Page 77 of The Glittering Edge

Corey sits up, and then he remembers he’s holding a glass of whiskey. “Grandpa, I—this—”

Charles Barrion laughs. Slowly, he walks into the library, his cane making soft taps on the wooden floor. Between his thin fingers, the cane’s grip is barely visible: a carved hawk’s head. “Believe it or not, I used to sneak into my father’s bourbon collection when I was your age. Your secret is safe with me. Actually…” Their grandpa looks to Julian. “A drink would be nice.”

Julian stands up, gesturing to his chair. “Old-fashioned on the rocks?”

“Yes, thank you.” He sits in Julian’s chair slowly, gently, minding his knees. “I’m glad you’re both here. There’s something I’d like to discuss.”

Julian peels an orange. “Is it about my second-quarter analysis? I sent it to you this morning, but I had a question about our liabilities—”

“I’m afraid I haven’t looked at it.”

“Oh,” Julian says. “That’s fine. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

“Actually, I won’t be providing any comments.”

Corey’s brow furrows. Behind him, Julian was mixing the drink, the bar spoon tinkling against a glass. But at their grandpa’s words, he stops.

“Why not?” Julian says.

“Because, after some discussions with Corey’s dad, we’ve decided it would be more appropriate for Corey to be trained as the company’s next CEO.”

Glass shatters. By the bar cart, Julian stands with his hands out, as if he’s still holding the drink. But the glass is in a million pieces, the amber liquid streaked across the wood floor.

Corey is frozen. This is a misunderstanding. Or maybe their grandpa is testing Julian, seeing how he’ll handle the bad news. Corey needs to step in, to save Julian from himself before he overreacts. “Grandpa, that’s—that’s funny, but—”

“You think I’m joking?” Grandpa Charles hasn’t moved. He’s relaxed in his chair, fingers interlaced, a serene smile on his face. “I never joke about what’s best for our family. You have the people skills and the analytical mind we need, Corey. And I’m sure Julian will be right there every step of the way, assisting you. He’ll be the one bringing you up to speed. Isn’t that right, Julian?”

Julian’s shoulders are hunched, his face hidden from view. “How long have you known you were going to do this?”

“I’ve thought about it for some years now, but my decision became clear the night we found out about that poor woman. The café owner.” Charles clucks his tongue. “Such a tragedy. But even in moments like that, we need someone who is even-keeled. Someone who is thinking ahead, who doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him.” Charles smiles warmly at Corey. “We’re very proud of you, Corey. We think you’ll do an excellent job.”

“But…” Corey loses his train of thought. What does he even want to say? That Julian wants this more than anything in his life? That maybe their grandpa should’ve asked Corey ifhewanted this? ThatCorey only keeps his emotions under control so his family won’t jump to conclusions about him being loud or angry just because he’s Black?

You need to think about your future, Corey.

James knew. That’s why he canceled Corey’s trip to Cameroon. Corey should’ve seen this coming.

Their grandpa turns his even expression on Julian. “It’s not personal, you understand. It’s business.”

Julian lets out a sound that’s halfway between a laugh and a sob. Without even glancing at Corey, he runs from the room.

“Julian!” Corey says, leaping to his feet and running after him.

Too late. The door to the basement slams, the lock clicking. Corey bangs on it with his fist. “Julian? Come on, open up. We’ll figure this out.”

Nothing.

“Back to the screening room he goes,” their grandpa says.

Corey jumps. He didn’t even hear his grandpa walk up behind him.

“I never understood why he enjoys watching those horror movies so much,” Charles says, considering the door. “Aren’t our lives terrifying enough?”

Corey’s throat burns. He can’t cry. He manages to hold it back, but he can’t hold back his words. “Grandpa, with all due respect, please reconsider.”

His grandpa puts a hand on Corey’s shoulder. “I’ve made up my mind. This is what’s best. I know it will be awkward for a while, but you and Julian are family. You’ll get through it.”

It’s as though Corey is teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terror numbs him, narrowing his thoughts to one sentiment:survive.

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