Page 64 of Undone, Love Times Three

When I ask about the deal falling apart, dad sighs.

“What? What is it?”

I walk to the bottom of the stairs and look up. The door is still closed. Heading into the kitchen, I stand by the windows overlooking the small courtyard and run a hand through my hair in frustration.

“There is a lot of bad press at the moment and the board has been weighing up how we want to take things forward.”

“You signed the deal.”

“We did, but there are certain clauses. It’s not like we need the business, son. Having our name attached to someone who can handle themselves like this is bad for business.”

Fuck.

“I thought you’d be happy. You’ve never liked the idea of us partnering with them, not after what he did to you. I only wish I’d listened to you.”

“I will not get in to whether or not we should have done it, dad. That isn’t the point. What I want to know is are we pulling out, the deal is off?”

“Like I said, we don’t want the adverse publicity that is being brought on Faulkner right now. It will have an impact in thepress I’m sure, but we’ve never let anything like that bother us. I don’t like what they’re doing.”

“Has Derek mentioned the lawsuit?”

“Yes. I know it was all Reed, not Derek but their name is behind the lawsuit which means Derek didn’t stop his son. You know he’s sent him away. I never liked their family,” he mutters. “Going after a small business like this is distasteful. We want to distance ourselves from that.

“I don’t know his intentions. If it was me, I’d quietly withdraw. Before our reputation was ruined any further.”

“And you have no intention of going after the bar?” I ask.

“God no, why would you think that? I want this to go away, not cause any more trouble. I have no intention of harming the reputation of a small business to further my gains.”

I should have known that was his stance. Convincing Blue is going to be a different story.

Jesus Christ.

“There is something you should know,” I glance behind me, there is still no sign of Blue. Is that good or bad? I don’t know. I should be up there talking to her.

“This sounds like it might be another issue.”

“It’s not an issue. Not for me.”

“I don’t understand, Daniel.”

Whirling away from the window, I lean one elbow on the kitchen island and bend forward, lowering my head. “I met someone. And she means a lot to me.”

“Really? Well, that’s great. I mean, so soon after Lauren?”

“Lauren and I were over months ago dad. Longer if I’m being honest. This isn’t about her. The woman I met is the owner of the bar.”

Dad goes quiet. Then there is a quick puff of breath. “And how serious is this?”

“I’m in love with her.”

I hate that the first time I admit that is to my damn father.

“Well then, it’s settled, we are pulling out of the deal. Like I said, it never sat right with me. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Call the Chicago Evening Star and tell them if they allow Erin Witt to run a story about me or Blue and the Faulkner bullshit, we’ll make their life hell.”

“I see. Okay. I’ll do it now.”

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