Page 3 of Omega's Midlife Love
Chapter 2 - Alan
Ifrowned at the headline. Beischel Equity Group Seeks New Chief Operating Officer After Abrupt Departure of Alan Beischel.
I didn’t know what was worse: the headline, or the accompanying photo. It was obviously a paparazzo shot, and not a very good one. It made me look significantly older than fifty-one, and heavier as well. While I wasn’t a body-builder by any means, I worked out regularly and was fit. About the only thing that wasn’t distorted was my black hair and chiseled jaw.
Then again, for all I knew the photo could have been one chosen by my nephew, Robert. Anything to make it seem like I was the problem, not him. The headline alone was proof of that. There had been nothing abrupt about my departure except for the fact that he didn’t announce it until I was out the door, more than six months after I’d made it clear that our goals for the family company were irreconcilable and that I would be leaving.
But he knew too many deals rested on my involvement. So he forbade me to say anything, then acted like I left them hurting when my agreed-upon departure date arrived.
“We’ve arrived sir.”
I glanced up from my tablet to see the garage door of my new house opening.
My house manager, Victor, slowed the car as he waited for the door to finish opening, then slid the black sedan into the space. A moment later he rounded the car and opened the door for me.
“Thank you Victor,” I said as he led me into the house proper.
He nodded. “Is there anything I can get for you?”
I thought about the question for a moment. “What’s the situation on staff?”
“We’re working with an agency to provide temp workers until you’re settled, then we’ll conduct interviews. Unless you’d rather I handle it completely.”
I rubbed my hand over my jaw, noting the stubble. “I’ll leave the maid up to you. I’ll sit in on interviews for the chef.”
“Understood.”
“Oh, and make me an appointment with a barber. I need a good shave.”
“Yes, sir. Anything else?”
“If you could order me some dinner, that will be all I’ll need this evening.”
“Something light?”
I nodded. “That sounds good.”
“I’ll place the order immediately.”
“Thank you. And Victor?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you… for being willing to move out here with me. I know that can’t have been easy on you.”
He smiled softly. “You’re a good man to work for, and I had nothing tying me to New York. Moving seemed to be the best option for both of us.”
“Still, I appreciate it.”
“Thank you.” He then walked off, giving me a chance to look around.
My new home was immaculate, a testament to the work of the interior designer I’d hired. She’d been highly recommended, and I could see why. The space was exquisite, but comfortable. There was a note of refined elegance, while it also made use of the abundant natural light and had the airy feel of a beach residence.
It was nothing like the rich woods and ornate marble of my previous home, and maybe that was a good thing. I needed a fresh start, away from the backstabbing of family, and away from the company that I was no longer welcome at.
∞∞∞
“Turning to business news… Beischel Equity Group is currently in negotiations to acquire…”
