Page 61 of Mr. Big Mistake
“So, Bebe. How are things at work?” Mom asked.
Zane interjected. “Things are going really well, actually. Just offloaded another three properties this week, and Clint here’s offered his security services to all of them in case they want to keep him on retainer.”
Dad nodded. “Good work, son. You got contracts worked out yet?”
Clint took a bite of his sandwich. “Working on it. Gotta tweak ‘em, then I’ll shoot them an offer.”
Dad grinned. “So, they are interested, then.”
Zane took a sip of his water. “Two of the three, yeah.”
Mom sighed. “That’s so great, CeCe. And we’re so glad to have you home.”
I finally spoke up. “And I’m sure he’d say it’s good to be home.”
Dad glared at me. “You’ve never known when to reel in that humor of yours.”
I shrugged. “Figured if everyone was answering for everyone else, then I could continue the trend.”
Mom clicked her tongue. “BeBe, stop. We’re just trying to enjoy a peaceful lunch.”
Zane chuckled. “Yeah, BeBe.”
I glared at my brother. “I’ll kill you in your sleep, ZeZe.”
Dad pointed his fork at me. “Not at this table. Understood.”
I saluted him. “Got it, boss.”
Zane cleared his throat. “So, Dad. How are things on your end of the spectrum? I know it’s been a tough year for you guys. Everything going okay?”
Dad sat back. “Ah, well. I’ve had to lay off quite a few people, and I’m not happy about it. We could only offer them partial severance, too. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet. I’m consulting with my investors' first thing in the morning to see if we can come up with something.”
I peeked over at him. “Do you have a side business or something new you can draw from?”
Dad looked over at me. “I don’t enjoy parting my attention with multiple projects like that.”
Zane furrowed his brow. “Why not? I thought you liked my rental property idea.”
“Well, yes. Because that falls in line with the work you currently do. It’s not really a focus-shifter. It’s just an offshoot of what you already do.”
I took a bite of my food. “So, I shouldn’t bring up the fact that I’m in the beginning stages of starting my own production business.”
Mom gasped. “What!? Oh, sweetie. That’s phenomenal! When you were younger, you always wanted to--.”
Dad’s face fell. “You still haven’t given up on that foolish dream yet?”
I shook my head. “I’m not becoming an actor. I’m just--.”
“Giving other foolish dreamers hope before crushing their dreams. Is that really the kind of man you want to be?”
Zane looked at me. “I didn’t know you were starting something like that.”
Clint paused. “Wait, you didn’t even tell Zane?”
Dad shook his head. “Irresponsible, at best, not to tell your own damn business partner about possibly leaving.”
I sighed. “No one said anything about leaving. I’ll always be part of the--.”
