his home away from home.

He gives me an impatient, “Meow!” waiting for the zipper, and leaps to freedom, strolling over to wherever he’d like.

As I clear out the vase, carefully tossing browned flowers and limp garnishes into the large trash can lined with a black garbage bag, my mind floats to the vision of Caleb Astor III and I chasing Ralphie around the Four Seasons, and a grin spreads on my face. People were flinching, even darting out of the way as he gracefully sprinted between their legs and every which way, but they were smiling, too. We must have made quite the picture, and gave them a good story to take into their days.

I love a good story.

And now I have one.

Who would like to hear it?

Wyatt and Nathan would think it’s hilarious. I’ll tell them when next I see them. Gosh, it’s been a minute, hasn’t it? I should give them a call. Nicholas, too. He’d crack up! Yes, all three of my brothers will die laughing when they hear about me chasing my cat all over such a fancy hotel with the help of one of its most respectable guests.

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