Page 110 of The Pretender
“I wouldn’t. I’m resigning.”
Blinking rapidly, I try to process what he just said. “Resign? You don’t want to be a doctor anymore?”
“I don’t. I’ve been doing some major soul searching and trying to figure out what was missing in my life. I should be happy. I’ve achieved a major level in my career at a young age, and I’m making great money. I’m respected in my field, but…” He rubs the back of his neck. “I can’t take it. The pressure, the bureaucracy. And the worst part is the emotional toll it takes on you to be around people who are sick and suffering all the time. I thought about becoming a general practitioner, but the idea doesn’t excite me. I’ve done everything reasonable I can think of to find the spark that made me want to be a doctor in the first place, but it’s gone. Now I’m knocking on forty and crashing out.”
“Damn.”
“The idea came to me a while ago, actually. Shortly after you returned and started running things. It was exciting to hear about the changes and to see things actually improving. Seeing you in this role made me realize what I need. Helping people get healthy is a worthy endeavor, but my heart isn’t in it anymore. I want to be here with the family, building Nonno’s legacy with you. If you’ll have me.”
My mind goes blank. Never would I have imagined having this conversation with Nantes.
“Um, well…”
“I can do anything you need me to. I can learn new things quickly. I’m pretty handy with a computer too.”
“Okay.” I rub my forehead. “You really want to do this?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for two years.” He sits back. “When I was young, I wanted to make a name for myself, youknow? I didn’t want to be a faceless person behind the family name. I was arrogant and thought I could save the world.”
I nod. “I can relate.”
“But in all that ambition I lost sight of being happy and fulfilled. I achieved the things I set out to and still found myself empty. I can’t find a lasting relationship because work takes up too much of my time, and I’m always on call. I finally woke up and decided that this next phase of my life should be about wholeness and family and happiness.”
His words settle in my chest while I think about what this could mean for us.
“If you’ll have me,” Nantes continues, “I’m open to whatever and I recognize you’re the boss. Salary isn’t a concern. I’m pretty set, especially if I sell my condo and move to the compound.”
“Of course I’ll have you, Nan. You’re family. We can talk about what that looks like, but honestly, as the business has been growing again, it has been a little overwhelming managing everything alone, especially during summer season. Maybe we can split up the management responsibilities. Brogan is doing well with marketing, and Balt has the finances down, but the rest of it is handled by me. I could use the help.”
My brother’s face lights up. “Really? You mean it? You’re not just taking pity on me, right?”
I shake my head. “No, not at all. I’ve been discussing it with Balt because it is getting more challenging. Do you know we’re at thirty-five percent growth since the brand relaunch? It’s a lot.”
“Yes, I know. Nonna was gushing about it last month when I took her to breakfast. I’m proud of you for pulling this off, and I’d love to help take us to even higher levels.”
“Man, Dad is gonna lose it. Having two sons back in the business? He might cry.”
Nantes chuckles. “He might.”
“When do you want to do this?”
“I was thinking about five to six weeks. I need to give the hospital ample notice to replace me.”
I hold my hand out to him across the table. “Welcome to the family business, Nantes.”
Smiling, he shakes my hand. “You’re only my boss at work. Don’t forget that I’m still older.”
I laugh. “I’m sure you won’t let me forget.” I glance over my shoulder. “Want to go tell the fam?”
“Yes. I’ve been holding this in for so long, I can’t wait to get it out in the open.”
“Lead the way.”
Back inside the dining room, everyone’s chatter fades as we gain their attention. I bump Nantes’s arm before walking over to take my seat next to Balt. He squeezes my hand.
“Everything okay?”
As I glance around the table, I reflect on the last two years, and how burnout, desperation, and one crazy night at an airport changed the trajectory of my life. I couldn’t have imagined that I would love running the family business, that I’d have the love of my life, and that my brother would want to join, but damn, I’m a lucky man.
Smiling at Balt, I lift his hand and kiss the back of it. “Everything is perfect.”
