Page 38 of Billion Dollar Dispute

I’ll learn the business, make it profitable, and then get the money from my father and move on. But I don’t want to hurt Chad like that, especially after everything he’s been through with his father. During the basketball game, he mentioned he played with his dad before he went away. The question “do you knowwhere?” sat on the tip of my tongue, but it didn’t feel right to ask him. I’ll have to ask her.

He didn’t seem upset when talking about his dad.

I think about my parents and my silver spoon life versus what he’s got. Yet, he doesn't know what he’s missing. He’s truly a happy kid. And that has to come from Jemima. She’s a wonderful mother, trying to do her best in life. She’s trying to protect her family, and I can’t blame her. I just wish she didn’t see me as the enemy. I want her to see me as more than someone with money.

Driving to Grams’, I wear a stupid grin that refuses to leave my face. The moment I step into her limestone house, she asks what I’m so happy about.

“I’m happy to see you.”

“Don’t fib, Harvey.” She giggles, gracefully making her way with her walker toward her kitchen, and I eagerly follow.

“How do you know?” I ask, my grin widening.

“I’ve watched you grow up, dear.” She starts gathering ingredients for the cake she’s about to make.

Her mention of my upbringing causes me to ask something that’s been playing on my mind since I left Jemima’s.

“Do you think I’m different because I grew up in a more privileged lifestyle?”

She pauses her task to face me, giving me her full attention.

“Not at all, Harvey. From what I’ve seen, you’ve always had a strong sense of determination?”

“People call me cocky,” I interrupt, a tinge of defensiveness in my voice.

“Don’t say that word,” she says firmly but kindly. “You grow up how you grow up; that’s not a choice you get. It’s what youchoose to do with the rest of your life, but even more than that, it’s how you treat people. Do you treat them like you're better than them because you have money, and they don’t?”

“No,” I say, the words coming out stronger than I expected.

“Exactly.” She smiles and returns to pour the batter into the tin. “You’re a brilliant man. Money or not, you were born to be successful because you work hard. And you’ve got great parents who pushed you to see your potential.”

I was lucky to have two great parents. Helping Chad’s mom save the business will help him and that’s where my focus needs to stay.

“Thanks, Grams.”

“How are you feeling?” I ask as I glance at her pale complexion.

“I wish people would stop fussing over me. I’m not going anywhere any time soon.”

My lips twitch at her smart comeback. This interaction warms my heart and reminds me of the easy banter I have with Jemima.

“I just want to make sure you're taking care of yourself.”

“Your dad’s here every day watching over me. I can’t scratch myself without him worrying about me. All I’ll be remembered for is having cancer.”

Is that what she actually thinks?

My heart sinks at her admission. “Grams, you’ll be remembered for being the most fearless woman anyone has ever met.”

“Don’t flatter me, you look silly doing it.”

I laugh.

She steps over and cups her hand to my cheek, her fingers cool against my face. I swallow the question,Do you need the heater turned up or a thicker cardigan?

She drops her hand away from my cheeks, and as I see her veiny, frail hands, it hits me how we don’t know how much time we’ll have with her.

When she carries the tin to the oven, the chocolate mix makes my mouth water. I’ve always had a thing for chocolate, and it brings back the moment when Chad told me Jemima also likes chocolate. A secret I’m sure she didn’t want me to know.

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